Smoking Cessation

Smoking Cessation Support

QuitNow offers smoking cessation resources and support to BC residents. Patients can contact a professional quit coach and receive support in their own language, by phone, text or email. Workbook available here. 

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

The BC Smoking Cessation Program covers 100% of the cost of NRT for BC residents with MSP, even those with simultaneous IFH coverage. Each calendar year, BC residents can receive one single continuous course of treatment with NRTs (up to 12 weeks). Pharmacare registration is not required.

Patients do not require a prescription or doctor visit; they can go directly to the pharmacy to discuss NRT with the pharmacist. The following are covered: Nicorette gum, Nicorette lozenges, Nicorette inhalers, and Nicoderm patches. 

Prescription Smoking Cessation Medications

As of Fall 2016, IFH covers smoking cessation medications in jurisdictions where these products are included in provincial and territorial prescription drug benefit programs for social assistance recipients, as in BC. Two smoking cessation drugs are covered: bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Champix). These require a prescription from a physician. The pharmacist must apply for special authorization from Medavie Blue Cross.

Translated Handouts

Patient handouts in multiple languages by HealthLinkBC.