WWHAM questions

Who is it for? It may not be the customer who needs the treatment. Any customer under 18 years of age should be referred to the pharmacist.

What are the symptoms? This will help you find out what strength of NRT will be the most suitable. Remember that it is OK to combine some NRT products. For example, someone who is managing well with patches but still craves a cigarette at certain times of the day could benefit from using a faster-acting product such as gum at those moments.

How long have the symptoms been present? This will also help you find out what strength of NRT will be the most suitable.

Action already taken? This will help establish if the customer has already tried to give up and whether a different form or strength of NRT would be more appropriate.

Medication? It is important to find out if the customer is taking prescribed or OTC medicines as you may need to refer them to the pharmacist.

When to refer to the pharmacist

• Anyone under 18 years of age
• Anyone with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stomach or duodenal ulcers, liver or kidney disease
• Anyone taking other medication
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Anyone who experiences problems or side effects while using NRT, or other NCPs.