Our Services

The Tobacco Control Initiative (TCI) is a multi-disciplinary program specializing in helping tobacco users quit. TCI offers free or low-cost, evidenced tobacco treatment services to all Louisiana public hospital patients, employees, and the communities they serve.
Services offered to tobacco users include:

• Cessation medication
• Group behavioral counseling
• Facilitated access to Quit Line telephone counseling
• Bedside counseling for inpatients

Cessation Medication (Pharmacotherapy) Assistance*

IMPORTANT NOTE:  This summary of pharmacotherapy information was obtained from the Medscape website (www.medscape.com).  This summary does not contain all possible information about the products listed.  This summary is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be taken as expert medical advice.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is approved by the FDA (i.e. gum, patch, nasal spray, lozenge, and vapor inhaler).  NRT products provide a steady controlled dose of nicotine throughout the day, thereby reducing the effects of nicotine withdrawal.  Strength is reduced over time, allowing the user to wean off nicotine gradually. 

Nicotine patches are available at a low cost for qualifying patients in the LSU public hospital system.  Prescribing information is as follows:

• For greater than 10 cigarettes/day:  Apply one patch (21mg) transdermal route once daily for 2 weeks.
• For less than 10 cigarettes/day:  Apply one patch (14mg) transdermal route, once daily for 2 weeks.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin or Zyban)

Buproprion (generic form of Wellbutrin or Zyban) is an FDA approved medication used to treat depression.  It may work by improving mood and feelings of wellbeing, and by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.  Buproprion is also used to help people quit smoking by decreasing cravings and nicotine withdrawal effects.  As a quit smoking aid, TCI encourages use in combination with a stop smoking program (e.g. educational materials, counseling and support) to aid quit smoking attempts.

Buproprion is available at a low cost for qualifying patients in the LSU public hospital system.  Prescribing information is as follows:

• Wellbutrin SR:  1 Q day X3days, then 1 PO BID 150mg, #120. No refills
• Wellbutrin XL:  1 Q day X3days, then 1 PO BID 300mg, #120.  No refills

Varenicline (Chantix)

Varenicline (generic for Chantix) is an FDA approved medication used in combination with a stop-smoking program (e.g. educational materials, counseling and support) to aid quit smoking attempts.  It may work by blocking nicotine’s actions in the brain. 

Varenicline is available at a low cost for qualifying patients in the LSU public hospital system.  Prescribing information is as follows:

• Chantix: Day 1-3: 0.5mg once daily; Day 4-7: 0.5mg twice daily; Day 8-end of treatment: 1mg twice daily. 
• Quit date is suggested as Day 8 of treatment.

PARTICIPATION NOTE:

You must be an LSU Health patient to receive the medication at the discounted price.  However, Medicaid and private insurance participants can be assessed for medication and receive a prescription, but not at the LSU patient rates. 

Group Behavioral Counseling

For smokers who are ready to quit, free group behavioral counseling sessions are led by certified counselors.  Sessions cover: developing a quit plan, obtaining social support, stress management techniques, nutrition information and cessation medication assistance information.  Participants attend one 2-hour class, covering all of these topics.  New sessions begin regularly and are offered at various times.  For specific session times at your facility, contact your local on-site TCI staff member.

Quit Line Counseling

The Louisiana Quit-Line is operated by Alere Wellbeing and is funded by the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco Free Living.  Callers to 1-800-QUIT-NOW receive confidential medical advice and support from certified counselors available.  Counselors help callers develop personalized quit plans by providing the following information: materials based on their interest in smoking cessation and readiness to quit, referrals to free group counseling, and proactive telephone counseling for callers ready to quit. 

Callers may receive up to five coaching sessions from counselors to help them stay on track and pregnant smokers may receive up to ten coaching sessions.  This assistance is available at both the inpatient and outpatient levels. 

One on One Inpatient Bedside Consultation

Where applicable, smoking cessation counseling is available at bedside for hospitalized patients who use tobacco.  Certified counselors provide several treatment options to patients interested in quitting, helping them to take the appropriate steps toward success.  Consultations include self-help material, an invitation to group counseling, facilitated access to the Louisiana Quit Line service (proactive telephone counseling via faxed referral), pharmacotherapy options, and/or viewing a smoking cessation video. 

For more information on any of these treatment options, please contact your local TCI staff member.  Contact information can be found here.