Tobacco smoking cessation in adults
Summary of the 2021 recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Who it applies to
All adults aged 18 and older, including pregnant people.
Recommendation
Ask all adults about tobacco use, advise them to stop, and provide behavioral interventions and FDA-approved pharmacotherapy for cessation to nonpregnant adults who use tobacco (grade A). For pregnant people, provide behavioral interventions (grade A); the evidence on pharmacotherapy in pregnancy is insufficient (I statement).
Medications
FDA-approved options include nicotine replacement therapy (patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler, nasal spray), bupropion and varenicline. Combining behavioral support with medication works better than either alone.
E-cigarettes
The evidence is insufficient to recommend e-cigarettes for smoking cessation in adults (I statement).