In July 2018, an amendment to the Health Promotion Act was enacted, and the revised law has been fully implemented since April 1, 2020.
As a result of this amendment, measures to prevent unwanted exposure to secondhand smoke have been reclassified from matters of personal etiquette to legally enforced rules.
Based on the intent of the Health Promotion Act, our clinic provides a smoking cessation clinic for individuals who wish to undergo smoking cessation treatment.
At the smoking cessation clinic, treatment is provided under medical supervision, using smoking cessation support medications as appropriate.
Smoking cessation treatment is generally conducted according to a standard schedule of one course lasting three months (12 weeks).
If certain conditions are met, the treatment may be covered by public health insurance.
The primary reason why people find it difficult to quit smoking is nicotine dependence caused by the nicotine contained in tobacco.
At the smoking cessation clinic, nicotine dependence is treated using oral and transdermal medications, aiming to reduce withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking, such as irritability and decreased concentration. Treatment is conducted under medical supervision and based on established clinical evidence.
Medical Support for Smoking Cessation
During the smoking cessation clinic, physicians review the patient’s smoking history and health status, and provide guidance on treatment, including the prescription of smoking cessation medications and monitoring of treatment progress.
Patients can also consult with the physician about symptoms or concerns that arise during the cessation process.
Smoking Cessation Treatment Covered by Health Insurance
Nicotine dependence is recognized as a medical condition. Since April 2006, under certain conditions, smoking cessation treatment may be covered by public health insurance.
The eligibility criteria for insurance coverage are as follows:
Treatment Duration and Number of Visits
Smoking cessation treatment is generally conducted as a standard course of three months (12 weeks), with a total of five medical visits during this period.
Continuing regular consultations and pharmacotherapy is considered important for the treatment process.
Discontinuing visits without medical guidance may prevent appropriate physician supervision and medication adjustment, which could limit the effectiveness of treatment.
Smoking cessation medications are broadly categorized into oral medications and transdermal patches.
Both types may be covered by public health insurance if certain conditions are met.
1. Oral Medication (Champix®)
The active ingredient in Champix® (varenicline tartrate) is used for the treatment of nicotine dependence.
It is intended to help reduce withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability and anxiety, and to decrease cravings for tobacco. It is also reported to reduce the satisfaction associated with smoking.
2. Transdermal Patch (Nicotinell TTS®)
After starting smoking cessation, a rapid decrease in nicotine levels in the body may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Nicotinell TTS® is a patch that delivers nicotine through the skin to maintain stable blood nicotine levels and help alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Typically, it is applied once daily, maintaining nicotine levels lower than during smoking over an extended period.
Following a prescribed treatment schedule, the nicotine content is gradually reduced to support the process of smoking cessation.
Smoking cessation medications include oral medications and transdermal patches, and the choice is made based on the patient’s smoking history, medical background, and lifestyle factors.
At our clinic, under the physician’s guidance, Champix® (varenicline) may be used as a primary treatment option.
For patients who have difficulty taking oral medication or prefer an alternative, nicotine patches are also available as a treatment option.
Comparison of Success Rates (Standard 12-Week Treatment / Example from Major Studies)
According to a systematic review (Cochrane 2023), varenicline has been shown to achieve approximately 25% higher smoking cessation success rates compared to nicotine replacement therapy alone (relative risk 1.25, 95% CI 1.14–1.37).
For treatment using a smoking cessation clinic, reports indicate that, under certain conditions, approximately 70–80% of patients have maintained smoking cessation.
It has also been reported that patients who attend multiple scheduled consultations tend to have higher rates of continued abstinence.
The smoking cessation program is generally conducted as a single course lasting three months (12 weeks), with a total of five medical consultations during this period.
When covered by public health insurance, the out-of-pocket cost, including consultation fees and medication, is approximately ¥13,000.
Notes:
Costs may vary depending on the prescribed medications and consultation details.
Individual responses and outcomes may differ; treatment results are not guaranteed.
Patients wishing to attend the smoking cessation clinic are advised to consult our clinic in advance.
