FDA: It's 'OK' To Use Nicotine For Longer

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Some helpful news for people who are trying to break the smoking habit.

The Food and Drug Administration said it's OK to use nicotine gum, patches and lozenges for longer than previously recommended.

Up until now, labels said that people should use the nicotine replacements for 12 weeks once they stopped smoking.

Now, the labels will be able to say people can use the products for longer periods of time as part of a plan to quit smoking -- as long as they are talking to their doctor.

More than 45 million Americans smoke cigarettes and about half try to quit every year.