MedWorm: Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Interventions for preventing weight gain after smoking cessation.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:18:08 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Although some pharmacotherapies tested to limit PCWG show evidence of short-term success, other problems with them and the lack of data on long-term efficacy limits their use. Weight management education only, is not effective and may reduce abstinence. Personalised weight management support may be effective and not reduce abstinence, but there are too few data to be sure. One study showed a VLCD increased abstinence but did not prevent WG in the longer term. CBT to accept WG did not limit PCWG and may not promote abstinence in the long term. Exercise interventions significantly reduced weight in the long term, but not the short term. More studies are needed to clarify whether this is an effect of treatment or a chance finding. Bupropion, fluoxetine, NRT and varenicline reduce...

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Impact of Carotid Plaque Screening on Smoking Cessation and Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Randomized Controlled Trial [Original Investigation]

Archives of Internal Medicine — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion In smokers, carotid plaque screening performed in addition to thorough smoking cessation counseling is not associated with increased rates of smoking cessation or control of cardiovascular risk factors. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00548665 (Source: Archives of Internal Medicine)

Addressing Tobacco Through Organizational Change (ATTOC) in residential addiction treatment settings

Drug and Alcohol Dependence — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:46:52 +0100

This study assessed the effectiveness of a six month organizational change intervention, Addressing Tobacco Through Organizational Change (ATTOC), to improve how programs address tobacco dependence.Methods: The ATTOC intervention, implemented in three residential treatment programs, included consultation, staff training, policy development, leadership support and access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) medication. Program staff and clients were surveyed at pre- and post-intervention, and at 6 month follow-up. The staff survey measured knowledge of the hazards of smoking, attitudes about and barriers to treating smoking, counselor self-efficacy in providing such services, and practices used to address tobacco. The client survey measured knowledge, attitudes, and tobacco-related service...

Predictors of successful short‐term tobacco cessation in UK resident female Bangladeshi tobacco chewers

Addiction — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:40:14 +0100

Conclusion: Bangladeshi women in the UK attending clinics to help cessation of paan with tobacco appear to be more likely to be successful in the short term if they use nicotine replacement therapy, are recruited via the community and have higher levels of income. (Source: Addiction)

The Ultimate Failure of Pharmacological Therapy for Addiction

Psychology Today Addiction Center — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:11:27 +0100

As we enter the new age of medical treatments for addiction announced by the American Board of Addiction Medicine, we can turn to the success of the longest-running version of chemically-assisted addiction treatment -- nicotine replacement therapy -- to demonstrate the likely results. Whoops!read more (Source: Psychology Today Addiction Center)

Stick with it

Telegraph Health — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:16:23 +0100

Telegraph View: Nicotine replacement therapy succeeds no more than willpower when smokers try to quit cigarettes. (Source: Telegraph Health)

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Long-term efficacy and safety of varenicline for smoking cessation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Journal of Public Health — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:06:07 +0100

Conclusion Varenicline therapy compared with placebo is associated with a favorable effect on smoking cessation at the end of 52 weeks. However, the psychiatric adverse events related with varenicline should be further studied with larger qualified study. People with preexisting mental illnesses should be prudently treated with varenicline. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s10389-011-0476-5Authors Yubei Huang, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China 100191Weiqin Li, Tianjin Women’s and Children’s Health Center, No. 96 Guizhou Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, ChinaLi Yang, Department of P...

Prescribing of nicotine replacement therapy to cardiovascular disease patients in England

Addiction — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Broadening the marketing licence in the UK for nicotine replacement therapy to allow it to be prescribed to patients with CVD did not increase prescribing rates for this group of patients. (Source: Addiction)

Designing a smoking cessation intervention for the unique needs of homeless persons: a community-based randomized clinical trial.

Clinical Trials — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:36:01 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Lessons learned reflect the need to engage communities in the design and implementation of community-based clinical trials with vulnerable populations. PMID: 22167112 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Trials)

In smokers not willing to quit, counselling on smoking reduction plus free nicotine replacement therapy, compared with one-off cessation advice, increases the proportion achieving abstinence or reduction in smoking rate at 6 months

Evidence-Based Nursing — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study adds to the growing research that supports intervention with smokers who do not want to quit. The researchers sought to determine the effectiveness of smoking reduction counselling along with free NRT in reducing the daily cigarette consumption of smokers who did not want to quit. They also explored the... (Source: Evidence-Based Nursing)

Brief opportunistic smoking cessation interventions: a systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare advice to quit and offer of assistance

Addiction — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Physicians may be more effective in promoting attempts to stop smoking by offering assistance to all smokers than by advising smokers to quit and only offering assistance to those that express an interest in doing so. (Source: Addiction)

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Pharmacists’ Perceptions of Participation in a Community Pharmacy-Based Nicotine Replacement Therapy Distribution Program

Journal of Community Health — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:35:54 +0100

In conclusion, the community pharmacy is a viable location for implementation of community-based public health initiatives related to smoking cessation. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s10900-011-9519-7Authors Matthew A. Hoch, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USAKaren Suchanek Hudmon, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USALinh Lee, Ralphs Grocery Company, Compton, CA, USARebecca Cupp, Ralphs Grocery Company, Compton, CA, USALinda Aragon, Tobacco Control and Prevention Program, County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USARachel A. Tyree, Tobacco Cessation and Media Initiatives, County of Los Angeles Depar...

Some Current Smokers Benefit From Smoking Cessation Interventions

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:00:00 +0100

According to two investigations published in the Nov. 28 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, smoking cessation intervention programs as well as nicotine replacement therapy are connected with positive outcomes among individuals who currently smoke. In one of the reports the researchers state: "Despite advances in clinical care and policy, rates of smoking cessation have held constant in the past decade, indicating a need for novel approaches." In the first report, Matthew J. Carpenter, P.h.D... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Very low rate and light smokers: smoking patterns and cessation‐related behaviour in England, 2006‐2011

Addiction — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Very low rate ( < 1cpd) and light (1‐9cpd) smokers in England are at least as motivated to quit as heavier smokers. Although they use cessation medication less than heavier smokers and are more likely to succeed, they still use such medication and fail in quit attempts to a substantial degree. (Source: Addiction)

Smoking cessation interventions appear to be effective for some current smokers

ScienceDaily Headlines — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 23:24:24 +0100

Nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation intervention programs are associated with positive outcomes among current smokers, according to new studies. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Quit Smoking Interventions Work For Some Smokers

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The use of smoking cessation intervention programs and nicotine replacement therapy can be effective for some current smokers, researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, and the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis reported in two separate articles in Archives of Internal Medicine. As background information to the first article, the authors wrote: "Despite advances in clinical care and policy, rates of smoking cessation have held constant in the past decade, indicating a need for novel approaches... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Chronic Disease Management for Tobacco Dependence: A Randomized, Controlled Trial [Original Investigation]

Archives of Internal Medicine — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion A chronic disease management approach increases both short- and long-term abstinence from smoking. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00309296 (Source: Archives of Internal Medicine)

Nicotine Therapy Sampling to Induce Quit Attempts Among Smokers Unmotivated to Quit: A Randomized Clinical Trial [Original Investigation]

Archives of Internal Medicine — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Nicotine therapy sampling during a PQA represents a novel strategy to motivate smokers to make a quit attempt. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00706979 (Source: Archives of Internal Medicine)

Study protocol for a non-inferiority trial of cytisine versus nicotine replacement therapy in people motivated to stop smoking

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

DiscussionCytisine appears to be effective compared with placebo, and given its (current) relative low cost may be an acceptable smoking cessation treatment for smokers, particularly those in low- and middle-income countries. Cytisine's 'natural' product status may also increase its acceptability and use among certain groups of smokers, such as indigenous people, smokers in countries where the use of natural medicines is widespread (e.g. China, India), and in those people who do not want to use NRT or anti-depressants to help them quit smoking. However it is important to ascertain the effectiveness of cytisine compared with that of existing cessation treatments.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12610000590066) (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articl...

Effects of mass media campaign exposure intensity and durability on quit attempts in a population-based cohort study

Health Education Research — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Tobacco control advertising emphasizing the serious harms of smoking is associated with short-term increases in the likelihood of smokers making a quit attempt. Repeated cycles of higher intensity tobacco control media campaigns are needed to sustain high levels of quit attempts. (Source: Health Education Research)

Greater Suicide Risk With Varenicline vs Other Cessation MedsGreater Suicide Risk With Varenicline vs Other Cessation Meds

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 21:00:18 +0100

A comparison study of smoking cessation medications shows that varenicline was associated with significantly more cases of suicidal behavior and depression than bupropion or nicotine replacement therapy. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Chronic nicotine consumption does not influence 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone-induced lung tumorigenesis.

Cell Research — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, we determined the effect of nicotine administration on 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)-induced lung tumors in A/J mice. Female mice were administered a single dose of NNK (10 μmol) and 0.44 μmol/mL nicotine in the drinking water. Nicotine was administered 2 weeks prior to NNK, 44 weeks after NNK, throughout the experiment, or without NNK treatment. The average weekly consumption of nicotine-containing water was 15 ± 3 mL per mouse, resulting in an estimated daily nicotine dose of 0.9 μmol (0.15 mg) per mouse. Nicotine administration alone for 46 weeks did not increase lung tumor multiplicity (0.32 ± 0.1 vs. 0.53 ± 0.1 tumors per mouse). Lung tumor multiplicity in NNK-treated mice was 18.4 ± 4.5 and was not different for mice consuming nicotine bef...

Implementing a smoking cessation program in social and community service organisations: A feasibility and acceptability trial

Drug and Alcohol Review — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.SCSOs are both interested in and capable of providing smoking care and the majority of clients found the smoking cessation intervention acceptable and helpful. Given the demonstrated acceptability and feasibility of this approach, further research to determine the effectiveness of this approach is warranted.[Bryant J, Bonevski B, Paul C, Hull P, O'Brien J. Implementing a smoking cessation program in social and community service organisations: A feasibility and acceptability trial. Drug Alcohol Rev 2011] (Source: Drug and Alcohol Review)

Smoking Cessation Interventions for Patients with Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:22:24 +0100

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS Few trials enrolled smokers with current depression. Most of data identified were from subgroup analyses of patients history-positive for depression. However, several promising interventions exist. Healthcare providers should consider encouraging their patients with significant depressive symptoms or depression histories to seek smoking cessation services that include NRT and behavioral mood management. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ReviewsPages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s11606-011-1915-2Authors Jennifer M. Gierisch, Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veteran Affairs Medical Center (152), 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC 27705, USALori A. Bastian, Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Du...

New Nurse Prescribers' Formulary published

NHS Networks — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This essential reference guide for nurse prescribers lists what they can prescribe and also provides an overview of some common conditions together with relevant medicines. The new edition contains the latest nurse prescribers’ list and up to date information about those medicines. The section on nicotine replacement therapy has been extensively revised, and includes advice on choice of nicotine preparation, cautions, side effects and dosing guidelines for each formulation available. (Source: NHS Networks)

FDA Update for Neuropsychiatric Events With VareniclineFDA Update for Neuropsychiatric Events With Varenicline

Medscape Psychiatry Headlines — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:18:58 +0100

The FDA says there is no difference in serious adverse events between the smoking cessation therapies varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy. However, questions and concerns linger. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Psychiatry Headlines)

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FDA: No increased neuropsychiatric events with varenicline

theHeart.org — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:45:00 +0100

In the latest Chantix shake-up, the FDA says there's no difference in serious adverse events between the smoking-cessation therapies varenicline and nicotine-replacement therapy. But questions and concerns linger. (Source: theHeart.org)

Availability of nicotine replacement therapy in substance use disorder treatment: Longitudinal patterns of adoption, sustainability, and discontinuation

Drug and Alcohol Dependence — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 15:01:15 +0100

Conclusions: These findings suggest that patients’ access to NRT varies across different types of treatment organizations. Future research should continue to measure the availability of NRT and other smoking cessation interventions in SUD treatment since these services may help patients to quit smoking and reduce the likelihood of SUD relapse. (Source: Drug and Alcohol Dependence)

Manipulation of Cigarette Craving with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Biological Psychiatry — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 03:44:42 +0100

The health risks and societal costs of cigarette smoking are well documented, but the prevalence of smoking among American adults remains high at approximately 20%. Most smokers endorse a desire to quit, but very few (only about 4–7%) will actually do so in a given year without treatment. Current commonly used treatments for tobacco dependence include nicotine replacement therapy (e.g., patch, gum, and lozenge), varenicline HCl (Chantix), bupropion HCl (Zyban), and group and/or individual psychotherapy. These treatments result in roughly 20–25% abstinence rates in smokers at 6 months or more after treatment initiation and are therefore considerably better than attempting abstinence without treatment. However, there continues to be a vital need to improve treatments for cigarette smoker...

Relationship of Maternal Snuff Use and Cigarette Smoking With Neonatal Apnea

PEDIATRICS — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Maternal smoking is associated with harmful effects on the newborn: preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, and sudden infant death syndrome. Much less is known about the effects of smokeless tobacco, and nicotine-replacement therapy is recommended as a means of smoking cessation during pregnancy. Maternal snuff use (including predominantly nicotine) is associated with higher risk of neonatal apnea than smoking (containing nicotine and combustion products). Snuff use should not be regarded as safe during pregnancy. (Read the full article) (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Tabex smoking drug shows promise

NHS News Feed — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:30:00 +0100

Conclusion In this promising 12-month trial (involving a treatment period of 25 days), 8.4% of participants taking cytisine (brand name Tabex) managed to give up cigarettes, compared with 2.4% of participants taking placebo. This means that the participants taking cytisine were more than three times more likely to give up. Although individuals in the group receiving cytisine experienced more gastrointestinal side-effects, the researchers said that other uncommon side effects are unlikely as this drug has been available in other countries for more than 40 years. Other points to note are that: The trial was not large enough to assess the uncommon adverse events that could occur with the drug. Because the drug is in the same class as others linked to neuropsychiatric side effects and suicid...

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Randomized controlled trial of mailed Nicotine Replacement Therapy to Canadian smokers: study protocol

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

DiscussionThe findings from the proposed trial are timely and highly relevant as mailed distribution of NRT require considerable resources and there are limited public health dollars available to combat this substantial health concern. In addition, findings from this randomized controlled trial will inform the development of models to engage smokers to quit, incorporating proactive recruitment and the offer of evidence based treatment.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01429129 (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

The SCIDOTS Project: Evidence of benefits of an integrated tobacco cessation intervention in tuberculosis care on treatment outcomes

Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Background: There is substantial evidence to support the association between tuberculosis (TB) and tobacco smoking and that the smoking-related immunological abnormalities in TB are reversible within six weeks of cessation. Therefore, connecting TB and tobacco cessation interventions may produce significant benefits and positively impact TB treatment outcomes. However, no study has extensively documented the evidence of benefits of such integration. SCIDOTS Project is a study from the context of a developing nation aimed to determine this. Methods: An integrated TB-tobacco intervention was provided by trained TB directly observed therapy short-course (DOTS) providers at five chest clinics in Malaysia. The study was a prospective non-randomized controlled intervention using quasi-experiment...

What makes for an effective stop-smoking service?

Thorax — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Routine clinic data support findings from randomised controlled trials that smokers receiving stop-smoking support from specialist clinics, treatment in groups and varenicline or combination NRT are more likely to succeed than those receiving treatment in primary care, one-to-one and single NRT. All smokers should have access to, and be encouraged to use, the most effective intervention options. (Source: Thorax)

Over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy for everyone: Is it the best solution?

Medical Hypotheses — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The persistent use of different forms of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is an under-investigated issue in medical research. While the data concerning the proportion of long-term users in the population of total NRT users seems reassuring at first glance, we must recognize that the small relative numbers (proportions) conceal a population of persistent NRT users with a considerable absolute number of members. Furthermore, only a small amount of data is available concerning the safety of persistent NRT use. At the present time we therefore have no basis for declaring that the population of long-term users are under cover (we are only able to state that persistent use of NRT is undoubtedly safer than the continuation of smoking). Consequently, there is a need to conduct large-sc...

Relationship of Maternal Snuff Use and Cigarette Smoking With Neonatal Apnea

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:Snuff use during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of neonatal apnea than smoking. Maternal use of snuff or nicotine-replacement therapy cannot be regarded as an alternative to smoking during pregnancy. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

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Cost‐effectiveness of tobacco control policies in Vietnam: the case of personal smoking cessation support

Addiction — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:46:20 +0100

Conclusions: Physician brief advice is a cost‐effective intervention and should be included in the priority list of tobacco control policy in Vietnam. Pharmacological therapies are not cost‐effective, and so they are not recommended in Vietnam at this time unless pharmaceuticals would be produced locally at substantially lower costs in the future. (Source: Addiction)

Using the Internet to Understand Smokers’ Treatment Preferences: Informing Strategies to Increase Demand

Journal of Medical Internet Research — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Smokers accessing the Internet for information on quitting appear to differentiate cessation treatments by how much interpersonal interaction or support the treatment entails. Quitting date, smoking level, and sociodemographic variables can identify smokers with varying levels of interest in the 3 classes of cessation methods identified. These results can potentially be used to more effectively target and increase demand for these treatments among smokers searching the Internet for cessation information. (Source: Journal of Medical Internet Research)

Nicotine Replacement Therapy After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Is Not Associated With Increased Vasospasm.

Stroke — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine replacement therapy was not associated with increased angiographic vasospasm and was associated with less clinical vasospasm and better Glasgow Outcome Score scores on discharge. PMID: 21868740 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Stroke)

BMJ Feature article on tobacco control: Tar wars over smoking cessation

NeLM - News — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: BMJ Area: News The author of this Feature article in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), a professor of public health at the University of Sydney, discusses how easily implemented strategies that reach every smoker, such as graphic health warnings, are more effective than nicotine replacement therapy in smoking cessation. He comments that assisted cessation should be placed in perspective, and that governments in low and middle income countries should pause before embracing frontline, labour intensive, or pharmaceutical based cessation strategies, which will soak up large resources, have low consumer acceptability, and therefore make little contribution to population-wide cessation. (Source: NeLM - News)

Study on nicotine patches in pregnancy

NHS News Feed — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0100

Conclusion This study suggests that exposure to nicotine in the womb can lead to changes in the blood vessels of male rats. The coverage of this study in the news implies that these results show that pregnant women who use nicotine patches are putting their unborn baby at risk of long-term cardiovascular damage. However, there are a number of reasons why direct application of these results to humans should be treated with caution: First, there are biological differences between different species, and this means that these results from rats may not be fully representative of what happens in humans. Second, the rats in this study had nicotine pumped into their bodies continuously during pregnancy. It is not clear whether the levels of nicotine that the foetuses were exposed to are simi...

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Tobacco Dependence Treatment for Korean Americans: Preliminary Findings

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:05:44 +0100

Abstract The study was conducted to examine the relative effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy with a cultural tailoring intervention compared to brief medication management. The study used a two-arm randomized controlled trial in which participant assignment was stratified by gender. The intervention condition received eight weekly 40-min individualized counseling sessions of culturally tailored cognitive behavior therapy, while the control condition received eight weekly 10-min individualized counseling sessions of medication management. Both conditions received nicotine patches for 8 weeks. Data were collected at baseline and at four follow-up points (one and 4 weeks, and three and 6 months post-quit). Treatment outcomes were presented as an intentio...

Support for smoke-free policy, and awareness of tobacco health effects and use of smoking cessation therapy in a developing country

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Background: Preventing an epidemic increase in smoking prevalence is a major challenge for developing countries. Ghana, has maintained a low smoking prevalence despite the presence of cigarette manufacturing for many decades. Some of this success may have been contributed by cultural factors and attitudes. We have studied public awareness of health risks, attitudes to smoke-free policy, tobacco advertising/promotion and other factors in a Ghanaian population sample. Methods: We used two-stage cluster randomized sampling to study household members aged 14 and over in a representative household sample in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Results: 6258 people, 88% of those eligible, took part in the study. Knowledge of health risks of smoking and passive smoking was high; radio was the main source...

A randomised controlled trial linking mental health inpatients to community smoking cessation supports: A study protocol

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This study will be conducted as a randomised controlled trial. 200 smokers with an acute mental illness will be recruited from a large inpatient mental health facility. Participants will complete a baseline survey and will be randomised to either a multimodal smoking cessation intervention or provided with hospital smoking care only. Randomisation will be stratified by diagnosis (psychotic, non-psychotic). Intervention participants will be provided with a brief motivational interview in the inpatient setting and options of ongoing smoking cessation support post discharge: nicotine replacement therapy (NRT); referral to Quitline; smoking cessation groups; and fortnightly telephone support. Outcome data, including cigarettes smoked per day, quit attempts, and self-reported 7-day point preval...

Intervention study to improve smoking cessation during hospitalization

Public Health — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to assess whether training medical staff in smoking cessation management might improve the rate of smoking cessation during hospitalization.Study design: Non-randomized intervention study.Methods: Staff of the participating care units either received (intervention group) or did not receive (control group) training in smoking cessation management. The dependent variable was the proportion of inpatients that continued to smoke before (Period 1) and after (Period 2) the training session.Results: In total, 358 patients were included. In Period 1, 55.6% and 50% of the smokers from the intervention and control groups stopped smoking, respectively; the corresponding rates in Period 2 were 64.3% and 48.1%. In Period 2, 36.4% and 31.8% of the smokers from the intervention and contr...

Clinical Inquiry: Which smoking cessation interventions work best?

The Journal of Family Practice — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mahvan T, Namdar R, Voorhees K, Smith PC, Flake D Nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, nortriptyline, clonidine, and varenicline are all effective, although insufficient evidence exists to recommend one intervention over another. Effective nonpharmacologic interventions include brief physician advice and more intensive counseling, such as proactive telephone counseling, group and individual counseling, and use of quit lines. PMID: 21731922 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Journal of Family Practice)

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Nicorette QuickMist: rapidly absorbed NRT mouthspray

Prescriber — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractNicorette QuickMist is a spray formulation for nicotine replacement therapy licensed to relieve and/or prevent cravings associated with smoking cessation. In our New products review, Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse events. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Prescriber)

Text messages help smokers quit

NHS News Feed — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:30:00 +0100

Conclusion This large study had several strengths, such as using reliable methods for randomisation and ensuring that staff and researchers had no foreknowledge of how treatment was allocated. Results were calculated for both the 95% of participants who completed the study and the full set of participants, counting any participants who were not followed up as smokers. Reports of quitting smoking were verified using saliva tests, which helps increase the accuracy of estimated quitting rates. However, as with any study, it had some limitations: Occasionally, participant told study staff which group they were in, the knowledge of which could have influenced the results. It was not possible to mask participants to the treatment they were allocated to. The authors say that, in particular,...

History of Bhutan's prohibition of cigarettes: Implications for neo-prohibitionists and their critics

International Journal of Drug Policy — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: So far, in Bhutan, cigarette neo-prohibitionist arguments that stringent anti-tobacco tax and regulatory approaches including a sales prohibition will induce tobacco consumption to cease or nearly cease has not occurred. In addition, the best scientific evidence indicates that a harm reduction-oriented nicotine replacement therapy approach will not be entirely effective. The results of this study provide an important lesson learned for health practitioners and advocates considering or advocating, albeit a gradual, but total cigarette ban as public policy. (Source: International Journal of Drug Policy)

Developing cessation interventions for the social and community service setting: A qualitative study of barriers to quitting among disadvantaged Australian smokers

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Disadvantaged smokers in Australia express a desire to quit smoking, but find quitting difficult for a number of reasons. SCSOs may have a role in providing information about the availability of quit support, engaging disadvantaged smokers with available quit support, and providing personalised, ongoing support. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Use of tobacco in pregnancy

NeLM - Drugs in Pregnancy — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: UK Teratology Information Service Area: Evidence > Drugs in Pregnancy SUMMARY: Smokers and those passively exposed to cigarette smoke are exposed not only to nicotine (an alkaloid occurring in the Solanaceae family of plants that includes tobacco), but a vast array of chemicals that are known to be harmful e.g. carbon monoxide, aldehydes, hydrocarbons and tar. Smoking (including passive smoking) during pregnancy causes intrauterine growth retardation and is associated with an increased risk of cleft lip and/or palate, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, placental abruption, premature rupture of membranes, placenta previa, premature delivery, perinatal mortality and poor postnatal development. However, if smoking can be stopped or significantly reduced prior t...

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Availability of Tobacco and Alcohol Products in Los Angeles Community Pharmacies

Journal of Community Health — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 05:44:24 +0100

Abstract The availability of tobacco and alcohol products in community pharmacies contradicts the pharmacists’ Code of Ethics and presents challenges for a profession that is overwhelmingly not in favor of the sale of these products in its practice settings. The primary aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of pharmacies that sell tobacco products and/or alcoholic beverages and to characterize promotion of these products. The proportion of pharmacies that sell non-prescription nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products as aids to smoking cessation also was estimated. Among 250 randomly-selected community pharmacies in Los Angeles, 32.8% sold cigarettes, and 26.0% sold alcohol products. Cigarettes were more likely to be available in traditional chain pharmacie...

[Proactive bedside counseling of smokers hospitalized in cardiac intensive care unit.]

Annales de Cardiologie et d'Angeiologie — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This experience reveals the importance of routine bedside counseling for smoking cessation in cardiac intensive care unit. Smokers in this unit often continue smoking even though smoking hinders cardiac rehabilitation. PMID: 21722875 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annales de Cardiologie et d'Angeiologie)

Women who smoke - A review of the evidence.

Australian Family Physician — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This article presents a summary of the evidence and a range of gender specific strategies that general practitioners can use to optimise the support they give to female smokers. DISCUSSION Women may need more intensive behavioural and pharmacological support when quitting. Particular emphasis should be placed on addressing stress, social support, smoking cues and concerns about weight gain. Nicotine replacement therapy is less effective in women. However, it is still useful if used in adequate doses and can be used in pregnancy if the woman is unlikely to quit without it. Varenicline and bupropion are not approved in pregnancy or in lactation. PMID: 21655488 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Family Physician)

New Pilot Program Tries to Help the Mentally Ill Quit Smoking

Psych Central — Wed, 25 May 2011 19:23:41 +0100

I was shocked when I read this statistic in Melinda’s Beck top-notch column, “Health Journal,” in the Wall Street Journal: Nearly half of all the cigarettes sold in the U.S. are smoked by people with a serious mental illness, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2000. People with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses are twice as likely to smoke as the general population, and they tend to smoke about 50% more cigarettes per day. Beck discusses a pilot program at the International Center for the Disabled (ICD) that began in January that is challenging today’s culture regarding smoking among the mentally ill: that persons with serious mood disorders don’t want to quit, and they shouldn’t if the withdrawal will create even...

Is use of nicotine replacement therapy while continuing to smoke associated with increased nicotine intake? Evidence from a population sample

Psychopharmacology — Wed, 25 May 2011 16:05:21 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00213-011-2359-4Authors Emma Beard, Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BP UKJennifer Fidler, Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BP UKRobert West, Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BP UK Journal PsychopharmacologyOnline ISSN 1432-2072Print ISSN 0033-3158 (Source: Psychopharmacology)

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Adolescents' self-reported reasons for using nicotine replacement therapy products: A population-based study.

Addictive Behaviors — Sun, 22 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that when planning treatment plans for adolescent smokers, health care personnel should pay particular attention to adolescents' primary reasons and motives for using NRT before suggesting its use. PMID: 21636216 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Addictive Behaviors)

Pharmacotherapeutic Management of Nicotine Dependence in Pregnancy

Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics — Thu, 19 May 2011 14:21:08 +0100

Smoking in pregnancy can cause serious adverse antenatal and postnatal morbidities, and a significant number of women continue to smoke in pregnancy despite these consequences. Early intervention in the form counseling from their physicians, pregnancy-specific self-help materials, counseling sessions with a health educator, and/or continued follow-up can result in better pregnancy outcomes and possibly long-term cessation. If a woman cannot quit despite these measures, pharmacotherapy can be considered. Currently, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), transdermal patches, and bupropion are used in pregnancy, but data on the safety and efficacy are largely lacking. (Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics)

Maternal Nicotine Exposure and Fetal Programming of Vascular Oxidative Stress in Adult Offspring

British Journal of Pharmacology — Mon, 16 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

SummaryDespite the well known harmful effects, many women continue to smoke throughout pregnancy. Consequently, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) – which has been developed as a pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation – has been used as an alternative to smoking during preganancy. However, like cigarette smoking, NRT results in biologically significant levels of nicotine crossing the placenta leading to both fetal and neonatal exposure to nicotine, and yet NRT safety during pregnancy has not been extensively evaluated. There is now evidence from studies in rats that maternal nicotine exposure throughout gestation results in fetal programming of vascular oxidative stress in the offspring during adulthood. This phenomenon involves vascular dysfunction mediated by reactive oxygen species i...

Cost Effectiveness of Interventions to Reduce Relapse to Smoking Following Smoking Cessation

Addiction — Tue, 10 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Bupropion, NRT and varenicline appear cost effective at preventing relapse to smoking by smokers who are in quit attempts and have recently become abstinent; they have comparable cost effectiveness to smoking cessation interventions. Widespread use of these effective relapse prevention treatments could promote substantial health gain at an acceptable cost to health providers. (Source: Addiction)

The impact of the introduction of smoke‐free legislation on prescribing of stop‐smoking medications in England

Addiction — Tue, 10 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Numbers of primary care prescriptions for smoking cessation medications increased prior to the introduction of smoke‐free legislation but decreased afterwards, suggesting a temporal displacement in prescribing activity rather than a change in the overall volume of prescribing. Effects observed were consistent across all population subgroups, suggesting that the changes in prescribing will neither widen nor reduce smoking‐related health inequalities. (Source: Addiction)

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Variation in saliva cotinine as a function of self-reported attempts to reduce cigarette consumption

Psychopharmacology — Tue, 10 May 2011 06:02:53 +0100

Conclusions Saliva cotinine concentrations show moderate-to-high stability within subjects over a 3-month period. Smokers’ reports of attempting to cut down their smoking are associated with small daily cigarette consumption decreases but no detectable change in nicotine intake. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00213-011-2317-1Authors Jennifer A. Fidler, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT UKJohn A. Stapleton, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT UKRobert West, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, London, W...

Smoking Reduction for Persons with Mental Illnesses: 6-Month Results from Community-Based Interventions.

Community Mental Health Journal — Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This study examined two tobacco cessation interventions, a telephonic quitline intervention (counseling and nicotine replacement therapy) and a community-based group counseling intervention with adults currently receiving community mental health services. At 6-month follow-up, both groups demonstrated significantly reduced tobacco use, but participants who received both quitline services and the group counseling intervention were significantly more likely to have a 50% tobacco use reduction. Across groups, the overall intent-to-treat cessation rate was 7%. Tobacco dependence, depression symptoms, and psychotic symptoms decreased significantly for all treatment groups, while health and mental health functioning increased. Findings suggest that common community tobacco cessation services are...

Distinct beliefs, attitudes, and experiences of Latino smokers: relevance for cessation interventions.

American Journal of Health Promotion : AJHP — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zinser MC, Pampel FC, Flores E Determine the extent to which Latino smokers are using effective interventions for smoking cessation, with particular focus on nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Related aims were to explore cultural, attitudinal, knowledge, and socioeconomic variables associated with treatment use. PMID: 21510796 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Health Promotion : AJHP)

[Smoking cessation in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases.]

Anadolu Kardiyol Der... — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Results of this analysis confirm that, tobacco dependence is still a severe but necessary condition for the patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. Additionally neither of the treatment protocols was superior to the others. PMID: 21466992 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Anadolu Kardiyol Der...)

Pharmacotherapy for Smoking Cessation: Present and Future.

Current Pharmaceutical Design — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Aubin HJ, Karila L, Reynaud M Tobacco dependence is a chronic disease that often requires repeated interventions and multiple attempts to quit. To date, three medications are FDA-approved for smoking cessation: nicotine replacement therapy, sustained-release bupropion, and varenicline. These treatments are effective across a broad range of populations, and are recommended for all smokers, including those with psychiatric or addictive comorbidity. Less is known however concerning the benefit-risk profile of these medications in pregnant women and adolescents. With these limitations in mind, clinicians should encourage and offer counseling and a prescription of pharmacotherapy to every patient willing to make a quit attempt. Despite the relative efficacy of first-line medication...

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A randomized clinical trial of a palmtop computer-delivered treatment for smoking relapse prevention among women.

Psychology of Addictive Behaviors — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Relapse is the rule rather than the exception among smokers attempting to quit, and compared to men, women may have higher relapse rates. The current study was a randomized clinical trial testing a palmtop computer-delivered treatment (CDT) for smoking relapse prevention among women. The intervention was individualized based on key theoretical constructs that were measured using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). All participants (N = 302) received standard smoking cessation treatment consisting of nicotine replacement therapy and group counseling, and completed EMA procedures for one week after quitting. At the completion of the group counseling sessions and EMA procedures, participants were randomized to either CDT or no further computer-delivered treatment or assessment (EMA-Only). ...

Nicotine Replacement Therapy in the Psychiatric Emergency Department [Editorials]

Am J Psychiatry — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Am J Psychiatry)

Effect of Nicotine Replacement Therapy on Agitation in Smokers With Schizophrenia: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study [Articles]

Am J Psychiatry — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The drug-placebo difference in this study was similar to that obtained in trials of parenteral antipsychotics in similar populations. This finding suggests that in patients with schizophrenia, smoking status should be included in the assessment of agitation and nicotine replacement included in the treatment of those who are smokers. (Source: Am J Psychiatry)

Lung Cancer Growth In Mouse Models Not Promoted By Nicotine

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Nicotine at doses similar to those found in most nicotine replacements therapies did not increase lung cancer tumor incidence, frequency or size, according to results of a mouse study presented at the AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011, held here April 2-6. "If you take our data and combine it with epidemiological data from Europe, even in people who quit smoking and maintain the use of nicotine replacement therapy for months or years, there does not appear to be increased lung cancer incidence," said Phillip A. Dennis, M.D., Ph.D... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Course of Smoking and Quit Attempts Among Clients With Co-occurring Severe Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders [Articles]

Psychiatr Serv — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Although many clients with co-occurring serious mental illness and substance use disorders tried to quit each year, few achieved sustained abstinence and none used evidence-based interventions (nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion). Treatment providers need to administer evidence-based interventions to help people quit successfully. (Psychiatric Services 62:353–359, 2011) (Source: Psychiatr Serv)

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Prescribing of nicotine replacement therapy to adolescents in England

Addiction — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Recent changes to the marketing licence for nicotine replacement therapy in England to include adolescents appears to have had little or no effect on prescribing practices. (Source: Addiction)

Nicotine replacement therapy in the psychiatric emergency department.

The American Journal of Psychiatry — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Schechter MA PMID: 21474593 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Psychiatry)

Strong Link Between Nicotine And Diabetes Complications

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Scientists have reported the first strong evidence implicating nicotine as the main culprit responsible for persistently elevated blood sugar levels - and the resulting increased risk of serious health complications - in people who have diabetes and smoke. In a presentation at the 241st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), they said the discovery also may have implications for people with diabetes who are using nicotine-replacement therapy for extended periods in an attempt to stop smoking. "This is an important study," said Xiao-Chuan Liu, Ph.D... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

First identification of nicotine as main culprit in diabetes complications among smokers

ScienceDaily Headlines — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:10:10 +0100

Scientists report the first strong evidence implicating nicotine as the main culprit responsible for persistently elevated blood sugar levels -- and the resulting increased risk of serious health complications -- in people who have diabetes and smoke. The discovery also may have implications for people with diabetes who are using nicotine-replacement therapy for extended periods in an attempt to stop smoking. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

A real-life study of the effectiveness of different pharmacological approaches to the treatment of smoking cessation: re-discussing the predictors of success

Clinics — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:43:46 +0100

CONCLUSION: Satisfactory success rates were obtained in a teaching hospital. Factors such as age, daily cigarette consumption, number of pack-years and dependency score were not reliable markers of abstinence. The combination nortriptyline+NRT was independently associated with higher abstinence rates. (Source: Clinics)

Tracking the Rise in Popularity of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Electronic Cigarettes) Using Search Query Surveillance

American Journal of Preventive Medicine — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:38:08 +0100

Conclusions: The online popularity of ENDS has surpassed that of snus and NRTs, which have been on the market for far longer, and is quickly outpacing Chantix or Champix. In part, the association between ENDS's popularity and stronger tobacco control suggests ENDS are used to bypass, or quit in response to, smoking restrictions. Search query surveillance is a valuable, real-time, free, and public method to evaluate the diffusion of new health products. This method may be generalized to other behavioral, biological, informational, or psychological outcomes manifested on search engines. (Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine)

Bupropion treatment doesn't improve smoking cessation success in ACS patients

NeLM - Mental Health — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Arch Internal Med Area: News Adding bupropion to intensive nurse-led counselling support did not improve smoking quit rates in patients admitted to hospital with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a controlled trial. Smoking is a significant risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI), and persistent smoking after MI increases the risk of death within 2 years by 50%. Interventions to improve quit rates are highly cost-effective in these patients. Intensive nurse-led counselling is effective in hospitalised patients, while addition of nicotine replacement therapy has little extra benefit. Only one previous study has examined whether bupropion improved quit rates in ACS patients, and this study was intended to build on the evidence. Participants were hospitalised patients wi...

Prescribing of smoking cessation medication in England since the introduction of varenicline

Addiction — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 05:16:43 +0100

Conclusions Soon after being introduced in England, varenicline was widely prescribed; after NRT it was the most commonly prescribed cessation medication. However, this not to appear to have increased overall rates of prescribing for smoking cessation medication. (Source: Addiction)

Evaluation of a student-run smoking cessation clinic for a medically underserved population

BMC Research Notes — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our medical student-run smoking cessation clinic provided an effective and safe experience for medically underserved patients who might not otherwise have access to conventional smoking cessation programs because of high cost, lack of insurance, or other disparities. Similar medical student initiatives focusing on healthy lifestyles may be feasible and beneficial for individuals with limited access to healthcare resources. (Source: BMC Research Notes)

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[Abstinence rates with varenicline compared to bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy for quitting smoking in Primary Care.]

Atencion Primaria — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: One year-follow up results suggest that varenicline is an appropriate alternative compared with bupropion and NRT on smoking cessation in the PC setting. PMID: 21382649 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Atencion Primaria)

Does improved access and greater choice of nicotine replacement therapy affect smoking cessation success? findings from a randomised controlled trial

Addiction — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:09:26 +0100

Conclusions: In terms of smoking abstinence at six months, offering smokers who want to quit free access to a wide range of NRT, including a one week period of familiarisation and choice of up to two products, appears no different to offering reduced cost and choice of NRT, with no familiarisation period. (Source: Addiction)

Does improved access and greater choice of nicotine replacement therapy affect smoking cessation success? Findings from a randomized controlled trial

Addiction — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions In terms of smoking abstinence at 6 months, offering smokers who want to quit free access to a wide range of nicotine replacement therapy, including a 1‐week period of familiarization and choice of up to two products, appears no different to offering reduced cost and choice of nicotine replacement therapy, with no familiarization period. (Source: Addiction)

Chew on This: Sticking with Nicotine Gum for the Long Haul

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:31:09 +0100

Public health officials are backing away from recommending against the long-term use of nicotine gum, lozenges and patches. The Food and Drug Administration is considering whether to eliminate the 12-week warning and instead recommend nicotine-based quit-smoking aids for extended—perhaps even permanent—use. Anti-tobacco activists and GlaxoSmithKline PLC, the U.S.'s leading marketer of nicotine-replacement therapy, or NRT, are also backing the potential move. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

Tobacco, nicotine and harm reduction

Drug and Alcohol Review — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion.To improve public health there is an urgent need for an appropriate regulatory framework and regulatory authority at the European level, controlling both tobacco and nicotine products to ensure that the least harmful products are the most accessible.[Le Houezec J, McNeill A, Britton J. Tobacco, nicotine and harm reduction. Drug Alcohol Rev 2011;30:119–123] (Source: Drug and Alcohol Review)

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Nicotine dependence: health consequences, smoking cessation therapies, and pharmacotherapy.

Primary Care — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Grief SN Nicotine dependence is a significant addiction with many health consequences. Consistent attempts and efforts at addressing this condition, guiding and advising afflicted patients using motivational techniques and the 5-A stepwise strategies, and instituting appropriate therapies will result in better health outcomes and less incidence of diseases. In pharmacotherapy, Nicotine replacement therapy and oral medications can be used alone or in combination with varying degrees of success. PMID: 21356419 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Primary Care)

Nicotine Dependence: Health Consequences, Smoking Cessation Therapies, and Pharmacotherapy

Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Nicotine dependence is a significant addiction with many health consequences. Consistent attempts and efforts at addressing this condition, guiding and advising afflicted patients using motivational techniques and the 5-A stepwise strategies, and instituting appropriate therapies will result in better health outcomes and less incidence of diseases. In pharmacotherapy, Nicotine replacement therapy and oral medications can be used alone or in combination with varying degrees of success. (Source: Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice)

Abstinence and psychological distress in co-morbid smokers using various pharmacotherapies

Drug and Alcohol Dependence — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Both varenicline and combination pharmacotherapy were effective and did not increase psychological distress for up to 6 months in smokers with co-morbidities treated at a specialty clinic. (Source: Drug and Alcohol Dependence)

A Nationwide Analysis of US Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Smoking Behaviors, Smoking Cessation, and Cessation-Related Factors.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Specific needs and ideal program focuses for cessation may vary across racial/ethnic groups, such that approaches tailored by race/ethnicity might be optimal. Traditional conceptualizations of cigarette addiction and the quitting process may need to be revised for racial/ethnic minority smokers. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print February 17, 2011: e1-e8. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2010.191668). PMID: 21330593 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Smoking cessation post‐discharge following nicotine replacement therapy use during an inpatient admission

Internal Medicine Journal — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

This study built upon the ‘teachable moment’ provided by hospitalisation and the inpatient use of NRT, encouraging cessation post‐discharge. Both NRT formulations provided similar 12 month cessation rates, and were superior to those achieved by subjects electing not to use NRT. Although the patch was the most popular formulation, the inhaler provided an equally efficacious alternative which addressed other facets of cigarette addiction. Subjects electing not to use NRT were less successful.Continuous abstinence rates were equivalent to community based studies using NRT. We recommend a similar program to other hospitals. (Source: Internal Medicine Journal)

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RADAR Review: Nicotine patches for smoking cessation

NeLM - News — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Source: National Prescribing Service Area: News A RADAR (Rational Assessment of Drugs and Research) review on nicotine patches for smoking cessation has been published and is available via the link below. This review was completed on behalf of the National Prescribing Service (NPS), which is an independent Australian organisation supporting the quality use of medicines. The authors highlight the following summary points (taken directly from the source): . This represents a first-line therapy; nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) increases sustained abstinence rates. . One 12-week course of nicotine patches will be subsidised per year (nicotine gum, lozenges, tablets and inhalers are not subsidised). . The patient should be referred for, or provided, ...

[News] Nicotine replacement therapy offered to UK smokers

The Lancet Oncology — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 14:19:10 +0100

Around two-thirds of UK smokers would prefer to quit the habit. Many of them will make an effort in the coming year, and, in a gesture of support, the Government is to include a voucher for a week's worth of nicotine patches in NHS Quit Kits. Quit Kits, described by the Department of Health as a “box of practical tools and advice” for those who wish to stop smoking, are available in pharmacies. “The addition of a week's free supply of nicotine replacement therapy [NRT] this year was in response to feedback from smokers that they expected NRT to be in the kit”, a Department of Health spokesperson told The Lancet Oncology. (Source: The Lancet Oncology)

Nicotine Replacement Therapy May Reduce Agitation in Schizophrenia

Medscape Pharmacist Headlines — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:04:54 +0100

In nicotine-dependent patients, nicotine patches were associated with about one-third the level of agitation compared with placebo. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Pharmacist Headlines)

Approach to Smoking Cessation in the Patient With Vascular Disease

Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 23:47:48 +0100

Opinion statement In the patient with vascular disease, cigarette smoking is particularly perilous; the benefits of smoking cessation greatly exceed any risks associated with pharmacologic treatment. The patient with claudication is often uniquely motivated to quit smoking because 1) there is a chance that the leg pain will improve and 2) smoking cessation may prevent disease progression and thus invasive procedures. The first step toward success is a systematic approach with focus on the 5 A’s (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange). Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of pharmacologic therapy for smoking cessation. The most effective medications available are bupropion and varenicline. If the patient is ready to quit, varenicline is typically fir...

Effect of Nicotine Replacement Therapy on Agitation in Smokers With Schizophrenia: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.

The American Journal of Psychiatry — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

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Study protocol for a randomised trial of nicotine-free cigarettes as an adjunct to usual NRT-based cessation practice, in people who wish to stop smoking

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

DiscussionSmoking prevalence in New Zealand has changed little in recent years (particularly in Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand) and additional options for smokers who want to quit are needed. Although a variety of methods are available to help, many are expensive, have side effects, and despite their use most quit attempts still fail. This trial will test the balance of benefits and risks of a new strategy for people to overcome nicotine dependence. Since smoking is the leading cause of lost healthy life years in New Zealand, if proven effective this strategy is likely to have substantial public health benefits.Trial registration:Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12608000410358) (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

A randomised controlled trial of a smoking reduction plus nicotine replacement therapy intervention for smokers not willing to quit smoking

Addiction — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions In smokers with no immediate plans to quit, smoking reduction programmes with behavioural support and NRT are more effective than brief advice to quit. Current guidelines recommend advice to quit on medical grounds as the best clinical intervention in this group of smokers, but smoking reduction programmes offer an alternative and effective option. (Source: Addiction)

A randomized controlled trial of a smoking reduction plus nicotine replacement therapy intervention for smokers not willing to quit smoking

Addiction — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions In smokers with no immediate plans to quit, smoking reduction programmes with behavioural support and nicotine replacement therapy are more effective than brief advice to quit. Current guidelines recommend advice to quit on medical grounds as the best clinical intervention in this group of smokers, but smoking reduction programmes offer an alternative and effective option. (Source: Addiction)

The tobacco-dependence clinic: intensive tobacco-dependence treatment in an addiction services outpatient setting.

American Journal on Addictions — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

We present outcomes from an intensive tobacco-dependence treatment program for addiction services clients at three different sites. Data from 202 participants were analyzed. For individuals who completed the program, the abstinence rate was 43%. Not having a primary substance use history and a lower carbon monoxide (CO) level at intake predicted abstinence; whereas being female, the particular site of intervention, receiving both nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and oral medication, and having a lower CO level at baseline predicted program completion. Drug treatment clients can successfully quit smoking at rates similar to the general population when given access to intensive tobacco-dependence treatment. PMID: 21175920 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal on Addictions...

Pharmacogenetics of alcohol, nicotine and drug addiction treatments

Addiction Biology — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

We examined the available scientific literature on pharmacogenetic advancements in the field of drug addiction with a focus on alcohol and tobacco to provide a summary of genes implicated in the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy for addiction. In addition, we reviewed pharmacogenetic research on cocaine and heroin dependence. Thus far, the most promising results were obtained for polymorphisms in the OPRM1 and CYP2A6 genes, which have been effective in predicting clinical response to naltrexone in alcoholism and nicotine replacement therapy in smoking, respectively. Opinions differ as to whether pharmacogenetic testing should be implemented in the clinic at this time because clinical utility and cost‐effectiveness require further investigation. However, the data summarized in this review ...

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Silver acetate interactions with nicotine and non-nicotine smoke components.

Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study explored the basic mechanistic question of whether topical oral silver acetate solution interacts with nicotine as opposed to non-nicotine smoke constituents. We recruited 20 smoking volunteers to rate nicotine-containing or denicotinized cigarettes, as well as the Nicotrol nicotine vapor inhaler and sham (air) puffs. In two sessions, subjects rated the sensory and hedonic qualities of puffs after rinsing their mouths with either silver acetate solution or deionized water (placebo). Silver acetate relative to placebo solution substantially reduced liking and satisfaction ratings for the usual brand and denicotinized cigarettes; in contrast, for the nicotine inhaler these ratings were unaffected by the silver-based treatment. These results support the conclusion that silver aceta...

FDA Considering Data on Long-term Use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy Products [Medical News & Perspectives]

JAMA — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Trial protocol and preliminary results for a cluster randomised trial of behavioural support versus brief advice for smoking cessation in adolescents

BMC Research Notes — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

DiscussionThe trial was stopped so we were unable to determine whether group support helped more young people to stop smoking than brief advice. Engagement and recruitment of participants proved much more difficult than had been anticipated. Fifteen of the seventeen participants reported that quitting smoking was either pretty important or very important to them. Thus, the stop smoking success rate could, nevertheless, be considered disappointing.Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN25181936 (Source: BMC Research Notes)

Effectiveness of pharmacist counseling combined with nicotine replacement therapy: a pragmatic randomized trial with 6,987 smokers

Cancer Causes and Control — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:05:55 +0100

Conclusions: Cessation outcomes are higher among participants completing three intervention sessions compared to one session; however, many do not return for follow-up sessions. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10552-010-9672-9Authors Mary Jean Costello, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON CanadaBeth Sproule, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON CanadaJ. Charles Victor, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON CanadaScott T. Leatherdale, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON CanadaLaurie Zawertailo, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON CanadaPeter Selby, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON Canada Journal Cancer Causes and ControlOnline ISSN 157...

Cautions and warnings on the US OTC label for nicotine replacement: What's a doctor to do?

Addictive Behaviors — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Persistent users of NRT should be counseled to reduce and stop NRT only when they are not concerned about relapsing to smoking. Use of NRT with return to smoking during a lapse or relapse should not be automatically discontinued. Combination NRT therapy should be considered for all smokers, especially those who are unable to quit smoking using a single form of NRT. PMID: 21220188 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Addictive Behaviors)

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Impact of Genetic Variability in Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors on Nicotine Addiction and Smoking Cessation Treatment.

Current Medicinal Chemistry — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Russo P, Cesario A, Rutella S, Veronesi G, Spaggiari L, Galetta D, Margaritora S, Granone P, Greenberg DS Nicotine dependence (ND) is one of the world's leading causes of preventable death. Nicotine addiction and other forms of drug addiction continue to be significant public health problems in the world. Evidence for a genetic influence on smoking behaviour and ND has prompted a search for susceptibility genes. Evidence has recently accumulated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genetic region encoding the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits α6, α5, α3, and β4 are associated with smoking and ND. Brain nAChR are a heterogeneous family of ion channels expressed in the various parts of the brain. A number of studies suggest that brain nAChR are ...

Adjustment of nicotine replacement therapies according to saliva cotinine concentration: the ADONIS* trial—a randomized study in smokers with medical comorbidities

Addiction — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions In smokers with medical comorbidities and highly motivated to quit, adaptation of the nicotine replacement therapy daily dose according to saliva cotinine does not appear to be substantially superior to standard nicotine replacement therapy use. (Source: Addiction)

More Substance Abuse Treatment Centers Are Providing Nicotine Replacement Therapy To Help Patients Quit Tobacco Use

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The percentage of substance abuse treatment facilities offering nicotine replacement therapy to clients gradually increased by about 6 percentage points from 2006 to 2009, according to a new Spotlight report issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released in conjunction with the "Great American Smokeout." The report showed that in 2009, 2,613 (19 percent) of 13,513 facilities surveyed were offering nicotine replacement therapy - up from 13 percent in 2006... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Are Australian smokers interested in using low-nitrosamine smokeless tobacco for harm reduction?

Tobacco Control — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Aims To determine (1) whether Australian smokers are aware of low-nitrosamine smokeless tobacco (LNSLT) products and (2) whether they would be interested in using LNSLT either as a long-term substitute for smoking or as an aid to quitting, if these products were to become legally available. Methods 401 daily smokers were recruited by a market research company to complete an internet questionnaire about their smoking history, knowledge of smokeless tobacco and intentions to purchase LNSLT under different scenarios. Findings Just under half (48%) indicated they were willing to buy an LNSLT product. Predictors of an interest in purchasing LNSLT were low income, poorer health, prior SLT use, belief that SLT is less harmful than cigarettes, switching to a lower tar cigarette in the past year,...

Participation in a population-based physical activity programme as an aid for smoking cessation: a randomised trial

Tobacco Control — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Participation in a population-based moderate-intensity physical activity programme for 9 weeks in addition to a comprehensive smoking cessation programme did not significantly increase smoking cessation rates. A non-significant reduction in weight gain was observed among participants who quit smoking in the physical activity group. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov; US National Institutes for Health (available online at http://clinicaltrials.gov/; Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT00521391) (Source: Tobacco Control)

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Using policy to increase prescribing of smoking cessation medications in the VA healthcare system

Tobacco Control — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion The results provide strong support for the efficacy of these policies and illustrate how healthcare systems can successfully employ multiple strategies to increase evidence-based smoking-cessation treatment. (Source: Tobacco Control)

Smoking cessation program open to cancer survivors who need help quitting the habit

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In time for this year’s Great American Smokeout, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital expands its smoking cessation efforts by offering free counseling and nicotine replacement therapy to survivors of childhood or adult-onset cancer (Source: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital)

Trial Protocol: Using genotype to tailor prescribing of nicotine replacement therapy: a randomised controlled trial assessing impact of communication upon adherence

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The objective of this trial is to estimate the impact upon adherence to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) of informing smokers that their oral dose of NRT has been tailored to a DNA analysis. Hypotheses to be tested are as follows:I Adherence to NRT is greater among smokers informed that their oral dose of NRT is tailored to an analysis of DNA (genotype), compared to one tailored to nicotine dependence questionnaire score (phenotype).II Amongst smokers who fail to quit at six months, motivation to make another quit attempt is lower when informed that their oral dose of NRT was tailored to genotype rather than phenotype. Methods: An open label, parallel groups randomised trial in which 630 adult smokers (smoking 10 or more cigarettes daily) using National Health Service (NHS) stop smoking ...

An updated meta-analysis of nicotine preloading for smoking cessation: investigating mediators of the effect

Psychopharmacology — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 19:16:35 +0100

Conclusions We found a weak non-significant effect of nicotine preloading on abstinence. None of our mediational hypotheses received strong support, however evidence suggests that efficacy was enhanced by the patch over acute NRT. Future research needs to investigate the mechanisms of preloading by carrying out mediational analysis. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00213-010-2069-3Authors Nicola Lindson, UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies, Primary Care Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UKPaul Aveyard, UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies, Primary Care Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK Journal PsychopharmacologyOnline ISSN 1432-2072Print ISSN 0033-3158 (Source: P...

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Delivering smoking cessation support to disadvantaged groups: a qualitative study of the potential of community welfare organizations

Health Education Research — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Discussions were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis techniques. Quantitative surveys were also conducted to explore preferences for cessation support. Results showed that the acceptability of providing and receiving cessation support in the community service setting was high. Staff perceived the provision of quit support to be compatible with their role but reported barriers to providing care including competing priorities, insufficient resources and inadequate staff training. Brief intervention approaches were preferred by managers and staff, while financial incentives and access to free or subsidized nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) were desired by clients. The community service setting represents a promising access point for engaging disadvantaged smokers for...

Response to greene et al.: industry funding and placebo quit rate in clinical trials of nicotine replacement therapy: a commentary on etter et al. (2007)

Addiction — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 21:55:40 +0100

(Source: Addiction)

Industry funding and placebo quit rate in clinical trials of nicotine replacement therapy: a commentary on etter et al. (2007)

Addiction — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 21:55:39 +0100

(Source: Addiction)

Efficacy and safety of nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation in pregnancy: systematic review and meta‐analysis

Addiction — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions There is currently insufficient evidence to determine whether or not nicotine replacement therapy is effective or safe when used in pregnancy for smoking cessation; further research and, in particular, placebo‐randomized controlled trials are required. (Source: Addiction)

Smoking Cessation Interventions Among Hispanics in the United States: A Systematic Review and Mini Meta-analysis.

American Journal of Health Promotion : AJHP — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Tobacco use among U.S. Hispanics is a growing public health concern. Smoking cessation interventions demonstrate promise among Hispanic adults living in the United States. More randomized trials evaluating tobacco interventions in this special population are warranted, with examination of the effect of cultural specificity and acculturation. PMID: 21039291 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Health Promotion : AJHP)

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A Statement From GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare On FDA Workshop To Explore Extended Use Of Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 09:00:00 +0100

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare strongly supports the Food and Drug Administration for holding a scientific workshop this week that focused on the risks and benefits associated with the long-term use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products. GSK views this workshop as a first step in supporting language in the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act which called upon FDA to "consider approving the extended use of nicotine replacement products (such as nicotine patches, nicotine gum and nicotine lozenge) for the treatment of tobacco dependence... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Nicotine Replacement Therapy's Effect on Pregnancy Outcomes (November).

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Behavior modification therapy should always be the first method tried for smoking cessation in the pregnant population. If behavior modification therapy is attempted without success, NRT should be offered because of decreased risk for low birth weight and preterm delivery compared to continued smoking. Additionally, NRT does not appear to increase the risk for malformations. PMID: 20978216 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy)

Mental health stability in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder receiving varenicline.

American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 18:46:09 +0100

Conclusion Varenicline appeared to have destabilizing effects on MH in veterans with PTSD. PMID: 20966147 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP)

Transdermal Nicotine Replacement Therapy in Cigarette Smokers with Acute Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Neurocritical Care — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:39:41 +0100

Conclusions Despite vasoactive properties, administration of NRT among active smokers with acute SAH appeared to be safe, with similar rates of vasospasm and DCI, and a slightly higher rate of seizures. The association of NRT with lower mortality could be due to chance, to uncontrolled factors, or to a neuroprotective effect of nicotine in active smokers hospitalized with SAH, and should be tested prospectively. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s12028-010-9456-9Authors David B. Seder, Department of Critical Care Services, Neuroscience Institute, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME 04102, USAJ. Michael Schmidt, Division of Critical Care Neurology, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USANeeraj Badjatia, Division of Critical...

Nicotine replacement therapy options for smoking cessation

Prescriber — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract (Source: Prescriber)

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Impact of a total smoking ban in a high secure hospital [Original papers]

Psychiatric Bulletin — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 22:00:43 +0100

Aims and method To assess the impact of a total smoking ban in a high secure psychiatric hospital. Staff and patients were surveyed before and after implementation. Data were collected on untoward incidents, seclusions, nicotine replacement therapy and changes in psychotropic medication. Results Of the 298 patients in the hospital for the evaluation period, 72.8% were smokers before the ban. There were no significant differences in rates of seclusion before and after the ban and only one significant comparison (P = 0.01) showed an increase in untoward incidents for smokers. There were no significant increases in the use of psychotropic medication after the ban. Clinical implications With adequate preparation, it is possible to implement a total smoking ban in a high secure psy...

Early Improvement in Peripheral Vascular Tone following Smoking Cessation Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy: Aortic Wave Reflection Analysis

Karger Publishers — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:26:20 +0100

Cardiology 2010;117:37–43 (DOI:10.1159/000319596) (Source: Karger Publishers)

Glaxo Urges FDA To Withdraw Dissolvable Tobacco

Drugs.com - Pharma News — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:09:30 +0100

From Associated Press (September 28, 2010) PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- GlaxoSmithKline PLC is urging the Food and Drug Administration to take dissolvable smokeless tobacco products off the market. The maker of nicotine replacement therapy products... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)

[Effectiveness of a Cognitive Orientation Program With and Without Nicotine Replacement Therapy in Stopping Smoking in Hospitalised Patients.]

Archivos de Bronconeumologia — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: A cognitive type intervention started on smokers when admitted to hospital increases quitting rates at 12 months, compared to a minimal intervention, and these rates increase even more significantly if NRT is added. PMID: 20870337 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Archivos de Bronconeumologia)

Within a smoking-cessation program, what impact does genetic information on lung cancer need to have to demonstrate cost-effectiveness?

BioMed Central — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The findings were sensitive to small changes in critical variables such as the 12-month quit rates and relapse rates. As such, the cost-effectiveness of the genetic testing smoking cessation program is uncertain. Further clinical research on smoking-cessation quit rates following genetic testing is needed to inform its cost-effectiveness. (Source: BioMed Central)

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Internet-based interventions for smoking cessation.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 02:48:06 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that some Internet-based interventions can assist smoking cessation, especially if the information is appropriately tailored to the users and frequent automated contacts with the users are ensured, however trials did not show consistent effects. PMID: 20824856 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

A cessation program for snuff-dippers with long-term, extensive exposure to Swedish moist snuff: A 1-year follow-up study.

Acta Odontologica Scandinavica — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. Smokeless tobacco cessation achieved together with suitable NRT seems a promising way to improve a persistent tobacco-free condition. PMID: 20831357 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Odontologica Scandinavica)

The 'quit' smoker and stillbirth risk: A review of contemporary literature in the light of findings from a case-control study.

Midwifery — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: in light of the results of the case-control study and this literature review, it is important that changes are made to prenatal care in order to enable midwives to better identify women who are struggling with abstinence or who resume smoking during pregnancy. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: midwives should discuss and monitor smoking status with women at every prenatal visit. If a midwife finds that a woman has relapsed into smoking, they can be offered a range of quit smoking intervention strategies, including referral to a dedicated cessation service, counselling support, alternative therapies and, perhaps, nicotine replacement therapy. Further research aimed at identifying the extent of relapse among these women and the impact this may have on pregnancy outcome is warranted. Re...

Mental health workers' views on addressing tobacco use.

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

This study has shown many workers believe that it is important to address tobacco use with their patients as part of routine care and that mental health services should implement significant tobacco policy and practice change. PMID: 20815672 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry)

Use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy for smoking reduction and during enforced temporary abstinence: a national survey of English smokers

Addiction — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract (Source: Addiction)

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Utilization management for smoking cessation pharmacotherapy: varenicline rejected claims analysis.

The American Journal of Managed Care — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: About half of the patients in this study did not fill any smoking cessation medication following a rejected varenicline claim. It is important to address this treatment gap in support of patients seeking smoking cessation therapy. PMID: 20873954 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Managed Care)

Most quitters helped by NRT – poll

Pharmacy Europe — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 05:55:25 +0100

Almost two-thirds of people who give up smoking use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) (Source: Pharmacy Europe)

Smoking-Cessation and Adherence Intervention Among Chinese Patients with Erectile Dysfunction

American Journal of Preventive Medicine — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:04:08 +0100

Conclusions: Although quitting smoking was associated with improvement in erectile dysfunction, this study found significant outcome differences among the means used to achieve smoking cessation.Trial registration: ISRCTN13070778. (Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine)

Outcomes associated with transdermal nicotine replacement therapy in a neurosurgery intensive care unit.

American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:27:24 +0100

Conclusion There was no significant difference in unfavorable discharge disposition among neurosurgery ICU patients who were smokers treated with NRT, smokers not treated with NRT, and nonsmokers not treated with NRT. PMID: 20689126 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP)

Free Online Service Helps Alabama Tobacco Users Quit

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Alabamians tired of being addicted to tobacco have a new free service to help them quit. The service -- http://www.alabamaquitnow.com/ -- is a web-based program designed to work with the user to make a personalized plan for quitting tobacco. This service includes free master's level counseling and four weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches if the user is actively engaged in counseling and is medically eligible. The site is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tobacco users can log in and begin the counseling process... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Pre‐cessation nicotine replacement therapy: pragmatic randomized trial

Addiction — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACT (Source: Addiction)

Community pharmacists' involvement in smoking cessation: implementation of the National smoking cessation guideline in Finland

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: SC Guideline familiarity and implementation is crucial for community pharmacists' involvement in SC actions in addition to selling NRT products. Pharmacists can constitute a potential public health resource in SC easily accessible throughout the country. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Provision of relapse prevention interventions in UK NHS Stop Smoking Services: a survey

BMC Health Services Research — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Just over half of UK managers of NHS Stop Smoking Services who responded to the questionnaire reported that, in their services, relapse prevention interventions were currently provided for clients, despite, at that time, there being a weak evidence base for their effectiveness. The most commonly provided relapse prevention interventions were those for which there was least evidence. If these interventions are found to be effective, barriers would need to be removed before they would become part of routine care. (Source: BMC Health Services Research)

Long-Term Consequences of Fetal and Neonatal Nicotine Exposure: A Critical Review

Toxicological Sciences — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:19:24 +0100

Cigarette smoking during pregnancy is associated with numerous obstetrical, fetal, and developmental complications, as well as an increased risk of adverse health consequences in the adult offspring. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has been developed as a pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation and is considered to be a safer alternative for women to smoking during pregnancy. The safety of NRT use during pregnancy has been evaluated in a limited number of short-term human trials, but there is currently no information on the long-term effects of developmental nicotine exposure in humans. However, animal studies suggest that nicotine alone may be a key chemical responsible for many of the long-term effects associated with maternal cigarette smoking on the offspring, such as impaired fertili...

Adverse events associated with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for smoking cessation. A systematic review and meta-analysis of one hundred and twenty studies involving 177,390 individuals

Tobacco Induced Diseases — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Background: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is the most common form of smoking cessation pharmacotherapy and has proven efficacy for the treatment of tobacco dependence. Although expectations of mild adverse effects have been observed to be independent predictors of reduced motivation to use NRT, adverse effects associated with NRT have not been precisely quantified.ObjectiveA systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of NRT versus inert controls and all observational studies to determine the magnitude of reported adverse effects with NRT. Methods: Searches of 10 electronic databases from inception to November 2009 were conducted. Study selection and data extraction were carried out independently in duplicate. RCTs were pooled using a ra...

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Interventions for preoperative smoking cessation.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 23:18:04 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that preoperative smoking interventions including NRT increase short-term smoking cessation and may reduce postoperative morbidity. The optimal preoperative intervention intensity remains unknown. Based on indirect comparisons and evidence from two small trials, interventions that begin four to eight weeks before surgery, include weekly counselling, and use NRT are more likely to have an impact on complications and on long-term smoking cessation. PMID: 20614429 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

Nicotine Replacement Therapy Before Quitting May Help

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:00:49 +0100

Recent studies suggest that beginning nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) -â nicotine-infused gums, patches, etc. â- before quitting cigarettes may improve long-term cessation success. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

In A Few Years We May See Personalized Smoking Cessation

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0100

A personalized approach to smoking cessation therapy is quickly taking shape. New evidence from Duke University Medical Center and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) suggests that combining information about a smoker's genetic makeup with his or her smoking habits can accurately predict which nicotine replacement therapy will work best. "Within three to five years, it's conceivable we'll have a practical test that could take the guesswork out of choosing a smoking-cessation therapy," says Jed Rose, Ph.D., director of Duke's Center for Nicotine and Smoking Cessation Research... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Personalized approach to smoking cessation may be reality in 3-5 years

ScienceDaily Headlines — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:15:39 +0100

A personalized approach to smoking cessation therapy is quickly taking shape. New evidence suggests that combining information about a smoker's genetic makeup with his or her smoking habits can accurately predict which nicotine replacement therapy will work best. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)