MedWorm: Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Smoking cessation patterns and predictors of quitting smoking among the Japanese general population: a 1-year follow-up study

Addiction — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Japanese smokers attempt to quit at a lower rate than smokers in the United Kingdom and United States, but factors that predict attempts (primarily markers of motivation) and success of attempts (primarily dependence) are similar to those found in western samples. (Source: Addiction)

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Nicotine Replacement Seems Safe During Pregnancy

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:32:01 +0100

In pregnant women, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) appears effective and is not directly associated with adverse events. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Smoking cessation program offers childhood cancer survivors help to quit the habit

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

As health advocates gear up for this year’s Great American Smokeout, childhood cancer survivors who need help with smoking cessation can receive free counseling and nicotine replacement therapy from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (Source: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital)

Smoking cessation program offers childhood cancer survivors help to quit the habit

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Lesser-Known Effects of Smoking Can Play Havoc with Women's Health(Nov 4, 2009)

Johnson and Johnson — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:07:34 +0100

Toronto, Canada (November 4th, 2009)- Many women are aware that smoking can lead to lung cancer, heart disease and premature death. But a recent survey conducted by Angus Reid on behalf of nicotine replacement therapy brands, NICODERM(R) and NICORETTE(R) reveals that the majority of Canadian women who smoke are not necessarily aware of the host of other impacts that smoking can have on their immediate and longer term health..... (Source: Johnson and Johnson)

Presence of the Carcinogen N'-Nitrosonornicotine in the Urine of Some Users of Oral Nicotine Replacement Therapy Products

Cancer Research — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:08:14 +0100

N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) is a strong carcinogen present in unburned tobacco and cigarette smoke. We here analyze data obtained in two studies, in which a biomarker of exposure to NNN—the sum of NNN and its pyridine-N-glucuronide, called total NNN—was quantified in the urine of people who had stopped smoking and used various nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products. In 13 of 34 nicotine gum or lozenge users from both studies, total NNN at one or more time points after biochemically confirmed smoking cessation was comparable with, or considerably higher than, the baseline levels. For most of the subjects who used the nicotine patch as a smoking cessation aid, urinary total NNN at all post–quit time points was <37% of their mean baseline levels. These results indica...

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A randomised trial of glucose tablets to aid smoking cessation

Psychopharmacology — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:02:36 +0100

Conclusions No significant effect of glucose tablets over and above sweet tasting tablets could be detected overall, but the possibility of an effect as an adjunct to NRT or bupropion merits further investigation. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original InvestigationDOI 10.1007/s00213-009-1692-3Authors Robert West, University College London Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health London WC1E 6BT UKSylvia May, University College London Health Behaviour Research Centre London UKAndy McEwen, University College London Health Behaviour Research Centre London UKHayden McRobbie, University of Auckland Clinical Trials Research Unit Auckland New ZealandPeter Hajek, Barts and the London, Queen Mary’s School of Med...

Varenicline and suicidal behaviour: a cohort study based on data from the General Practice Research Database. - Gunnell D, Irvine D, Wise L, Davies C, Martin RM.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:00:57 +0100

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether varenicline, a recently licensed smoking cessation product, is associated with an increased risk of suicide and suicidal behaviour compared with alternative treatments bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy. DESIGN: Coho... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Nicotine Replacement in Pregnant Smokers Likely Safe

Modern Medicine — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Nicotine replacement therapy does not increase the risk of adverse events in pregnant smokers, according to a study in the October issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Influence of smoking abstinence and nicotine replacement therapy on heart rate and QT time-series

Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We examined the influence of smoking cessation, during cold-turkey and subsequent NRT, on HR and QT time-series during 30 days of smoking abstinence. Seven smokers and sixteen healthy non-smokers received ECG monitoring at baseline (Day 0). Smokers subsequently refrained from smoking without using NRT for 24 h, and then received NRT for 29 days. ECG monitoring was repeated at Days 1, 7, 30. Following smoking cessation we observed that: HR and rate-corrected QT were both reduced, heart rate variability (HRV) increased (improved), and QT variability index (QTVI) showed signs of improvement (trend only). Improvements in HR and QT were maintained throughout NRT use, whilst improvements in HRV and QTVI were sustained for at least the early stages of NRT. The dynamic (multifractal) properties of...

Smoking Cessation Strategies Now Numerous: Try nicotine replacement therapy plus bupropion or high-dose NRT plus nicotine gum or lozenges.

Clinical Psychiatry News — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

ESTES PARK, COLO. — Three major drug classes with diverse mechanisms of action are now approved for smoking cessation, providing an unprecedented array of options in terms of sequential and combination therapies. (Source: Clinical Psychiatry News)

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Review: nicotine replacement therapy as assisted "reduction-to-stop" reduces smoking and sustains abstinence in smokers [Therapeutics]

Evidence-Based Medicine — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:01:36 +0100

(Source: Evidence-Based Medicine)

[Therapeutics] Review: nicotine replacement therapy as assisted "reduction-to-stop" reduces smoking and sustains abstinence in smokers

Evidence-Based Medicine — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Evidence-Based Medicine)

Gender, smoking status, and risk behavior attitudes explain adolescents' patterns of nicotine replacement therapy use.

Addictive Behaviors — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dalton WT, Klesges LM, Henderson L, Somes G, Robinson L, Johnson KC Treatment studies provide minimal support for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) with youth; however, survey studies suggest that adolescents use NRT, and may engage in inappropriate use. The current study sought to examine patterns of NRT use and risk factors for use to further aid smoking cessation efforts including prevention of potential misuse. In-school surveys assessing socio-demographic and behavioral factors associated with NRT use, gum or patch, were completed by 4078, predominantly African American, high school students. Approximately 5% of students reported former or current use of NRT products: 42% gum, 29% patch, and 29% both gum and patch. Among smokers, 5.4% reported use of both NRT gum and pat...

Crossing Borders: Factors Affecting Differences in Cost-Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation Interventions between European Countries

Value in Health — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Although all INMBs were positive, there were significant differences across countries. These were primarily related to choice of discount rate and epidemiology of diseases. (Source: Value in Health)

[Strategies for Reducing Risks in Smoking: Opportunity or Threat?]

Archivos de Bronconeumologia — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Córdoba R, Nerín I The smoking control policies recommended by the World Health Organisation have achieved a slight decrease in smoking prevalence in the developed countries, although associated mortality is still very high. The use of tobacco products other than cigarettes and even medicinal nicotine (known as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)) has been proposed as a risk reduction strategy. Among the tobacco products with less individual risk than cigarettes would be any type of tobacco without smoke (smokeless) with a low content in nitrosamines and modified cigarettes; both forms included under the PREP (Potentially Reduced Exposure Products) concept. The idea would be to promote these products among those who cannot quit smoking or wish to reduce their risk wit...

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Efficacy of pharmacotherapies for short-term smoking abstinence: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Harm Reduction Journal — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Background: Smoking cessation has important immediate health benefits. The comparative short-term effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions is not well known. We aimed to determine the relative effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion and varenicline at 4 weeks post-target quit date. Methods: We searched 10 electronic medical databases (inception to October 2008). We selected randomized clinical trials [RCTs] evaluating interventions for our primary outcome of abstinence from smoking at at-least 4 weeks post-target quit date, with biochemical confirmation. We conducted random-effects odds ratio (OR) meta-analysis and meta-regression. We compared treatment effects across interventions using head-to-head trials and calculated indirect comparisons. Results: We com...

Counseling and NRT best for smoking cessation in COPD patients

MedWire News - Respiratory — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Counseling combined with nicotine replacement therapy is the most effective smoking cessation intervention for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, findings from a meta-analysis suggest. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory)

[Care Results in a Specialist Stop-Smoking Unit.]

Archivos de Bronconeumologia — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: A stop-smoking clinic that is designed according to SEPAR Recommendations is effective and has a good cost/effective ratio. PMID: 19758742 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Archivos de Bronconeumologia)

It Pays To Quit Smoking Before Surgery

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0100

People who start nicotine replacement therapy at least four weeks before surgery can halve their risk of poor wound healing. This is what the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) concludes in information published on http://informedhealthonline.org/. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

It Pays To Quit Smoking Before Surgery

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:44:58 +0100

People who start nicotine replacement therapy at least four weeks before surgery can halve their risk of poor wound healing, according to a new study. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

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Development of a Culturally Targeted Smoking Cessation Intervention for African American Smokers

Journal of Community Health — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 06:16:03 +0100

Abstract In this paper we describe the development a culturally targeted (CT) smoking cessation intervention for low-to-middle income African–American smokers. Based on theoretically based guidelines, modifications were made to a standard treatment manual for group-based smoking cessation counseling that incorporates cognitive-behavioral, motivational, and twelve step skills. Approximately 41% of the standard treatment materials were modified, and four new modules were developed. A pilot study was conducted to compare acceptability, feasibility and early outcome indicates in African American smokers randomized to the CT intervention compared with existing data from African American smokers treated using a non-targeted standard approach (ST). Outcomes from the CT pilot st...

It pays to quit smoking before surgery

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0100

(Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care) People who start nicotine replacement therapy at least four weeks before surgery can halve their risk of poor wound healing. This is what the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care concludes in information published online today. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Cost Effectiveness of Varenicline in Belgium, Compared with Bupropion, Nicotine Replacement Therapy, Brief Counselling and Unaided Smoking Cessation: A BENESCO Markov Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Clinical Drug Investigation — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:02:17 +0100

(Source: Clinical Drug Investigation)

A review of tobacco cessation services for youth in the dental clinic

Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:56:13 +0100

Vanka A, Roshan N M, Ravi K S, Shashikiran N DJournal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry 2009 27(2):78-84Tobacco use is one of the leading preventable causes of illness and death. The most powerful predictor of adult smoking is smoking during adolescence. While general and pediatric dentists have a positive attitude regarding tobacco cessation counseling, the same is not extrapolated into practice. Several barriers to counseling in the dental clinic have been identified and research into some of these has been conducted. Evidence-based cessation programs are still in the nascent stage, but this should not hinder dental professionals from rendering these services to the child and adolescent populations. Brief interventions, self-help materials, and nicotine replacemen...

Motivation and patch treatment for HIV+ smokers: a randomized controlled trial

Addiction — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Motivationally enhanced treatment plus NRT did not improve cessation rates over and above standard care treatment plus NRT in this HIV+ sample of smokers. Providers offering brief support and encouraging use of nicotine replacement may be able to help HIV+ patients to quit smoking. (Source: Addiction)

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[Treatment of tobacco dependence : A responsibility of psychiatry and addiction medicine.]

Der Nervenarzt — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Batra A, Friederich HM, Lutz U The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers smoking to be the biggest avoidable health risk. The consumption of tobacco leads to health hazards and resulting diseases, the consequences of which are far more serious than those emanating from other addictive substances. Approximately 27% of the German adult population smoke regularly and the proportion of smokers addicted to tobacco or nicotine is estimated to be around 60%. Many of these smokers have undertaken numerous unsuccessful attempts at abstinence. A professional support for smokers who are motivated to give up smoking enhances the chances of success. The current treatment guidelines recommend a combination of psychotherapeutic techniques (e.g. motivational interviewing, behavioural ther...

Rapid reduction versus abrupt quitting for smokers who want to stop soon: a randomised controlled non-inferiority trial

Trials — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Background: The standard way to stop smoking is to stop abruptly on a quit day with no prior reduction in consumption of cigarettes. Many smokers feel that reduction is natural and if reduction programmes were offered, many more might take up treatment. Few trials of reduction versus abrupt cessation have been completed. Most are small, do not use pharmacotherapy, and do not meet the standards necessary to obtain a marketing authorisation for a pharmacotherapy.Design/MethodsWe will conduct a non-inferiority randomised trial of rapid reduction versus standard abrupt cessation among smokers who want to stop smoking. In the reduction arm, participants will be advised to reduce smoking consumption by half in the first week and to 25% of baseline in the second, leading up to a quit day at which...

Predictors of adverse events among pregnant smokers exposed in a nicotine replacement therapy trial

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Although race, poor pregnancy history, and use of analgesics were associated with serious adverse events, randomization to NRT during pregnancy was not a significant factor. Further research is needed to examine the safety of analgesic medications during pregnancy. (Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Disparities in Access to Over-the-Counter Nicotine Replacement Products in New York City Pharmacies.

American Journal of Public Health — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Small disparities existed in access to nonprescription NRT and cigarettes. The model did not adequately account for cigarette access, because of availability from other retail outlets. These results may explain some of the excess prevalence of cigarette use in low-SES areas. PMID: 19638596 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Nicotine Replacement Therapy Promotion Helps Thousands Kick Tobacco Addiction

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

More than 5,600 Louisiana tobacco users received free medication last month to help overcome their addiction to tobacco. The initiative was part of a statewide promotion to assist with tobacco cessation by providing a month's supply of nicotine replacement therapy patches to residents trying to quit tobacco products. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Smokers’ expectancies for abstinence: Preliminary results from focus groups.

Psychology of Addictive Behaviors — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:28:00 +0100

This study provides a preliminary step in understanding smokers’ expectancies for abstinence from cigarettes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: Psychology of Addictive Behaviors)

Serotonin transporter genotype and depressive symptoms moderate effects of nicotine on spatial working memory.

Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:32:13 +0100

Smokers may use nicotine to self-medicate for situation-specific or person-specific cognitive or affective deficits. Although evidence suggests that nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), relative to placebo, enhances spatial working memory (SWM) in smoking-abstinent smokers with schizophrenia, the extent to which NRT may be helpful in attenuating abstinence-related SWM in other groups with deficits in SWM is unknown. Depressive symptoms are associated with both tobacco smoking and deficits in SWM. Previous studies have found that smoking abstinence increases depressive affect and depression-related hemispheric asymmetries in brain activation. Although the serotonin neurotransmitter system is closely associated with depression and the effects of nicotine, the authors are not aware of any stud...

HIV & smoking in India.

Indian J Med Res — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

HIV & smoking in India. Indian J Med Res. 2009 Jul;130(1):15-22 Authors: Kumar SR, Swaminathan S, Flanigan T, Mayer KH, Niaura R There are approximately 2.5 million people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in India - the young being particularly vulnerable. The prevalence of smoking has increased in India especially among rural, lower socio-economic and illiterate men. Studies have shown that HIV-infected smokers may be at additional risk for several infectious and non-infectious complications, including malignancies and cardiovascular events. Smoking alters immunological mechanisms and suppresses host defenses in the alveolar environment. HIV-infected smokers have also been found to have a poorer response to antiretroviral therapy and a higher risk of death. HIV-infected indivi...

Impact of Nicotine Replacement Therapy on Postoperative Mortality Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery(July/August).

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The use of NRT in a postoperative CABG surgery population resulted in a significant increase in mortality when adjusted for baseline characteristics. Patients receiving NRT after off-pump cardiac surgery may be particularly susceptible. Additional evaluation in large patient cohorts with prospective controls is warranted. PMID: 19567657 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy)

Family support and employment as predictors of smoking cessation success: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of nicotine sublingual tablets in chinese smokers.

The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:40:03 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the need for a more in-depth examination of the impact of being married and employment as a white collar worker (rather than manual laborer) in order to develop better targeted interventions for improving smoking cessation interventions. PMID: 19462302 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse)

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Factors associated with the use of aids to cessation in English smokers

Addiction — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions In England, half of all attempts to quit smoking are aided by some form of pharmacological or behavioural treatment. However, the use of the most effective treatment option (the NHS-SSS) is low, despite it being free of charge. Factors associated with an increased use of aids to cessation were female sex, older age, more cigarettes smoked per day and planning a quit attempt. Research is needed into how to increase utilization rates, particularly among males and younger smokers. (Source: Addiction)

Mediators of the Relationship Between Nicotine Replacement Therapy and Smoking Abstinence Among People Living With HIV/AIDS

AIDS Education and Prevention — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

AIDS Education and Prevention 21(3_supplement): 65-80 Cigarette smoking is highly prevalent among people living with HIV/AIDS and poses unique health risks. Smoking cessation programs tailored to this population have documented improved smoking outcomes with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). The current study examined 6-month abstinence rates from a randomized clinical trial targeting 412 HIV-positive adult current smokers (51% European American, 19% African American, and 17% Hispanic American) and tested whether psychosocial variables, such as self-efficacy and decisional balance, mediated the relationship between NRT and long-term abstinence. Meeting criteria for complete mediation, 6-month smoking abstinence rates improved significantly with increases in these mediators, and the assoc...

Effects of nicotine on novelty detection and memory recognition performance: double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of smokers and nonsmokers

Psychopharmacology — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:04:23 +0100

Conclusions These data suggest that acute nicotine administration may exert direct beneficial effects on novelty detection and subsequent memory recognition in both smokers and nonsmokers. Moreover, these effects are not content-specific. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original InvestigationDOI 10.1007/s00213-009-1571-yAuthors Brett Froeliger, Duke University Medical Center Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Box 2701 Durham NC 27708 USADavid G. Gilbert, Southern Illinois University—Carbondale Psychology Department Carbondale IL USAF. Joseph McClernon, Duke University Medical Center Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Box 2701 Durham NC 27708 USA Journal PsychopharmacologyOnline ISSN 1432-2072Print ISSN 0033-3158 (Source: Psycho...

Nicotine withdrawal and craving in adolescents: effects of sex and hormonal contraceptive use.

Addictive Behaviors — Sun, 31 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dickmann PJ, Mooney ME, Allen SS, Hanson K, Hatsukami DK While sex differences in the nicotine withdrawal (NW) symptoms and craving (NC) have been extensively described in adult cigarette smokers, few studies have investigated these phenomena in adolescents. We investigated the effect of gender and hormonal contraception (HC) on NW and NC during the first 14 days of cessation in adolescent smokers using data from a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of the transdermal nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation. Analyses showed similar levels of NW severity in males and females, regardless of HC use. However, significantly higher NC was observed in females compared to males, (2.22+/-0.12 vs. 1.65+/-1.14; p=0.003). Further, females not using HC reported t...

Pharmacogenetics of smoking cessation therapy

American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Nicotine dependence is a major health problem, with a large amount of smoking-related premature deaths and disabilities. The dependence mechanism of nicotine is especially complex and is under strong genetic influence. Smoking cessation is associated with substantial health benefits. Evidence from animal and human studies suggests that genetic polymorphisms influencing pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nicotine may have great potential for aiding smoking treatment. There are more than 30 association studies and one genome-wide association study (GWAS) between genetic polymorphisms and smoking cessation following nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and/or bupropion therapy. However, only a few candidate genes or regions were analyzed more than twice and even these genes require additi...

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APA 2009: Nicotine Patches Reduce Agitation in Smokers With Schizophrenia

Medscape Psychiatry Headlines — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:28:39 +0100

Nicotine replacement therapy -- specifically 21-mg/day transdermal patches -- can decrease agitation and aggressive behavior in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia, according to a randomized controlled trial. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Psychiatry Headlines)

Neurotransmission-related genetic polymorphisms, negative affectivity traits, and gender predict tobacco abstinence symptoms across 44 days with and without nicotine patch.

Journal of Abnormal Psychology — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:50:27 +0100

Genetic and personality trait moderators of tobacco abstinence–symptom trajectories were assessed in a highly controlled study. Based on evidence suggesting their importance in stress reactivity and smoking, moderators studied were serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) polymorphisms and personality traits related to negative affect (NA). Smokers were randomly assigned to quit smoking with nicotine or placebo patches. Financial incentives resulted in 80% verified abstinence across the 44-day study. Individuals with 1 or 2 short alleles of 5-HTTLPR (S carriers) experienced larger increases in NA symptoms than did those without a short allele. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) alleviated anxiety only in S carriers. NRT reduced NA to a greater extent in ...

Effect of preoperative smoking cessation interventions on postoperative complications and smoking cessation.

The British Journal of Surgery — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Surgical patients may benefit from intensive preoperative smoking cessation interventions. These include individual counselling initiated at least 4 weeks before operation and nicotine replacement therapy. PMID: 19358172 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: The British Journal of Surgery)

Nicotine replacement therapy not meant for long-term care

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: After 30 years of smoking, I was able to quit the habit 12 years ago. Since then, I've been chewing about 15 pieces of nicotine gum every day. Can you tell me how this might be affecting my health? I'm in good health overall, but my... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

Nicotine replacement therapy not meant for long-term care

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

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Nicotine replacement therapy not meant for long-term care

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Protocol for the Proactive or Reactive Telephone Smoking CeSsation Support (PORTSSS) Trial

Trials — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

DiscussionThe PORTSSS trial will provide high quality evidence to determine the most appropriate kind of counselling which should be provided via the NHS Smoking Helpline and also whether or not an additional offer of cost-free NRT is effective and cost effective for smoking cessation. Trial Registration (clinicaltrials.gov): NCT00775944 (Source: Trials)

Hn07psmoking cessation in patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer

ANZ Journal of Surgery — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Most patients undergoing treatment of head and neck cancer quitted smoking in response to a personal "crisis", reinforced by the non-smoking hospital environment and consistent medical and family advice. Strategies are needed for the high rate of restarting smoking for successful quitters. (Source: ANZ Journal of Surgery)

Nicotine Replacement Therapy May Be Effective in Smokers Unable to Attempt an Abrupt Quit

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 03:54:58 +0100

A meta-analysis suggests that nicotine replacement therapy effectively achieves sustained smoking abstinence for smokers who have no intention or are unable to attempt an abrupt quit. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Nicotine Replacement Therapy May Be Effective in Smokers Unable to Attempt an Abrupt Quit

Medscape Pulmonary Medicine Headlines — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:00:00 +0100

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Extended treatment of older cigarette smokers

Addiction — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Extended cognitive behavioral treatments can produce high and stable cigarette abstinence rates for both men and women. NRT does not add to the efficacy of extended CBT, and may hamper its efficacy. Research is needed to determine if these results can be replicated in a sample with a greater range of ages, and improved upon with the addition of medications other than NRT. (Source: Addiction)

Nicotine replacement therapy could help smokers quit gradually

Nursing in Practice — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:43:29 +0100

Smokers who are prepared to try to reduce their smoking are twice as likely to stop for good if they use nicotine replacement therapy (Source: Nursing in Practice)

Effect of preoperative smoking cessation interventions on postoperative complications and smoking cessation

British Journal of Surgery — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of preoperative smoking cessation interventions on postoperative complications and smoking cessation itself.Relevant databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of preoperative smoking cessation interventions. Trial inclusion, risk of bias assessment and data extraction were performed by two authors. Risk ratios for the above outcomes were calculated and pooled effects estimated using the fixed-effect method.Eleven RCTs were included containing 1194 patients. Smoking interventions were intensive, medium intensity and less intensive. Follow-up for postoperative complications was 30 days. For smoking cessation it was from the day of surgery to 12 months thereafter. Overall, the interventions significantly reduced the occurre...

Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy Could Help Some Smokers Quit Gradually

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Smokers who do not want to quit right now, but are prepared to try to reduce their smoking are twice as likely to stop smoking in the long-term if they use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to help them cut down gradually, according to research published on bmj.com today. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Nicotine therapy helps smokers stop slowly

Health News - UPI.com — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 21:40:44 +0100

BIRMINGHAM, England, April 3 (UPI) -- Smokers who do not want to quit, but want to cut down, are twice as likely to stop smoking if they use nicotine replacement therapy, British researchers said. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

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Gradual Cutback with Nicotine Replacement Boosts Quit Rates

MedPage Today Primary Care — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:03:33 +0100

SAN FRANCISCO (MedPage Today) -- Smokers who aren't ready to go cold turkey may double their chances of quitting with gradual nicotine replacement therapy, according to a meta-analysis. (Source: MedPage Today Primary Care)

Nicotine Replacement Can Help Smokers Quit Gradually

Modern Medicine — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Smokers who are unwilling or unable to quit abruptly may still find nicotine replacement therapy useful as a means to gradually stop smoking, according to a study published online April 2 in BMJ. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Nicotine replacement could help more smokers quit

Reuters: Health — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:03:42 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - Nicotine replacement therapy can help smokers quit even when they do not think they are ready, researchers reported on Friday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Smoking cessation: aspects of prevention and therapy. The activity of the Smoking Cessation Center of Parma-Italy.

Acta Bio-Medica : Atenei Parmensis — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mariano ME, Elia D, Scarascia A, Tzani P, Giucastro G, Olivieri D, Marangio E The World Health Organization states that only a reduction in tobacco use would lower the number of deaths from cancer. It is possible to decrease the number of deaths by means of prevention and/or smoking cessation. Smoking cessation therapy includes both psychological support and pharmacological treatment: Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), Bupropion Sustained-Release, and Varenicline. The aim of the Smoking Cessation Center of Parma is to provide instruments, methodologies and individual therapies for achieving abstinence or a decrease in tobacco use. The program of the Smoking Cessation Center consists in eight meetings. During the first meeting the smoker undergoes a medical check up, and smoki...

Self-reported smoking cessation activities among Swiss primary care physicians

BMC Family Practice — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The majority of respondents practice recommended smoking cessation interventions. However, there is room for improvement and implementing an evidence-based smoking cessation-training program could provide additional benefit. (Source: BMC Family Practice)

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[Research papers] Using a quitline plus low-cost nicotine replacement therapy to help disadvantaged smokers to quit

Tobacco Control — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Disadvantaged smokers were easily engaged to call the quitline, particularly when offered subsidised NRT. Disadvantaged smokers using the quitline, with and without subsidised NRT, achieved cessation outcomes comparable to other studies of "mainstream" smokers. (Source: Tobacco Control)

Increasing hospital-wide delivery of smoking cessation care for nicotine-dependent in-patients: a multi-strategic intervention trial

Addiction — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Implementation of a multi-strategic intervention is effective in increasing hospital smoking care delivery, particularly the provision of NRT. Research is required to identify methods to increase further the delivery of this and other forms of smoking care. (Source: Addiction)

Tobacco Quitlines and Persons With Mental Illnesses: Perspective, Practice, and Direction

Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The prevalence of tobacco use among persons with mental illnesses is 2 to 3 times that of the general population, and these individuals suffer significant related health disparities. Many people with mental illnesses contact tobacco quitlines for cessation assistance. With free telephone counseling and in some cases nicotine replacement therapy, quitlines offer a potentially effective resource for this population. However, quitlines are still trying to determine how best to meet these callers' unique needs. The authors discuss emerging practices regarding quitline services for persons with mental illnesses, as well as expert opinion for enhancing work with these individuals. (Source: Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association)

Varenicline: a first-line treatment option for smoking cessation.

Clinical Therapeutics — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Varenicline has a unique mechanism of action compared with other first-line options for smoking cessation. Available clinical-trial data support its use as an effective and generally well-tolerated therapy for smoking cessation in healthy adult smokers, although there is a need for further efficacy and safety evaluation in the general population, particularly those with comorbid conditions. PMID: 19393839 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Clinical Therapeutics)

An analysis of the utilisation and expenditure of medicines dispensed for the management of severe asthma.

Ir Med J — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study examines the prescribing patterns of medicines dispensed for the management Asthma/COPD in patients over the age of 35 years using the HSE-Primary Care Reimbursement Services (PCRS) prescribing databases. The HSE-PCRS pharmacy claims data, which covers all those over 70 years of age and means tested for those less than 70 years, was analysed for the years 2005/2006. Approximately 26,548 (17.9%) of patients who were prescribed a respiratory drug received inhaled short-acting beta2 agonists in combination with a regular standard-dose inhaled corticosteroid. A further 5,044 (3.4%) were also prescribed a regular inhaled long-acting beta2 agonist (salmeterol or formoterol). A total of 2506 patients (6.2%) on combination therapy were co-prescribed four different anti-asthmatic treatme...

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[Outpatient smoking cessation: A report on 3,260 cases.]

Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:08:24 +0100

Authors: Groman E, Riemerth A, Steiner-Ringl A, Veitsmeier I, Kroat A, Kroat U, Bernhard G A total number of 3260 smokers were included into a 4-week smoking cessation programme of the Regional Sickness Fund of Lower Austria in which participants were coached by health care professionals. The smoking status of each subject, as determined by measuring expired CO, resulted in a success rate of 70.6% (non-smokers and persons with smoking reduction). Success rates were emerged to increase with decreasing level of baseline nicotine dependence (determined with the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence = FTND). Even in the group of heavily dependent smokers, however, (FTND Score 8-10) a non-smoking rate of 33.9% was achieved. Moreover, an additional 27.6% of the persons of this group h...

[Smoking cessation with Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) - a scientific Update.]

Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:08:24 +0100

Authors: Mulzer KH, Lichtenschopf A, Homeier I, Groman E Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is available in various application forms for the treatment of tobacco addiction. All forms underwent a comprehensive clinical study program (approx. 132 trial) to research on efficacy, safety and influence of environmental conditions. Nicotine gum, patch, nasalspray, microtab, lozenge and inhaler are recommended based on evidence criteria (OR 1.5 to 3.6, variation based on usage conditions and application form. NRT forms are OTC medicines (Exception: Nicotine nasalspray). The quality and the certainty of the nicotine replacement therapy will be enhanced by reflecting considerations concerning the indication, correlation of single NRT form to the appropriate user as well as the right dosage and ...

ORIGINAL INVESTIGATION: Cost-effective Primary Care-Based Strategies to Improve Smoking Cessation: More Value for Money

Archives of Internal Medicine — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Both treatments have a high potential to reduce smoking-related morbidity at a low cost. It is highly recommended that they be implemented as a routine service offered by GPs because in many countries, health insurance plans currently do not fund nicotine replacement therapy. (Source: Archives of Internal Medicine)

Nicotine replacement therapy practices in Finland one year after deregulation of the product sales—Has anything changed from the community pharmacy perspective?

Health Policy — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Despite NRT products’ sales at pharmacies having decreased and especially pharmacy owners’ motivation to counsel NRT usage having diminished, pharmacists still see it as their duty to guide and support SC. (Source: Health Policy)

Nicotine replacement therapy practices in Finland one year after deregulation of the product sales-Has anything changed from the community pharmacy perspective?

Health Policy — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Despite NRT products' sales at pharmacies having decreased and especially pharmacy owners' motivation to counsel NRT usage having diminished, pharmacists still see it as their duty to guide and support SC. PMID: 19195735 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Health Policy)

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Exploring the views of women on using nicotine replacement therapy in pregnancy.

Midwifery — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: exploring the views of women enabled the researchers to gain a greater understanding of the problems and achievements that women encountered when using NRT as an aid to stop smoking during pregnancy. The study also demonstrated that smoking cessation strategies can be successful if they are tailored to the individual needs of each woman, taking into account her dependency, domestic circumstances and willingness to change. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: the findings of this study add to the available research surrounding the efficacy of NRT in pregnancy. There is little evidence that the views of pregnant women have been taken into account prior to this study; as such, this report offers a different dimension to the available evidence. Although these findings could be adopted and u...

Smoking in pregnancy and lactation: a review of risks and cessation strategies

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:33:55 +0100

Conclusions Behavioral interventions report only modest success rates. Nicotine replacement therapy and antidepressants appear to be safe to use in pregnancy, but do not achieve a substantially higher success rate for quitting. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00228-008-0609-0Authors Adrienne Einarson, University of Toronto The Motherisk Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Division of Clinical Pharmacology 555 University Avenue Toronto ON M5G 1X8 CanadaSara Riordan, Arizona Teratology Information Program Tucson AZ USA Journal European Journal of Clinical PharmacologyOnline ISSN 1432-1041Print ISSN 0031-6970 (Source: European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology)

Tobacco use cessation provided by dental hygienists

International Journal of Dental Hygiene — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

To cite this article:Int J Dent Hygiene 7, 2009; 39[ndash]48Ramseier CA, Fundak A. Tobacco use cessation provided by dental hygienists.Abstract: Second to regular mechanical plaque control, tobacco use cessation has become the most important measure for the treatment of periodontal diseases. In contrast to general medical professionals, dental hygienists are seeing their patients regularly and are therefore available for supporting their patients to quit tobacco use. Tobacco use disease consists of both a physical addiction and a psychological dependence. Therefore, the combination of behaviour change support with pharmacotherapy is recommended for tobacco use cessation counselling. The use of brief motivational interviewing for tobacco use short interventions in the dental practice appear...

[Research papers] Modelling the health benefits of smoking cessation in Japan

Tobacco Control — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Smoking cessation can have measurable short-term impacts on the smoking-related mortality burden in Japan. However, to achieve these gains, tobacco control policies should focus both on increasing smokers’ willingness to quit and providing the support and therapies to increase the likelihood that smoking cessation attempts will succeed. (Source: Tobacco Control)

[Research papers] An algorithm for tailoring pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation: results from a Delphi panel of international experts

Tobacco Control — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: An algorithm and guide were developed to assist clinicians in prescribing pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation. There appears to be good justification for "off-label" use such as higher doses of NRT or combination therapy in certain circumstances. This practical tool reflects best evidence to date of experts in tobacco cessation. (Source: Tobacco Control)

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[Research papers] Explaining the social gradient in smoking cessation: it's not in the trying, but in the succeeding

Tobacco Control — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Smokers in more deprived socioeconomic groups are just as likely as those in higher groups to try to stop and use aids to cessation but there is a strong gradient across socioeconomic groups in success, with those in the lowest group being half as likely to succeed compared with the highest. Determining the cause of, and counteracting, this gradient is paramount in reducing health inequalities. (Source: Tobacco Control)

Coronary heart disease risk reduction intervention among overweight smokers with a psychotic disorder: pilot trial.

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:00:57 +0100

Conclusions: A multi-component CHD risk factor intervention among smokers with psychosis appears to be feasible and effective in the short-term. A randomized controlled trial replicating and extending these findings is warranted. PMID: 19153920 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry)

Do implementation issues influence the effectiveness of medications? The case of nicotine replacement therapy and bupropion in UK Stop Smoking Services

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Given that the level of behavioural support received by clients on each medication was identical, the most plausible explanation for the difference in effectiveness between NRT and bupropion perhaps lies with how clients of the Stop Smoking Services obtained their medications. Obtaining NRT was relatively easy for clients throughout the study period whilst this was not the case for bupropion. This study suggests that implementation issues and/or self-selection may influence the effectiveness of medications in health care, as opposed to research, settings. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Sex heterogeneity in pharmacogenetic smoking cessation clinical trials.

Drug and Alcohol Dependence — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Schnoll RA, Patterson F Approximately one-quarter of smokers who use treatments for nicotine dependence are able to achieve cessation. However, there is evidence that women do not respond as well to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and, perhaps, to bupropion, compared to men. In this contribution to the Special Issue of Drug and Alcohol Dependence concerning Women and Smoking, we begin with a brief overview of data supporting the role of sex in influencing response to NRT and bupropion. Next, we summarize the results of pharmacogenetic smoking cessation clinical trials which assessed sex as a moderator as well. A relatively small number of pharmacogenetic studies of nicotine dependence treatments have been conducted and five studies reported sex effects in these trials. Of t...

Citations to trials of nicotine replacement therapy were biased toward positive results and high-impact-factor journals

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Objective: To study variations in the number of times trials of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) were cited, and which characteristics of trials predicted the number of citations and the impact factors of journals in which articles were published.Study Design and Setting: We used all 105 randomized controlled trials in the Cochrane review of NRT for smoking cessation. We obtained impact factors from the Journal Citation Reports and the number of citations from ISI Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar.Results: Trials were cited from 0 to 632 times (median 23 times). Trials were cited more often when results were statistically significant than when they were not (median=41 vs. 17 times, P (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology)

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New Study Shows Nicotine Replacement Therapy Appropriate For Gradual As Well As Abrupt Quitters

Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:00:00 +0100

Nicotine gum has been in use for over 20 years to help smokers quit abruptly yet close to two-thirds of smokers report that they would prefer to quit gradually. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare have now found that smokers who are trying to quit gradually can also be helped by nicotine gum. (Source: Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today)

[Articles] Smoking Restrictions and Treatment for Smoking: Policies and Procedures in Psychiatric Inpatient Units in Australia

Psychiatr Serv — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate establishment of nonsmoking environments and of smoking restriction enforcement as well as inconsistencies in the provision of smoking care were evident. The findings suggest that failure of psychiatric services to provide smoking care is systemic and not related to particular types of services (for example acute versus nonacute or regional versus metropolitan). (Source: Psychiatr Serv)

[Epidemiology] Long-Term Smoking Cessation Outcomes Among Childhood Cancer Survivors in the Partnership for Health Study

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Cessation rates continue to be significantly higher among participants in the PC condition versus SH, although the differences were not large. This article highlights differences in long-term engagement with smoking cessation among those who received the intervention. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy During Pregnancy and Stillbirth: A Cohort Study.

Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:06:25 +0100

Page: 13DOI: 10.1097/01.ogx.0000343878.28835.34Authors: Strandberg-Larsen, K; Tinggaard, M; Andersen, A-M Nybo; Olsen, J; Gronbaek, M (Source: Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey)

Acute responses to nicotine and smoking: Implications for prevention and treatment of smoking in lower SES women.

Drug and Alcohol Dependence — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Perkins KA Compared with men, smoking reward and reinforcement in women tend to be less sensitive to nicotine but more sensitive to the nonpharmacological aspects of cigarette smoking (e.g. cues). Drawing mostly on findings from our laboratory, including new analyses of existing data, we explored whether characteristics possibly related to socioeconomic status (SES) may moderate acute responses to nicotine or smoking in women. Effects of nicotine in nonsmokers and in smokers were thought to identify factors that may be involved in the onset of nicotine dependence and in persistence of dependence, respectively. In nonsmokers, impulsive personality, prior marijuana use, and DRD2 and DRD4 genotypes may moderate nicotine responses in men but apparently not in women. However, the D...

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Over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy: Can its impact on smoking cessation be enhanced?

Psychology of Addictive Behaviors — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) are efficacious smoking-cessation aids. However, only minimal increases in smoking cessation followed NRTs being made available over-the-counter (OTC), which presumably made these treatments more readily available. To better understand why the United States did not experience improvements in smoking cessation following the OTC availability of NRTs, it is useful to review factors that determine NRT's impact on smoking cessation and how these factors played out with the introduction of OTC NRT. The authors contend that for NRTs to have a greater impact on public health, increases are needed in the number of individuals making a quit attempt, the proportion using NRTs in a quit attempt, and the effectiveness of each quit attempt. Even small increases in t...

Smoking cessation interventions and older adults.

Progress in Cardiovascular Nursing — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:20:42 +0100

This article examines the current state of research and practice for older adults and smoking cessation interventions. For over 17 years, the health care literature has mandated that people of all ages be provided with smoking cessation interventions. However, smoking cessation interventions are offered to older adults at suboptimal rates. Nurses, especially those caring for clients in the inpatient setting, have an opportunity to provide smoking cessation interventions to older smokers. Recent research has shown that older smokers, particularly those hospitalized with cardiovascular disease, can quit at high rates when provided an intervention. Furthermore, use of nicotine replacement therapy has been shown to be safe and efficacious among older smokers with cardiovascular disease. PM...

A Digital Smoking Cessation Program Delivered Through Internet and Cell Phone Without Nicotine Replacement (Happy Ending): Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Medical Internet Research — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This 12-month trial documents a long-term treatment effect of a fully automated smoking cessation intervention without the use of nicotine replacement therapy. The study adds to the promise of using digital media in supporting behavior change. (Source: Journal of Medical Internet Research)

Race and nicotine replacement treatment outcomes among low-income smokers.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 09:53:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that racial/ethnic minorities are as likely to quit smoking at a level similar to whites when using cessation treatment that includes NRT. Given documented disparities in the use of evidence-based cessation treatments such as NRT, interventions are sorely needed to improve access and utilization of these treatments in racial/ethnic minority groups. PMID: 19012837 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine)

Partial nicotinic acetylcholine (α4β2) agonists as promising new medications for smoking cessation

Indian Journal of Pharmacology — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 04:46:09 +0100

Conclusion:</b> Partial agonist &#945;4&#946; 2 nAChR appears to be a promising target in smoking cessation. Varenicline of this group is approved for treatment of smoking cessation by the FDA in May 2006. (Source: Indian Journal of Pharmacology)

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Study Says Nicotine Replacement Safe in Pregnancy

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:21:49 +0100

A new study out of Denmark suggests that women who use nicotine patches or gum during pregnancy do not increase the risk of stillbirth and that nicotine replacement therapy could be considered a "possible harm-reduction strategy." (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

The Role of Engagement in a Tailored Web-Based Smoking Cessation Program: Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Medical Internet Research — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Results of this study suggest that one of the mechanisms underlying the impact of Web-based smoking cessation interventions is engagement with the program. The source of the message, the degree of message tailoring, and the timing of exposure appear to influence Web-based program engagement. (Source: Journal of Medical Internet Research)

Nicotine Replacement Therapy in Pregnancy Does Not Increase the Risk of Stillbirth

Medscape Ob/Gyn & Women's Health Headlines — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:37:59 +0100

The use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) during pregnancy does not appear to increase the risk of stillbirth, according to findings published in the October issue of BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Ob/Gyn & Women's Health Headlines)

Nicotine replacement safe during pregnancy

Reuters: Health — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:19:59 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - For women trying to quit smoking during pregnancy, using nicotine replacement therapy such as nicotine patches or nicotine gum does not increase the likelihood of a stillbirth, a study shows. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Addressing heavy drinking in smoking cessation treatment: A randomized clinical trial.

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 08:15:31 +0100

Heavy alcohol use frequently co-occurs with cigarette smoking and may impede smoking cessation. This clinical trial examined whether smoking cessation treatment that incorporates brief alcohol intervention can improve smoking cessation outcomes (7-day verified point prevalence abstinence) and reduce drinks consumed per week. Heavy drinkers seeking smoking cessation treatment were assigned by urn randomization to receive, along with 8 weeks of nicotine replacement therapy, either a 4-session standard smoking cessation treatment (ST, n = 119) or standard treatment of equal intensity that incorporated brief alcohol intervention (ST-BI, n = 117). Across follow-ups over 26 weeks, participants in ST-BI reported approximately 20% fewer drinks per week (p < .027) and greater smoking abstinence (ad...

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Women's use of nicotine replacement therapy in pregnancy-a structured review of the literature.

Midwifery — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: smoking cessation is unique to individual women; as such, appropriate support and advice should be tailored accordingly. Further research is needed to explore the views of women using NRT during pregnancy to aid smoking cessation. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: the findings from this structured review raise awareness of the importance of smoking cessation during pregnancy, and the inclusion of women's views when discussing the use of NRT. Understanding women's views may enhance the care and advice given by midwives, thus improving smoking cessation rates in pregnancy. PMID: 18926608 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Midwifery)

REVIEW ARTICLE: Smoking Cessation Interventions for Hospitalized Smokers: A Systematic Review

Archives of Internal Medicine — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Offering smoking cessation counseling to all hospitalized smokers is effective as long as supportive contacts continue for more than 1 month after discharge. Adding nicotine replacement therapy to counseling may further increase smoking cessation rates and should be offered when clinically indicated, especially to hospitalized smokers with nicotine withdrawal symptoms. (Source: Archives of Internal Medicine)

A pilot randomised controlled trial of the feasibility of using body scan and isometric exercises for reducing urge to smoke in a smoking cessation clinic

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Isometric exercises, and to a lesser extent body scan, were popular and perceived as somewhat helpful by quitters. The trial showed that these techniques were used and a larger trial could now be developed to examine the influence of the methods on reducing urges to smoke and increasing abstinence. Trial registration number ISRCTN70036823 (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Effectiveness of a mobile smoking cessation service in reaching elderly smokers and predictors of quitting

BMC Geriatrics — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This mobile smoking cessation programme was acceptable to elderly Chinese smokers, with quit rate comparable to other comprehensive programmes in the West. A mobile clinic is a promising model to reach the elderly and probably other hard to reach smokers. (Source: BMC Geriatrics)

Nicotine Gum for Pregnant Smokers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Obstetrics and Gynecology — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Although nicotine gum did not increase quit rates, use of nicotine gum increased birth weight and gestational age, two key parameters in predicting neonatal wellbeing. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00115687 LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I. PMID: 18827129 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology)

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Relationship between adherence to daily nicotine patch use and treatment efficacy: Secondary analysis of a 10 week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial simulating over-the-counter use in adult smokers.

Clinical Therapeutics — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Under conditions simulating over-thecounter use, adherence to daily nicotine patch wear within the first 3 weeks of treatment was associated with an improved likelihood of achieving smoking abstinence at 6 weeks. PMID: 19014840 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Therapeutics)

Relationship between adherence to daily nicotine patch use and treatment efficacy: secondary analysis of a 10-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial simulating over-the-counter use in adult smokers.

Clinical Therapeutics — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Under conditions simulating over-the-counter use, adherence to daily nicotine patch wear within the first 3 weeks of treatment was associated with an improved likelihood of achieving smoking abstinence at 6 weeks. PMID: 19014840 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Therapeutics)

Nicotine receptor partial agonists for smoking cessation.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:44:07 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Varenicline increased the chances of successful long-term smoking cessation between two- and threefold compared with pharmacologically unassisted quit attempts. More participants quit successfully with varenicline than with bupropion. One open-label trial of varenicline versus nicotine replacement therapy demonstrated a modest benefit of varenicline. The effectiveness of varenicline as an aid to relapse prevention has not been clearly established. The main adverse effect of varenicline is nausea, but mostly at mild to moderate levels and tending to subside over time. Possible links with serious adverse events, including depressed mood, agitation and suicidal thoughts, are currently under review.There is a need for independent community-based trials of varenicline, to test its ...

WHO Warns Against Electronic Cigarettes

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:21:52 +0100

World Health Organization officials say they don't consider so-called electronic cigarettes to be legitimate forms of nicotine-replacement therapy for smokers trying to quit. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

World Health Organization cautions against claims made by ‘electronic cigarette’ manufacturers

News-Medical News Feed — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:31:00 +0100

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an attack on advertisers who are claiming that an electronic cigarette - a battery-powered product usually made of stainless steel and resembling a real cigarette - is a safe or legitimate nicotine replacement therapy for smokers trying to quit. (Source: News-Medical News Feed)

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Marketers Of Electronic Cigarettes Should Halt Unproved Therapy Claims

Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100

Contrary to what some marketers of the electronic cigarette imply in their advertisements, the World Health Organization (WHO) does not consider it to be a legitimate therapy for smokers trying to quit. "The electronic cigarette is not a proven nicotine replacement therapy," said Dr Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General of WHO's Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster. "WHO has no scientific evidence to confirm the product's safety and efficacy. (Source: Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today)

Nicotine dependence, psychological distress and personality traits as possible predictors of smoking cessation. Results of a double-blind study with nicotine patch.

Addictive Behaviors — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine dependence, neuroticism, psychoticism and, over time, psychological distress were the main factors influencing the long-term outcome (i.e., up to 12 months) of smoking cessation under NRT. PMID: 18804918 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Addictive Behaviors)

Is Australia headed for an epidemic of nicotine replacement therapy addicts?

Med J Aust — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Paul CL, Tzelepis F, Walsh RA, Bonevski B PMID: 18803544 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Med J Aust)

Smoking Cessation Intervention for Female Prisoners: Addressing an Urgent Public Health Need.

American Journal of Public Health — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:50:49 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Female prisoners are interested in smoking cessation interventions and achieved point-prevalence quit rates similar to community samples. Augmenting tobacco control policies in prison with smoking cessation interventions has the potential to address a significant public health need. PMID: 18703440 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Public Health)

A Randomized Trial of Nicotine Nasal Spray in Adolescent Smokers

PEDIATRICS — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS. The unpleasant adverse effects, poor adherence, and consequent lack of efficacy observed in our pilot study do not support the use of nicotine nasal spray as an adjunct to counseling for adolescent smokers who wish to quit. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

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Pregnant smokers are receptive to smoking cessation advice and use of nicotine replacement therapy

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Pregnant women who identified themselves as smokers were surveyed to ascertain their attitudes towards and likelihood of using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) if it were to be provided free of charge at antenatal clinics. Smokers were asked to participate in a brief anonymous survey to identify current levels of smoking, nicotine dependence, attitudes towards cessation, use of cessation aids and whether they would use free NRT if it were provided with support at antenatal clinics. The majority of women were supportive of NRT being offered to pregnant smokers (87%), and 64% reported they would be very likely to use NRT if it were offered free from the antenatal clinic. These results provide strong support for a comprehensive cessation strategy implemented in antenatal clinics. (Source: T...

Use of nicotine replacement therapy during pregnancy and stillbirth: a cohort study

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to examine whether the use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) during pregnancy increases the risk of stillbirth.Design Cohort study with prospective data.Setting Denmark 1996[ndash]2002.Population A total of 87 032 singleton pregnancies enrolled in the Danish National Birth Cohort for which information on NRT use as well as smoking was available.Methods Outcome of pregnancy was identified by register linkage, with (Source: BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

BJOG Release: Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy During Pregnancy

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:00:00 +0100

Smoking during pregnancy is known to increase the risk of stillbirth and pregnancy complications. To assist in smoking cessation, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is commonly prescribed but there is little information about the effects of NRT on a pregnant woman and her baby. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Confusion About Nicotine May Stop Smokers From Kicking The Habit

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:00 +0100

Over two thirds of smokers incorrectly believe that nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, like NiQuitin, are just as harmful as cigarettes, and this misconception may even be stopping them from getting the support they need to give up smoking. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Smoking: A Deadly Pleasant Habit--Is There a Way Out?

Angiology — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

It was not until 1958 that the first major epidemiologic study demonstrated a strong correlation between smoking and cardiovascular disease. Although not providing definitive evidence that tobacco smoke was responsible for the increased coronary risk, it prompted the first anti-smoking measures by the US Surgeon General in his 1964 report. Smoking is a highly addictive (biological and psychological) habit. The severity of withdrawal symptoms that patients find distressing can be reduced by nicotine replacement therapy. Bupropion SR was the first nonnicotine medication shown to be effective for smoking cessation. Its possible mechanisms of action include blockade of neuronal reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine and blockade of nicotinic acetylcholinergic receptors. Varenicline, a nicotin...

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In vitro tooth whitening effect of two medicated chewing gums compared to a whitening gum and saliva

BioMed Central — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The tested Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) chewing gums were more effective in the removal of the extrinsic tooth stain. This visible improvement in tooth whitening appearance could strengthen the smokers' motivation to quit smoking. (Source: BioMed Central)

Trends in Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance Coverage for Tobacco-Dependence Treatments.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Although coverage levels have improved, they still fall short of the recommendations made in the U.S. Public Health Service guidelines as well as in the Healthy People2010 objectives. Given the effectiveness, cost effectiveness, public demand for coverage, and relatively low cost of covering TDTs-estimated to be $3-$6 per member per year-it is difficult to understand why such coverage is not more widely available in California. PMID: 18692982 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine)

Varenicline May Be Better Than Transdermal Nicotine Replacement to Quit Smoking

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:00:00 +0100

A randomized, open-label trial shows that patients who use varenicline vs transdermal nicotine replacement therapy have higher abstinence rates from cigarette smoking. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

Which drug to be used in smoking cessation? - Tønnesen P.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:50:23 +0100

There are 3 first-line medications for smoking cessation i.e. nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), varenicline (a partial nicotine receptor agonist) and slow-release (SR) bupropion. All 3 agents approximately double 1-year quit rates when used for 3 months,... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Patterns of motivations and ways of quitting smoking among Polish smokers: A questionnaire study

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The majority of Polish smokers, including patients with tobacco-related diseases, attempt to quit without smoking cessation assistance, thus there is a need for a broader professional help for them. There is also a lack of general information on hazards related to tobacco and further anti-tobacco campaigns in media are needed. Finally, former smokers should be given more attention and periodic inquiries regarding the smoking habit are worthwhile. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

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Tobacco Quitline Use Enhancing Benefit and Increasing Abstinence.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the promotion of an expanded NRT benefit can increase quitline utilization and abstinence rates. PMID: 18675528 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine)

Free nicotine replacement therapy would be popular

MedWire News - Respiratory — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Over half of current smokers would be interested in using nicotine replacement therapy if it was offered free of charge, Canadian researchers report. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory)

"Cut Down to Quit" -- New Designation For Nicotine Replacement Therapy: A Best Evidence Review

Medscape PublicHealth Headlines — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:00:00 +0100

Can cutting back while still taking NRT lead to successful smoking cessation? How does this newly licensed use expand options for current smokers and their clinicians? Medscape Family Medicine (Source: Medscape PublicHealth Headlines)

[Smoking] Varenicline versus transdermal nicotine patch for smoking cessation: results from a randomised open-label trial

Thorax — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The outcomes of this trial established that abstinence from smoking was greater and craving, withdrawal symptoms and smoking satisfaction were less at the end of treatment with varenicline than with transdermal NRT. Trial registration number: NCT00143325. (Source: Thorax)

Intentions of smokers to use free nicotine replacement therapy.

cmaj — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cunningham JA, Selby PL Public health initiatives to distribute nicotine replacement therapy free of charge as a means of promoting smoking cessation are ongoing. Are there enough smokers interested in using nicotine replacement therapy to have a substantial impact on the prevalence of smoking if this aid were distributed free to all interested smokers? We conducted a telephone survey of 825 randomly selected daily smokers aged 18 years or older who had smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day at some point in their lives. Overall, 58.9% of the respondents said they would be interested in nicotine replacement therapy if it were offered for free. Of those interested, almost all (93.8%) said that they would use the nicotine replacement therapy to help them quit for good. There were...

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Nicotine patches and uninsured quitline callers a randomized trial of two versus eight weeks.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 09:44:13 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks of patches improved quit rates compared with 2 weeks, and was cost effective. PMID: 18617079 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine)

Nicotine replacement therapy to be launched in Japan.

Inpharma Weekly — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:09:37 +0100

Page: 19 (Source: Inpharma Weekly)

What are the most effective ways you can help patients stop smoking?

The Journal of Family Practice — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Shah ZH, Rao S, Mayo HG, Fashner J Brief counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, antidepressants, and varenicline all work well. Physician intervention should begin with routine assessment of smoking status for all patients. Brief (3 minutes or less) smoking cessation counseling improves quit rates. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), antidepressants (bupropion and nortriptyline), and the nicotine receptor partial agonist varenicline are effective and should be offered to help smokers quit. PMID: 18625173 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of Family Practice)

Smoking cessation therapy considerations for patients with chronic kidney disease.

Nephrology Nursing Journal — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

This article reviews NRT, bupropion, and varenicline pharmacokinetics and dosing literature for patients with CKD. Evidence for the benefit of smoking cessation in patients with CKD is also reviewed. PMID: 18782998 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Nephrology Nursing Journal)

[Cost effectiveness analysis of varenicline (Champix(R)) for the treatment of smoking in Spain.]

Anales de Medicina Interna — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Varenicline is a dominant option (more effective at a lower cost) compared with all other smoking cessation treatments when the timeframe is the life span of the patient. Varenicline is cost-effective even when shorter timeframes are considered (20 years or more), with an estimated incremental cost per QALY far bellow any threshold commonly accepted in our environment. PMID: 19295994 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Anales de Medicina Interna)

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Nicotine replacement therapy to be launched in Japan.

Inpharma — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:15:27 +0100

(Source: Inpharma)

Maternal tobacco smoking, nicotine replacement and neurobehavioural development

Acta Paediatrica — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion based on the clear, adverse effects of nicotine on brain development observed in human and animal studies, we suggest that safer alternatives for smoking cessation in pregnancy are badly needed. (Source: Acta Paediatrica)

The Chinese Community Smoking Cessation Project: A Community Sensitive Intervention Trial

Journal of Community Health — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:02:26 +0100

Abstract This paper describes (1) the design, methods and baseline data of the first smoking cessation clinical trial for Chinese Americans with medical conditions - Chinese Community Smoking Cessation Project (CCSCP); (2) the collaborative process between researchers and the Chinese community; and (3) the barriers and facilitators of implementing the study. CCSCP was a culturally tailored, randomized, smoking cessation trial testing the efficacy of an intensive (physician advice, in-person counseling with nicotine replacement therapy, 5 telephone calls) compared to a minimal (physician advice and self-help manual) intervention. The study applied a community-sensitive research method involving community members in all phases of the research process in San Francisco Bay Are...

Scheme in Dundee will see smokers paid to quit

NeLM Headline News — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

According to a report by NetDoctor, a £500,000 joint scheme between the Scottish government and local authorities in Dundee will see 900 smokers in poor communities paid as an incentive to help them quit. In the 12-week scheme, they will be given an electronic card with a weekly credit balance of £12.50 that can be exchanged for groceries at local supermarkets (excluding alcohol or cigarettes). Participants will receive Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) during the course of the treatment and will be able to access local counselling, support groups and exercise facilities. They will have to undergo weekly tests to ensure they haven't resumed smoking. (Source: NeLM Headline News)

Use of nicotine replacement therapy among never smokers in the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

Drug and Alcohol Dependence — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gerlach KK, Rohay JM, Gitchell JG, Shiffman S Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) have been available without a prescription in the United States since 1996. Given that nicotine, at least as it is delivered through tobacco products, is addictive, we examined whether NRT was being used by individuals who have never smoked cigarettes. Adults (n=18,986) and adolescents (n=9187) who participated in the in-home survey and physical examination components of the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were assessed for cigarette smoking status, other tobacco use or exposure, and use of NRT. Among the 8415 adults (ages 20 and older) who reported never having smoked 100 cigarettes and who provided a blood sample during their physical exam, 3 (0.08%; 95% CI=0.02-0.2...

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Genetic variation in the serotonin pathway and smoking cessation with nicotine replacement therapy: New data from the Patch in Practice trial and pooled analyses.

Drug and Alcohol Dependence — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: David SP, Johnstone EC, Murphy MF, Aveyard P, Guo B, Lerman C, Munafò MR The serotonin pathway has been implicated in nicotine dependence and may influence smoking cessation. Therefore, 792 cigarette smokers from the Patch in Practice trial were genotyped for the tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH1 A779C), serotonin transporter (SLC6A45-HTTLPR), and 5-HT(1A) (HTR1A C-1019G) polymorphisms. Cox regression analysis did not demonstrate significant effects of any of the three genotypes on relapse to smoking: TPH1 (Reference AA; AC: hazard ratio (HR) 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78, 1.24, p=0.90; CC: HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.73, 1.18, p=0.55); 5-HTTLPR (Reference LL; SL: HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.85, 1.20, p=0.90; SS: HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.91, 1.39, p=0.27); HTR1A (Reference CC; CG: HR 1.04, 95%...

Clusters Of Genetic Variants Linked To Distinct Treatment Responses For Smoking Cessation

Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +0100

This study, supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was published in the June issue of the journal Archives of General Psychiatry. (Source: Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today)

Gene Variants May Guide Selection of Smoking Cessation Treatment

Medscape Pathology Headlines — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:15:00 +0100

"Quit-success" genes are specific to an individual's likelihood of success with bupropion or nicotine replacement therapy. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Pathology Headlines)

Clusters of Genetic Variants Linked to Distinct Treatment Responses for Smoking Cessation

National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:00:00 +0100

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Molecular Genetics of Successful Smoking Cessation: Convergent Genome-Wide Association Study Results

Archives of General Psychiatry — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions These results support polygenic genetics for success in abstaining from smoking, overlap with genetics of substance dependence and memory, and nominate gene variants for selective influences on therapeutic responses to bupropion vs NRT. Molecular genetics should help match the types and/or intensity of antismoking treatments with the smokers most likely to benefit from them. (Source: Archives of General Psychiatry)

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Outcome from a Community-based Smoking Cessation Program for Persons with Serious Mental Illness.

Community Mental Health Journal — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Currie SR, Karltyn J, Lussier D, de Denus E, Brown D, El-Guebaly N Six and 12-month outcomes are reported on 79 mentally ill persons attending either a 4- or 8-session community-based smoking cessation group. Quit rates at post, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups were 16, 19, 16, and 19%, respectively, with no significant effect of program length. These success rates are comparable to outcomes reported following group-based treatment with mentally healthy smokers. The majority of quitters used nicotine replacement therapy. Psychotropic medication dosages did not vary over time in quitters or non-quitters. No reductions in smoking were observed among non-quitters. Quitting smoking had no untoward effects on symptoms of mental illness or general functioning. PMID: 18049896 [Pub...

Varenicline in the treatment of tobacco dependence

Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:11:34 +0100

Karl Fagerström1, John Hughes21Smokers Information Centre, Fagerström Consulting AB, Berga Alle 1, 25452 Helsingborg, Sweden; 2University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USAAbstract: Varenicline, a partial agonist of α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, is the most recently approved drug for smoking cessation. This paper reviews the outcomes of Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials that assess the efficacy of varenicline in comparison to placebo and other smoking cessation pharmacotherapies, ie, sustained-release bupropion (bupropion SR) and nicotine transdermal patch. Varenicline has higher abstinence rates than placebo and the alternative active treatments at the end of standard regimen treatment periods. Significantly higher abstinence rates were also found with v...

Nicotine Replacement Therapy Does Help Smokers to Quit

The Medscape Journal of Medicine Latest — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:56:43 +0100

Dr. George Lundberg discusses the benefits of nicotine replacement therapy. The Medscape Journal of Medicine (Source: The Medscape Journal of Medicine Latest)

Does the Use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy During Pregnancy Affect Pregnancy Outcomes?

Maternal and Child Health Journal — Wed, 14 May 2008 06:17:27 +0100

Conclusions Risks of low birthweight and preterm birth were highest for women prescribed or recommended NRT. These findings may be related to frequency of maternal smoking. While heavier smokers may be more likely to be recommended NRT, they also may have the most difficulty with cessation. Greater efforts should be made to ensure that these women do successfully cease smoking. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10995-008-0361-1Authors Kimberly H. Gaither, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Department of Public Health Sciences 9201 University City Boulevard Charlotte NC 28223-0001 USALarissa R. Brunner Huber, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Department of Public Health Sciences 9201 University City Boulevard Charlotte NC 28223-0001 USAMichael E. Thompso...

A Computerized Aid to Support Smoking Cessation Treatment for Hospital Patients

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Fri, 09 May 2008 06:27:02 +0100

Conclusions Adding a brief tobacco order set to an existing computerized order-entry system increased a hospital’s provision of evidence-based tobacco treatment and helped to improve its performance on a publicly reported quality measure. It provides a model for US hospitals seeking to improve their quality of care for inpatients. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Brief ReportDOI 10.1007/s11606-008-0610-4Authors Kate E. Koplan, Harvard Medical School Boston MA USASusan Regan, Harvard Medical School Boston MA USARobert C. Goldszer, Harvard Medical School Boston MA USALouise I. Schneider, Harvard Medical School Boston MA USANancy A. Rigotti, Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA Journal Journal of General Internal MedicineOnline ISSN 1525-1497Print ISSN 0884-...

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Increased Pancreatic Beta-Cell Apoptosis following Fetal and Neonatal Exposure to Nicotine Is Mediated via the Mitochondria

Toxicological Sciences — Wed, 07 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

In Canada, nicotine replacement therapy is recommended as a safe smoking cessation aid for pregnant women. However, we have shown in an animal model that fetal and neonatal nicotine exposure causes increased beta-cell apoptosis and loss of beta-cell mass, which leads to the development of postnatal dysglycemia and obesity. The goal of this study was to determine whether the observed beta-cell apoptosis is mediated via the mitochondrial and/or death receptor pathway. Female Wistar rats were given saline (control) or nicotine bitartrate (1 mg/kg/day) via sc injection for 2 weeks prior to mating until weaning (postnatal day 21). At weaning, pancreas tissue was collected for Western blotting, electron microscopy (EM), and immunohistochemistry. Key markers of each apoptotic pathway were examine...

Improving alcohol and tobacco history taking by junior medical officers

Alcohol and Alcoholism — Sat, 03 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our study suggests that individual feedback on performance with education about desired standards is effective in improving the quality of recording of alcohol histories by Junior Medical Officers. (Source: Alcohol and Alcoholism)

What Do Mothers Think About Concurrent Breast-Feeding and Smoking?

Ambulatory Pediatrics — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Mothers in this sample believe that women who smoke or take NRT should not breast-feed. Smoking status affected women's infant feeding practices. Correction of misinformation could increase breast-feeding rates. PMID: 18501868 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Ambulatory Pediatrics)

A review of the efficacy of smoking-cessation pharmacotherapies in nonwhite populations.

Clinical Therapeutics — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Data from the studies in this review support the use of smoking-cessation pharmacotherapy (nicotine patch and bupropion SR) in nonwhite patients. Black patients, who smoked within 30 minutes of awakening, smoked mentholated cigarettes, and had high salivary cotinine levels may have difficulty quitting regardless of the number of cigarettes smoked per day; therefore, determining the type of cigarettes smoked (mentholated vs nonmentholated) and salivary cotinine levels may be helpful in assessing the severity of smoking addiction and guide pharmacotherapy (eg, starting at higher doses of nicotine-replacement therapy in a light smoker). Other than smoking-cessation behavioral studies, there is a lack of congruent smoking-cessation pharmacotherapy studies in American Indian/Alaska...