Comparison Of Nicotine Lozenges And Patches

A smoking-cessation study comparing the effectiveness of nicotine patches and lozenges is under way at the Medical College of Georgia.

Participants, who must be at least age 18 and smoke at least 10 cigarettes per day, will receive a 12-week supply of either replacement treatment as well as five counseling sessions.

Nicotine patches and lozenges are designed to reduce withdrawal symptoms but their effectiveness has not been compared, says Darlene Gibson, research nurse. "There are some people in whom lozenges are thought to work better because they need that immediate gratification, rather than just the constant release of patches," she says.

"The harmful effects from smoking tobacco products are well-known," says Dr. Daron G. Ferris, director of the MCG Gynecologic Cancer Prevention Center and a principal investigator. "However, kicking the habit can be challenging for a number of smokers. Nicotine replacement helps ease withdrawal symptoms when stopping cigarettes".

Participants will receive a smoking-reduction regimen with a targeted stop date after which they'll be randomized to get either patches or lozenges. They'll be followed for 27 weeks. Five free counseling sessions will help participants look at their lifestyle, why they smoke and ways to break the habit.

By Toni Baker



Posted by: Janet    Source