A UNMC researcher says the prescription nicotine inhaler could be used to reduce smoking as a step toward smoking cessation.
Results of the study, which was led by Stephen Rennard, M.D., were presented recently at the Eighth Annual Meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT).
Smokers in the study who used the prescription Nicotrol Inhaler, a safe, effective product recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General as one of the first-line smoking cessation therapies, had significantly higher reduction success rates than patients given placebo. For the purpose of the study, success was defined as a 50 percent reduction in cigarettes per day, verified by exhaled carbon monoxide. Results from the study suggest that such a reduction in cigarette consumption can result in more smokers increasing their intention to quit.
“These results are important as they show that smoking reduction may play an important role as another approach in the treatment of tobacco dependence,” Dr. Rennard said. “Smoking cessation should always remain the overriding goal; however, the study suggests that nicotine replacement therapy can be an important tool to help smokers reduce their daily cigarette use.”
Tobacco is the single most preventable risk to human health, accounting for approximately 3.5 million deaths annually — about 10,000 every day. By the year 2020, it is predicted that tobacco-related deaths annually will exceed deaths from AIDS, tuberculosis, maternal mortality, auto accidents, murder and suicide combined.
About the study
Led by Dr. Rennard, the study examined whether the nicotine inhaler could be used to reduce smoking as a step toward smoking cessation. The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study recruited 429 smokers who smoked 20 or more cigarettes a day for at least three years. Of the 429 participants, 215 were in the active treatment group, and 214 were given placebo. Participants used the inhaler whenever they felt the urge to smoke, with the aim of reducing smoking as much as possible. Smoking reduction was verified by measuring exhaled carbon monoxide.
The study found that treatment with the nicotine inhaler versus placebo resulted in statistically significant smoking reduction success throughout the 12 month period they were allowed to use the inhaler.
Study participants showed a positive change in their attitude toward quitting smoking. In fact, some smokers reported they were able to quit altogether, even though cessation was not their original goal when enrolling in the study.
There also were significant improvements in smoking-related symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, sense of smell and taste, and shortness of breath. The study, which was supported by Pharmacia, found that using the nicotine inhaler concomitantly with smoking over a one-year-period is well tolerated and showed no significant adverse events.
What is the Nicotrol Inhaler?
The Nicotrol Inhaler consists of a mouthpiece and a cartridge containing a nicotine-impregnated plug. The smoker inhales through the mouthpiece, using either shallow or deep puffs. The inhaled air contains nicotine, which is absorbed mainly through the mouth and throat. The Inhaler releases less nicotine per puff than a cigarette and does not contain a cigarette’s harmful tars, carbon monoxide and smoke. When a smoker tries to quit, he or she can use the Nicotrol Inhaler longer and more often to help control cigarette cravings. Treatment up to three months and if needed, a gradual reduction over the next 6-12 weeks is recommended. Total treatment should not exceed six months.
Like all medications, the Nicotrol Inhaler may cause side effects. The most frequently reported side effects were local irritation in throat and mouth, coughing, and upset stomach. Nicotrol Inhaler therapy is recommended for use as part of a comprehensive behavioral smoking cessation program.
For full prescribing information, visit http://www.nicotrol.com or call 1-888-NICOTROL (for consumers) or 1-800-323-4204 (for health professionals).