Smoking Cessation Resource Center: Clinical Studies

Nicotine lozenge efficacy in light smokers

Saul Shiffman
August 24, 2004

Background :
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has been proven to be effective in heterogeneous groups of smokers. However, analyses have not specifically examined efficacy among light smokers (≤15 cigarettes per day). The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of a nicotine lozenge in light smokers.

Methods:
We conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial contrasting active 2mg nicotine lozenge with placebo, and contrasting light smokers (≤15 cigarettes per day) with moderate-heavy smokers (>15 cigarettes per day). Participants were 917 smokers who smoked their first cigarette >30 min after waking, and were randomized to active (n = 459) or placebo (n = 458) lozenge. Biochemically verified continuous abstinence was measured at 6 weeks and 1 year.

Results :
Nicotine lozenge significantly increased quit rates relative to placebo at 6 weeks (45.7% versus 31.1%; OR= 1.9 [1.3-2.8]) and at 1 year (19.2% versus 10.0%; OR= 2.3 [1.3-4.0]) among light smokers. Efficacy among light smokers did not differ from that among heavier smokers (ps > 0.50).

Conclusion :
The nicotine lozenge is effective for light smokers.

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