To the Editor: Growing revenue from the sale of products for nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT), such as nicotine patches, has fuelled media interest in the likelihood that “reformed smokers” are “getting hooked on nicotine replacement”.1 While there may be anecdotal evidence of long-term use, there are no current population-based data to indicate whether this is the case in Australia.
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- 1. Harrison D. Ciggy substitute abuse on rise. Sydney Morning Herald 2008; 30 Mar. http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/ciggy-substitute-abuse-on-rise/2008/03/29/1206207492941.html (accessed Jul 2008).
- 2. Hyland A, Rezaishiraz H, Giovion G, et al. Over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation. Nicotine Tob Res 2005; 7: 547-555.
- 3. Shiffman S, Hughes JR, Pillitteri JL, Burton SL. Persistent use of nicotine replacement therapy: an analysis of actual purchase patterns in a population based sample. Tob Control 2003; 12: 310-316.
- 4. Paul CL, Walsh RA, Girgis A. Nicotine replacement therapy products over-the-counter: real-life use in the Australian community. Aust N Z J Public Health 2003; 27: 491-495.
- 5. Walsh RA. Over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy: a methodological review of the evidence supporting its effectiveness. Drug Alcohol Rev 2008; 27: 200-203.
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This letter was prepared by the Centre for Health Research & Psycho-oncology (CHeRP). CHeRP is funded by the Cancer Council NSW and the University of Newcastle, and receives infrastructure support from the Hunter Medical Research Institute. We acknowledge the statistical support of Mr Christophe Lecathelinais and the time contribution of the study participants.