4006.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - Board 8

Abstract #2436

Effectiveness of an over-the-counter nicotine inhaler

Scott J. Leischow, PhD, Myra Muramoto, MD, James Ranger-Moore, PhD, and Anne Longton, BA. Arizona Program for Nicotine and Tobacco Research, The University of Arizona, 1145 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719, 520-626-7863, leischow@u.arizona.edu

Subjects (n=520) wishing to quit smoking were randomly assigned to use nicotine inhaler (Nicotrol Nicotine Inhaler) in an OTC (no behavioral support) or a health care provider-based (HCP) minimal intervention. In the HCP condition, a Nurse Practitioner provided 10 - 15 mins. of behavioral intervention and inhaler use guidelines at both the Post Screen and Week 2 visits. In the OTC condition, no behavioral counseling or inhaler use guidelines were provided during the study. In both conditions, the recommended dosage was 6 to 12 cartridges per day. Subjects purchased inhalers ad lib for up to 26 weeks.

Point prevalence abstinence percentages for the OTC and HCP groups were as follows (respectively): Week 2: 12 vs. 25, Week 6: 11 vs. 22, Week 26: 7 vs 13, Week 52: 9 vs 6. Percent continuously abstinent in the OTC and HCP groups were (respectively): Week 2: 7 vs. 14, Week 6: 4 vs. 11, Week 26: 2 vs 5, Week 52: 0 vs 2. Differences at weeks 2, 6, and 26 were significant in both analyses. Medication purchase and use patterns will be reported. These data suggest that health care provider intervention can increase quit rates over OTC inhaler alone.

Conducted at the U. of Arizona & supported by NIDA grant #DA08885 to SJL. Inhalers were provided at no cost by Pharmacia and Upjohn, Inc.

Learning Objectives: To learn the impact of behavioral intervention when combined with nicotine inhaler relative to the inhaler alone

Keywords: Tobacco Control, Smoking Cessation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Pharmacia & Upjohn Pharmaceuatical Company Mcneil Consumer Products
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I occasionally serve as a consultant for Pharmacia & Upjohn, and McNeil Consumer Products, and I have conducted research under contract from Pharmacia & Upjohn

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA