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Nicotine patch therapy prior to quitting smoking: A meta-analysis
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 23:48 authored by Shiffman, S, Stuart FergusonStuart FergusonAim To evaluate the incremental efficacy of starting nicotine patch treatment prior to quitting compared to the current regimen of starting patch treatment on the target quit day. Design and measurements Meta-analysis of four eligible studies using pre-cessation patch treatment, located by database search and contacts with cessation researchers. The studies all compared starting treatment with nicotine patch prior to the target quit date to starting active treatment at the quit date, some in the context of concurrent mecamylamine treatment. The primary end-point for the analysis was continuous abstinence for at least 28 days assessed at 6 weeks following quit day; 6-month outcomes were also examined. Findings Compared to starting active patch treatment on quit day, pre-cessation treatment with nicotine patches was found to double the odds of quitting. This was true both at 6 weeks [pooled odds ratio (OR) = 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31–2.93] and 6 months (pooled OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.46–3.22) treatment outcomes. Mecamylamine co-treatment did not modify these effects. Conclusions Across the four studies analyzed, pre-cessation patch treatment was found to produce a robust increase in quit rates compared to current regimens starting patch at quit day. Pre-cessation patch use represents a promising innovation in smoking cessation therapy with potential beneficial implications for improved public health by further increasing quitting success.
History
Publication title
AddictionVolume
103Issue
4Pagination
557-563ISSN
0965-2140Department/School
School of Pharmacy and PharmacologyPublisher
Wiley-Blackwell Publishing LtdPlace of publication
UKRights statement
The definitive published version is available online at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/Repository Status
- Restricted