A comparison of the nicotine lozenge and nicotine gum: an effectiveness randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Both the nicotine gum and nicotine lozenge have been shown to increase smoking cessation rates, but no published trials have directly compared the two. Higher dose nicotine gum has been recommended as a treatment that may reduce cessation-related weight gain. DESIGN/OUTCOME: In a diverse urban setting, 408 participants were randomized to receive either the lozenge or the gum for 8 weeks of treatment. Seven-day point prevalence of smoking abstinence was biochemically confirmed by exhaled carbon monoxide levels of less than 10 ppm measured at 8 weeks with follow-up at 6 and 12 months.


RESULTS
At 8 weeks, the lozenge quit rate was 15.1% and the gum quit rate was 11.3%, with an odds ratio of 1.39, 95% confidence interval (0.78-2.49) P=0.26. These rates compare favorably to a historical spontaneous quit rate of 5%. Quit rate comparisons were similarly non-significant at 6 and 12 months. At 8 weeks, successful quitters in the lozenge group gained 3.0+/-6.3 lbs compared to the gum group, which gained 8.4+/-9.2 lbs with t=-2.4, P=0.02, but this finding was not sustained at 6 and 12 months.


CONCLUSIONS
The gum and lozenge appear equally effective for smoking cessation; however, for patients concerned about preventing cessation related to immediate weight gain, the lozenge may be the better agent.
Pack
Quinn R
QR
Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
Jorenby
Douglas E
DE
Fiore
Michael C
MC
Jackson
Thomas
T
Weston
Patricia
P
Piper
Megan E
ME
Baker
Timothy B
TB
D000328:Adult; D002638:Chewing Gum; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018722:Nicotinic Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002638:Chewing Gum; D018722:Nicotinic Agonists; D009538:Nicotine
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