Effect of nicotine polyestex gum on smoking cessation and quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness and safety of the novel nicotine polyestex gum for smoking cessation, along with its impact on the quality of life (QOL).


METHODS
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 43 smokers. All of them received either nicotine gum or placebo. Only those who could quit completely and continuously by the end of 3 months were considered total abstinence. QOL was also measured using WHO questionnaires.


RESULTS
Treatment with nicotine polyestex gum resulted in significantly greater abstinence rate at 3 months compared with placebo (50% vs. 9%; p = 0.003). Adverse events were modest and not encountered more often than those seen in the placebo group. QOL at 3-months improved in both groups, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Nicotine polyestex gum is effective and safe for smoking cessation. It is also associated with significant improvement in the QOL.
Rungruanghiranya
Suthat
S
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand. suthat109@yahoo.com
Ekpanyaskul
Chatchai
C
Hattapornsawan
Yongyos
Y
Tundulawessa
Yongyuth
Y
D000328:Adult; D002638:Chewing Gum; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009538:Nicotine; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D002638:Chewing Gum; D009538:Nicotine