Nicorette is the brand name of a number of products for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) that contain nicotine polacrilex. Developed in the late 1970s in Sweden by AB Leo in the form of a chewing gum, Nicorette was the first nicotine replacement product on the market.[1]
Product type | Nicotine replacement therapy product |
---|---|
Owner | |
Country | Sweden |
Introduced | 1978 |
Markets | Worldwide |
Previous owners | |
Website | nicorette |
The product range encompasses chewing gum,[2][3][4][5] lozenges,[3][4] patches[5] of two kinds (transparent and non-transparent),[3] oral spray (Nicorette QuickMist),[6] inhalator,[3][5] sublingual tablets (Nicorette Microtab)[3] and nasal spray.[3][7]
Nicotine replacement products including gum and transdermal patches are on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[8]
The brand name "Nicorette" comes from "nicotine" and Swedish: rette, "right way".[9]
Medical uses
editNicorette products are indicated for the relief of withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal and to aid in smoking cessation.[10] It is suggested that Nicorette products should be used in "conjunction with a behavioural support programme".[10]
Prior to 2005, nicotine products in Britain were only licensed to "assist smokers who were making an immediate and complete quit attempt".[11] Following advice from a working group set up by the Committee on Safety of Medicines (since 2005, the Commission on Human Medicines) the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) concluded that nicotine replacement therapy products should be used also by those who are unable to stop abruptly.[11]
Nicorette products in the UK are indicated to:
- relieve craving (the urge to smoke),
- relieve withdrawal symptoms (irritability, impatience; difficulty in concentrating),
- improve the likelihood of a successful abrupt quit attempt,
- reduce the amount smoked in those not immediately motivated to quit.[11]
The products are intended for adults and children over 12 years of age as well as pregnant and lactating women[12] (it has been concluded that "the use of NRT in pregnancy does not give undue concern and any harm caused by nicotine replacement must be compared with that caused by continued smoking – which is extremely harmful to both the woman and her child".[13])
Nicorette, like all other nicotine replacement therapy products, are most beneficial for heavy smokers (more than 15 cigarettes per day). There are not enough studies to show that nicotine replacement therapy helps those who smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes per day.[14]
Contraindications
editThe typical contraindication (reason to not use) for Nicorette products is hypersensitivity to nicotine.[10][12]
Cardiovascular disease was considered to be a contraindication to nicotine replacement therapy products. However, in 2003, the French Agency for the Safety of Health Products (AFSSAPS) removed all cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease contraindications. In 2005, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency followed suit. The rationale is that the benefit of nicotine replacement therapy outweighs the risks of nicotine medication, even in smokers with cardiovascular disease.[15]
In 2013, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that the contraindication concerning usage of nicotine replacement therapy products while smoking is no longer valid.[16]
The FDA approved labeling for Nicorette products with a warning concerning pregnancy and breastfeeding: "This medicine is believed to be safer than smoking. However, the risks to your child from this medicine are not fully known".[17] The FDA suggests not using Nicorette products if the patient continues to smoke, or use chewing tobacco, snuff or other nicotine-containing products.[17]
The FDA advises consulting a doctor before using the product if the patient previously had:
- heart disease, recent heart attack, or irregular heartbeat,
- high blood pressure,
- taken a prescription medicine for depression or asthma.
Specific contraindications listed by the FDA for various formats include sodium-restricted diet, stomach ulcer of diabetes (for gums[17] and lozenges), or an allergy to adhesive tape or skin problems (for patches).[18]
The FDA suggests stopping use of Nicorette products in cases of irregular heartbeat or palpitations, symptoms of nicotine overdose (nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, and rapid heartbeat)[17] or skin redness caused by the patch.[18]
Formats
editGum
editNicorette chewing gum releases nicotine while chewing. Nicotine then is absorbed across the oral mucosa into the systemic circulation. Patients are advised to chew the gum slowly and intermittently to avoid the risk of releasing too much nicotine. It is also suggested not to eat or drink while chewing since foods and beverages can reduce nicotine absorption.[19]
Nicorette chewing gum is available in two strengths: 2 mg/piece and 4 mg/piece. Dosing would depend on the degree of nicotine dependence: light smokers should use 2 mg gum, heavy smokers (more than 25 cigarettes a day) should use 4 mg gum.[19] Patients should chew gum once they feel the craving.[19] FDA limits maximum daily amount of 2 mg gum pieces to 24 pieces.[17]
Patch
editThe patches provide slow absorption of nicotine into blood within the day and work for 16 hours.[20] They are usually applied in the morning and removed at bedtime.
The patch supports smoking cessation within 12 week programme: 25 mg patch (25 mg nicotine over 16 hours) for eight weeks (Step 1), 15 mg patch for two weeks (Step 2), 10 mg patch for the last two weeks (Step 3). Light smokers (less than 10 cigarettes per day) were recommended to start at Step 2 (15 mg) for eight weeks and reduce the dose to 10 mg for the last four weeks.[21]
Microtab
editMicrotab supplies nicotine to the body by mouth. It is different from the chewing gum because instead of chewing the patient should allow the tablet to dissolve slowly under the tongue (the tablet dissolves in about 20-30 minutes).[22] The action is similar to 2 mg nicotine gum.[22]
Microtabs are used either for smoking cessation or smoking reduction. For smoking cessation the standard dose is one tablet (2 mg) per hour for patients who smoke less than 20 cigarettes per day. When the craving is strong two tablets can be taken instead of one. Most patients require between 8 and 24 tablets per day.[20] British Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency recommends not to exceed 40 tablets per day limit.[23] Treatment should be stopped when daily consumption is around 1-2 tablets per day.[20]
Spray
editA spray of nicotine is available.[24] Tentative evidence supports that it is better than a placebo.[24] MHRA suggests not to use more than 2 sprays at a time, up to 4 sprays per hour and no more than 64 sprays per 24 hours period.[25]
History
editNicotine gum
editThe Nicorette brand started with a nicotine gum developed in Helsingborg (Sweden) by the company Leo AB, later part of Pharmacia & Upjohn. It was the first product for nicotine replacement therapy[1] and gained its inventor, Ove Fernö, titles like "the founding father of modern pharmacotherapy for smoking".[26]
In December 1967,[27][28]: 1216 Fernö, Vice President of Research and Development at AB Leo,[28]: 1215 received a mail from his friend Dr. Claes Lundgren at the Department of Aviation Medicine at the Physiological Institute of Lund University, suggesting he develop an orally consumed substitute for tobacco. He and his colleague Stefan Lichtneckert noted how submariners and aviation crews switched from cigarettes to chewing tobacco and snus when smoking was not possible. They also suggested the product name "Nicorette".[9]: 145 Fernö began experimenting with nicotine gum in 1969, and quit smoking himself after one year of use.[28]: 1218
The first nicotine chewing gum was produced at AB Leo in 1971. The innovation was in the use of ion-exchange resin (polacrilex) in order to control the rate of release of nicotine during chewing. Fernö explained, "Putting nicotine into chewing gum is not an invention. Fixing the nicotine to an ion exchange resin and putting that in a chewing gum to enable the chewer to control the rate of release—that is an invention".[28]: 1220 The same year Håkan Westling, Professor of Clinical Physiology at Lund University, started the first clinical trials of the gum as an aid to smoking cessation at the university hospital. His findings were presented at the Second World Conference on Smoking and Health in London[9]: 146 and were published in 1973, in the journal Psychopharmacologia together with an article by Fernö.[29][30]
Nicotine chewing gum was presented at the Third World Conference on Smoking and Health in New York in 1975, by Fernö in partnership with the British researcher Michael Russell from the Institute of Psychiatry, who pioneered the measurement of blood nicotine levels. Russell and his colleagues at the Addiction Research Unit at the Institute of Psychiatry became involved in further research into nicotine gum through randomised controlled trials funded by the British Medical Research Council and the UK Department of Health and Social Security.[9]: 147
Nicorette was registered as a drug in Switzerland in 1978, in Canada in 1979, and in the UK in 1980.[9]: 147 It was registered in Sweden in 1981. Initially the Swedish Medical Products Agency declined to approve Nicorette as a medicine because it considered smoking not an addiction, but a lifestyle choice; and the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare regarded orally consumed nicotine products not as medicine but as foodstuffs.[31]
In January 1984, Nicorette chewing gum was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration after a 34-month review. It was brought to the US market by Marion Merrell Dow under licence from AB Leo.[32]
In 2016, it was the third biggest selling branded over-the-counter medication sold in Great Britain, with sales of £66.0 million.[33]
Further product
editThe Nicorette Patch was introduced to the market in 1991[34] and the nasal spray in 1994.[35]
In 1996, the FDA approved the switch of Nicorette gum and the NicoDerm CQ transdermal nicotine patch to over-the-counter status in the US.[36]
The Nicorette inhaler was launched in 1996[35] and Nicorette Microtab (sublingual tablets) in 1999.[37]
In 2002, the FDA changed the status of Commit lozenges to over the counter in the US.[36]
In 2004, Nicorette launched Peppermint, the first coated nicotine gum.[35] A shell coating containing a sugar substitute (xylitol) and flavouring masks the nicotine taste.[38][39] In 2005, Nicorette introduced Fresh Mint chewing gum.[40]
In December 2008, Nicorette introduced a new semi-transparent nicotine patch under the trade name "Invisipatch".[41] As stated by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, in addition to this more discreet patch to encourage better customer compliance, new Nicorette transdermal patches have been developed to: reduce patch size; add a higher dosage strength of 25 mg of nicotine to the previously available 5, 10 and 15 mg; and increase the proportion of bioavailable nicotine).[41]
In 2009, Nicorette introduced "Icy White" chewing gum with teeth whitening[42] and Nicorette Mentolmint, a chewing gum with softer menthol taste.[35]
At the end of November 2010, Nicorette introduced QuickMist 1 mg mouthspray,[25] which provides more rapid absorption of nicotine than lozenges or gum.[43]
In January 2011, Nicorette UK launched the ActiveStop mobile app for iOS featuring target setting, a wish list, distractions, achievement sharing, information and games.[44][45]
Brand communication
editYacht race sponsorship
editNicorette has been sponsoring yacht racing since 1993[46] when it partnered with Ludde Ingvall, a Finnish-Australian sailor who started a non-smoking team in 1991.[46]
The tobacco companies were ousted from land-based sports due to legislation that stopped them from promoting themselves in other sports… They all realized that yachting is in international waters, under a totally different legal framework, and they all started to sponsor yachts… I was absolutely furious when yachts (with names of tobacco companies) started arriving on the scene… I thought it was unfair that they were using my sport. It's a green sport, it's a healthy sport ... it is not a sport to be hijacked.
— in an article[46]
In 1995, the Nicorette team was banned from the Cape to Rio Race, sponsored by the tobacco company Rothmans. The captain of "Nicorette" protested against the decision, saying that "Rothmans is scared of the boat and the healthy lifestyle it seeks to promote".[47] A spokesperson for the organizing committee of the race later admitted that the yacht was barred because they considered the product to be in competition with the sponsor's product.[48] In the same year the yacht won the Fastnet Race.
In 1997, the yacht broke the Transatlantic mono-hull record, covering the route from New York City to Lizard Point (Great Britain) in 11 days 13:22.58.[49] Second and third generations of the yacht won the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in 2000[50] and 2004.
Car race sponsorship
editDuring the 90s Nicorette (GlaxoSmithKline) sponsored Dennis Vitolo (ex-smoker) in Payton Coyne Racing[51] and The Grand Prix of Miami.[52] In 2005, the brand entered NASCAR race sponsorship with Casey Mears.[53][54] Since 2006, Nicorette is sponsoring Hendrick Motorsports with Jeff Gordon's car.[55] The brand also runs the Nicorette's Quit Crew program to help racers quit smoking.[56]
It was reported that the brand supports car races because NASCAR fans are heavy smokers.[54]
References
edit- ^ a b Fagerstöm K, Axelsson A, Sorelius L (September–October 2008). "In memoriam of Ove Fernö – the inventor of NRT and The Past, Present, and Future of NRT" (PDF). Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Newsletter. Vol. 14, no. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 25 December 2014.
During the late 1960s and 70s he was responsible for the development of the first NR product – a chewing gum
- ^ "Nicotine replacement therapy". Nurse Prescribers' Formulary for Community Practitioners. Pharmaceutical Press. 2013. p. 16. ISBN 978-0857111258. Retrieved 25 December 2014. (Google Books)
- ^ a b c d e f "4.10.2 Nicotine dependence: Nicotine". BNF for Children (BNFC) 2014-2015. Pharmaceutical Press. 2014. p. 244. ISBN 9780857111364. Retrieved 25 December 2014. (Google Books)
- ^ a b Edney A (12 June 2014). "E-Cigarettes May Get Advantage for Not Containing Tobacco". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on 11 October 2014. Retrieved 25 December 2014.
- ^ a b c Higgins A (9 November 2013). "Aided by Army of 'Vapers', E-Cigarette Industry Woos and Wins Europe". The New York Times. Brussels. p. 2. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 25 December 2014.
- ^ Norton A (27 February 2012). "Nicotine quick-fix mouth spray helps some quitters". Reuters. New York. Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 25 December 2014.
- ^ Rutter P (2013). "Nicorette". Community Pharmacy: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 320. ISBN 9780702054730.
- ^ World Health Organization (2023). The selection and use of essential medicines 2023: web annex A: World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 23rd list (2023). Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl:10665/371090. WHO/MHP/HPS/EML/2023.02.
- ^ a b c d e Larsson B, Letell M, Thörn H (2012). "9.5 The rise of medicinal nicotine in Sweden". Transformations of the Swedish Welfare State: From Social Engineering to Governance? (1st ed.). Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 978-0230363953.
- ^ a b c "Nicorette Invisi 10mg Patch Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)". (emc). 1 September 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
- ^ a b c "MHRA Public Assessment Report: The use of nicotine replacement therapy to reduce harm in smokers, February 2010" (PDF). Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). 2010. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 May 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
- ^ a b "Nicorette 2mg Gum Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)". emc. 1 September 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
- ^ "Report of the Committee on Safety of Medicines Working Group on Nicotine Replacement Therapy, November 2005" (PDF). Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 December 2010. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
- ^ Dugdale III DC. "Nicotine replacement therapy". MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Archived from the original on 9 January 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
- ^ "Nicotine is not a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events. The benefit of nicotine replacement therapy outweighs the risks of nicotine medication, even in smokers with cardiovascular disease". The Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT). 16 December 2014. Archived from the original on 20 January 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
- ^ "Nicotine Replacement Therapy Labels May Change". U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 1 April 2013. Archived from the original on 1 January 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
- ^ a b c d e "Nicorette, Nicotine Polacrilex, Labeling Revision 10/30/2014" (PDF). Food and Drug Administration. 30 October 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
- ^ a b "Nicoderm, Labeling Revision 10/30/2014" (PDF). Food and Drug Administration. 30 April 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
- ^ a b c Burchum J, Rosenthalm L (2014). "Chapter 39: Drug Abuse III: Nicotine and Smoking". Lehne's Pharmacology for Nursing Care. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 427. ISBN 978-0323340267. Retrieved 18 January 2015.(Google Books)
- ^ a b c Rutter P (2013). "Nicorette". Community Pharmacy: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment (3 ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 320. ISBN 978-0702054730. Retrieved 18 January 2015.(Google Books)
- ^ "New high-strength nicotine patch". Monthly Index of Medical Specialities. 24 February 2009. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
- ^ a b Willis N (2012). "Which Treatment?". Stop! No Smoking Programme. Random House. p. 69. ISBN 978-1448148950.
- ^ "Public Assessment Report: Nicorette Microtab Lemon 2mg sublingual tablets. Nicotine bitartrate dihydrate, PL 15513/0156" (PDF). Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. 30 June 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
- ^ a b Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Smoking Cessation or Reduction: A Review of the Clinical Evidence. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. 16 January 2014. PMID 24741730.
- ^ a b "Nicorette Quickmist 1mg/spray Mouthspray - PL 15513/0357" (PDF). Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. 30 November 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 April 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
- ^ West R (2008). "Pillars of Smoke". In Edwards G (ed.). Addiction: Evolution of a Specialist Field (1st ed.). John Wiley & Sons. p. 231. ISBN 978-1405147507. Retrieved 5 January 2015.(Google Books)
- ^ Raw M (2012). "Who invented NRT". How To Stop Smoking And Stay Stopped (1st ed.). Random House. p. 79. ISBN 978-1446417881.
- ^ a b c d Fernö O (October 1994). "Conversation with Ove Fernö". Addiction. 89 (10): 1215–1226. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.1994.tb03300.x. PMID 7804082.
- ^ Brantmark B, Ohlin P, Westling H (July 1973). "Nicotine-containing chewing gum as an anti-smoking aid". Psychopharmacologia. 31 (3): 191–200. doi:10.1007/bf00422509. PMID 4581737. S2CID 19898286.
- ^ Fernö O (July 1973). "A substitute for tobacco smoking". Psychopharmacologia. 31 (3): 201–204. doi:10.1007/BF00422510. PMID 4732726. S2CID 27089939.
- ^ Kalkhoff W, Thye SR, Lawler EJ (2012). "The Birth of Medicinal Nicotine". In Netherland J (ed.). Critical Perspectives on Addiction (1st ed.). Emerald Group Publishing. p. 79. ISBN 978-1780529318.
- ^ "Merrell Dow Nicorette Anti-Smoking Rx Chewing Gum Trade Shipments". The Pink Sheet. 23 January 1984. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
- ^ "A breakdown of the over-the-counter medicines market in Britain in 2016". Pharmaceutical Journal. 28 April 2017. Archived from the original on 8 September 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
- ^ "COMPANY NEWS; Nicotine Patch Marketing Deals". The New York Times. 22 August 1991. Archived from the original on 1 January 2015. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Nicorette" (PDF). Superbrands. 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
- ^ a b "Now Available Without a Prescription". Food and Drug Administration. 12 August 2011. Archived from the original on 1 January 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
- ^ "P&U launches sublingual NRT". Chemist Druggist. 16 January 1999. Archived from the original on 1 January 2015. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
- ^ Aslani A, Rostami F (April 2015). "Medicated chewing gum, a novel drug delivery system". Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 20 (4): 403–411. doi:10.7324/JAPS.2012.2706. PMC 4468459. PMID 26109999.
- ^ Conway BR (2008). "Solid Dosing Forms". In Gad SC (ed.). Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Handbook: Production and Processes. John Wiley & Sons. p. 259. ISBN 978-0-470-25980-1.
- ^ Hendrix J, Hayes D (2009). "Exhibit 8-4a". Public Relations Cases (8 ed.). Cengage Learning. p. 300. ISBN 978-0495567783.
- ^ a b "Nicorette Invisi 10mg, 15mg, 25mg patches - PL 15513/0159-61" (PDF). Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (UK). 2 December 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 January 2015. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
- ^ "Gum ad screened during The Simpsons 'inappropriate'". Metro. 30 September 2009. Archived from the original on 1 January 2015. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
- ^ Chaplin S (July 2011). "Nicorette QuickMist: rapidly absorbed NRT mouthspray". Prescriber. 22 (13–14): 26–28. doi:10.1002/psb.776. S2CID 70725893.
- ^ Ratcliffe J (5 January 2011). "Nicorette's ActiveStop anti-cigarette iPhone app". Latestgadgets.co.uk. Archived from the original on 23 November 2012. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
- ^ "New iPhone app launched to help smokers quit". Metro. 9 March 2011. Archived from the original on 31 December 2014. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
- ^ a b c Coomber J (23 December 2004). "New super maxi a smoke-free zone: Ludde Ingvall reckons his new super maxi Nicorette goes so fast you can almost see the hull smoking". Racing and Sports. Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
- ^ Coakley JJ, Dunning E (2000). "Sport and Health". Handbook of Sports Studies (1st ed.). SAGE. p. 411. ISBN 978-1446224687. Retrieved 23 January 2015.(Google Books)
- ^ Hammond R (7 January 2000). "Tobacco Advertising & Promotion: The Need for a Coordinated Global Response" (PDF). New Delhi: World Health Organization. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
- ^ "PLUS: YACHT RACING; Frenchman Breaks Trans-Atlantic Mark". The New York Times. 8 July 1998. Archived from the original on 23 January 2015. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
- ^ Tait P (29 December 2000). "Rough rider Nicorette takes Sydney-Hobart". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
- ^ Schlotter B (26 September 1997). "MOTOR SPORTS : DRIVING OFF TOBACCO ROAD.(SPORTS)". Los Angeles Daily News. Archived from the original on 1 January 2015. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
- ^ "MARKETING: Breaking Away From the Packs". Newsweek. 29 March 1999.
- ^ "NASCAR leaves smoking days farther behind". ESPN. 27 January 2005. Archived from the original on 8 January 2015. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
- ^ a b Horovitz B (26 January 2005). "Nicorette, NASCAR sign sponsorship deal". USA Today. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
- ^ "Nicorette to Join No. 24 Team in 2006". Hendrickmotorsports.com. 14 October 2005. Archived from the original on 19 July 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
- ^ Coble D (10 April 2007). "Nicorette gum helps NASCAR shift gear on smoking sponsors". Savannah Morning News. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
Further reading
edit- Silla K, Beard E, Shahab L (December 2014). "Nicotine replacement therapy use among smokers and ex-smokers: associated attitudes and beliefs: a qualitative study". BMC Public Health. 14: 1311. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-1311. PMC 4364650. PMID 25535404.
External links
edit- Nicotine polacrilex at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)