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| |  Nicorette Gum Recommended As OTC Products In Canada LAVAL, PQ -- January 21, 1998 -- The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) has recommended the scheduling of Hoechst Marion Roussel Canada Inc.'s Nicorette® 2 mg and Nicorette® Plus 4 mg nicotine polacrilex gum USP, two stop smoking aids, as over-the-counter (OTC) products in Canadian pharmacies. For the 26 per cent of all Canadian adults who smoke, this development means that both light and heavy smokers will have greater and easier access to scientifically-proven stop smoking aids. Until now, smokers trying to quit could purchase Nicorette 2 mg from behind-the-counter (BTC), but Nicorette Plus 4 mg, a stronger formulation for those who smoke more than 25 cigarettes per day, was available only by prescription. "In order to quit successfully, smokers must first really want to be smoke-free," said Dr. Simon Bryant, a family physician in Alberta. "Unfortunately, addiction to nicotine often means that the desire to quit is not enough. Nicorette can make the difference -- especially for those smokers who wouldn't normally ask for help. "As Nicorette is now available without a prescription in the majority of Canadian pharmacies, smokers can visit their local pharmacy and obtain it from the shelf." Nicorette works by helping to control cravings for nicotine. Smokers bite on the gum when they feel a craving for a cigarette. The gum releases a low level of nicotine into the blood, which reduces the body's craving without having to smoke a cigarette. While using Nicorette to help control the intense cravings for nicotine, smokers can focus on breaking the behavioural and psychological aspects of the smoking habit. Nicorette is intended as a temporary aid in cushioning the patient against the severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms they experience when trying to quit. The irritability, anxiety and difficulty with concentration that often develop with smoking cessation are reduced when nicotine from Nicorette is absorbed into the body. The number of Nicorette pieces chewed is gradually decreased over a period of time, until eventually the cravings stop and the smoker no longer feels the urge to smoke. "Since Nicorette is not an ordinary chewing gum, some people might find the experience of chewing the pieces to be unusual," said Allen Jang, a pharmacist in Richmond, British Columbia. "In addition, some smokers may still find quitting to be a difficult process and they should know that they can turn to their pharmacist or physician for further assistance." "The recommendation that Nicorette be made available to Canadians without a prescription is a major advancement in the struggle for smoking cessation in this country," said Dr. Gerry Brosky, vice-president of scientific affairs and volunteer director of the Canadian Council for Tobacco Control (CCTC). "Smoking kills more than 40,000 Canadians each year and severely limits the quality of life for smokers and those who live with smokers. "The easier we make it for people to quit, the more hope we have that someday Canadians will live healthier, smoke-free lives." More information on: Nicorette, Hoechst Marion Roussel
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