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| |  Nicorette OTC Smoking Aid Hits the Shelves PITTSBURGH, April 17, 1996 -- No more excuses. Smokers who want to quit will have more options than ever before when Nicorette(R) nicotine gum, the first FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) stop smoking aid, hits store shelves on April 18, 1996. Nicorette helps control nicotine cravings, allowing users to concentrate on changing their smoking behavior. That important message will be communicated to smokers by SmithKline Beecham (NYSE: SBH) through advertising, promotions, an extensive user support program and an educational partnership with the American Lung Association (ALA). "SmithKline Beecham is especially proud to launch Nicorette because we feel it will have a significant impact on the public health of America by giving individuals the power to make positive changes in their lives," said Jack Ziegler, president, SmithKline Beecham Consumer Healthcare. "Nicorette gum has proven to be effective as a prescription product. We've worked long and hard to develop clear and instructive packaging, educational materials and a support program to ensure that smokers who are dedicated to quitting will be successful using it as an over-the-counter product." Nicorette was the first prescription nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) product introduced 12 years ago, and more than 31 million prescriptions have been filled. Nicorette gum will be available in 2mg and 4mg strengths in Starter Kits of 108 pieces, approximately two weeks of initial therapy, and refills of 48 pieces, approximately one week of therapy. The user gradually reduces the daily dose of Nicorette, becoming nicotine-free in 12 weeks. Nicorette costs about the same as smoking 1-1/2 packs of cigarettes a day over the 12-week therapy. The availability of OTC Nicorette could greatly decrease the number of smokers in the United States. According to Jacqueline D. McLeod, M.P.H., M.Ed., president of the ALA, "Increased access to nicotine replacement therapy could have a significant impact on the public health of America, making it easier for millions of smokers to quit when they are ready. The American Lung Association's partnership with SmithKline Beecham is designed to maximize the public health impact of over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy by increasing opportunities for education and counseling." For more than 20 years, the ALA has been a leader in the development of stop smoking programs. Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death in America, and SmithKline Beecham is proud to support the American Lung Association's programs to help people quit smoking. To educate consumers about smoking cessation, SmithKline Beecham and ALA have formed a national partnership that is being announced in conjunction with the OTC introduction of nicotine gum. The relationship will bring together ALA chapters throughout the country with local retailers and media sponsors to provide community cessation and awareness programs. Local efforts will include community stop smoking seminars, in-store counseling for smokers, radio promotions and counseling hotlines. Nationally, SmithKline Beecham will sponsor an ALA "Counselors on Call" program 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., April 17-26 to coincide with the launch of OTC Nicorette. By calling toll-free 1-888-ALA-0805, smokers will speak to trained ALA counselors and receive free information and advice about stopping smoking. The Nicorette Starter Kit includes a comprehensive user's guide that explains the challenging process of quitting, how Nicorette can help, specific tips for succeeding and advice about staying nicotine-free. The kit also includes an audio tape that explains how to use the gum and what to expect when quitting smoking, as well as relaxation and deep breathing exercises. The tape engages the listener by presenting the material in the format of a support group question and answer discussion with a separate "class" about relaxation. Depending upon the retailer, the Starter Kit will cost about $50 and the refill will cost about $30. Purchase of the Nicorette Starter Kit also offers the option of free enrollment in Committed Quitters(TM), a personalized support program. A unique profile and quitting plan is developed for each user after he or she completes a telephone interview. A series of customized self-help materials is sent throughout the 12-week therapy to help users successfully cope with their specific triggers and issues in quitting. The Committed Quitters program has been designed specifically for smokers trying to quit with Nicorette. "One of the most effective ways to convince people to change their health behavior is to provide specific information that applies to their own situation," said Saul Shiffman, Ph.D., co-creator of the Committed Quitters program and professor of psychology, University of Pittsburgh. "This program provides users with ways to overcome barriers and to get past the hard times that come during the quitting process. The materials also remind them why they decided to quit and suggests ways to stay focused on their quitting goal." Nicorette has been used safely and effectively in the United States for the past 12 years, with more than 31 million prescriptions filled. Nicorette helps relieve withdrawal symptoms by providing a temporary alternative source of nicotine, easing the smoker's transition to becoming smoke-free. The nicotine in Nicorette reaches the bloodstream more gradually and at lower doses than nicotine delivered by cigarettes and does not contain the harmful tars and carbon monoxide found in cigarette smoke. Nicorette addresses the physical addiction of smoking by controlling withdrawal symptoms so that the individual can concentrate on the social and psychological aspects of the smoking habit. Nicorette can be purchased at most drug stores, mass merchandisers and supermarkets that carry a large selection of non-prescription health products; it will not be sold in convenience stores. Over-the-counter Nicorette will be available in the same strength as the original prescription product, 2mg (for smokers of 24 or fewer cigarettes each day) and 4mg (for smokers of 25 or more cigarettes each day). Nicorette should only be used by smokers who have made a commitment to quitting and who have stopped smoking. Its sale is prohibited to people under 18 years of age. SmithKline Beecham -- one of the world's leading health care companies -- discovers, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medicines, health-related consumer products and clinical laboratory testing services.
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