Use of smoking cessation products: A survey of patients in community pharmacies

Objectives: At 17.3%, smoking rates in Manitoba continue to exceed the national average. In this province, a total health care spending of more than $200 million per year has been attributed to smoking. This study examined the use of smoking cessation agents, including nicotine replacement products and prescription medications, in a sample of smokers in the city of Winnipeg. Methods: A simple multiple-choice questionnaire was administered to willing individuals attending 2 community pharmacies in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Data on demographics, smoking habits, previous attempts of smoking cessation and previous and current use of over-the-counter and prescription smoking cessation products were collected anonymously. Results: Of the 2237 individuals who were approached, 586 were smokers (26.2%) and 180 responded to the survey (30.7%); 48.9% were female. A majority of smokers (32.8%) reported smoking 16 to 25 cigarettes per day. More than 90% had smoked for more than 5 years, 27.2% had more than 5 previous quit attempts and 82.1% used smoking cessation products with the intention to quit. Self-motivation (44.4%) and family/friend advice (28.3%) were major reasons for quitting. Impact of health care practitioners’ advice was low (6.4%). More than 80% of respondents reported that they had no insurance coverage for their smoking cessation products. Despite having the highest rate of use, both nicotine gum (33.3%) and patches (24.4%) were reported to have lower rates of perceived efficacy. Electronic cigarette (97.9%) and varenicline (70.6%) had the highest rates of reported effectiveness. Conclusion: Smokers wanting to quit undergo many attempts. Pharmacists should assume a key role in reaching out to smokers.

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The Pharmacist “Toolbox” for Smoking Cessation

Journal of Pharmacy Practice ◽

10.1177/0897190012460823 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 25 (6) ◽

pp. 591-599 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

William P. Wynn ◽

Ron T. Stroman ◽

Michaela M. Almgren ◽

Kelly J. Clark

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Smoking Cessation ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Electronic Cigarettes ◽

The United States ◽

Review Article ◽

Prescription Medications ◽

Over The Counter ◽

Quit Smoking ◽

Traditional Therapies

Annually there are 500 000 preventable deaths in the United States caused by smoking; as health care professionals, pharmacists have a unique opportunity to advise, assess, and assist patients to quit smoking. This review article provides pharmacists with a “toolbox” containing an overview of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods for smoking cessation. Currently approved over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications (nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline, and bupropion) are summarized, and nonpharmacologic therapies discussed include cognitive therapy and hypnosis. In addition to traditional therapies some potential approaches to smoking cessation are addressed, including nicotine immunizations and electronic cigarettes.

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Drug Poisoning and Overdose for the Health Professional: Review of Select Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Prescription Medications

Journal of Pharmacy Practice ◽

10.1177/089719000001300106 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 37-81

Author(s):

David L. Laven ◽

Lisa Oller

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Clinical Information ◽

Chemical Exposure ◽

Medical Attention ◽

Poison Control ◽

Prescription Medications ◽

Full Spectrum ◽

Over The Counter ◽

Initial Exposure

Exposure to over-the-counter and prescription medications can pose significant therapeutic and health hazards to patients, and present health care professionals with scenarios that require proper assessment and treatment. Knowing when an exposure to or overdose of a drug requires emergency medical attention is equally as important as to knowing when such assistance is not necessary—that simple treatment measures performed at home will suffice. This current discussion is intended to highlight select principles and clinical information pertaining to common drug exposures and overdoses, but not replace the full spectrum of information that would be available to health care professionals (and the lay public) by contacting their nearest poison control center. Many of the basic principles and concerns that are encountered with exposures to chemicals (i.e., route of exposure, patient medical history, quantity of the substance involved, elapsed time since the initial exposure, etc.) apply equally well to drug exposures. Likewise, evaluating each of these variables will determine which type of treatment approaches are, and are not, considered in situations of drug (or chemical) exposure and overdose.

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