Effect of Nicotine Polyestex Gum on Smoking Cessation and Quality of Life†
Suthat Rungruanghiranya MD, FCCP*, Chatchai Ekpanyaskul MD, MSc**, Yongyos Hattapornsawan MD***, Yongyuth Tundulawessa PhD****
Affiliation : † This study was supported by Thai Health Promotion Foundation, and Srinakharinwirot University * Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok ** Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok *** Department of Medicine, Royal Irrigation Hospital, Nonthaburi **** Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok
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).
Material and Method: 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.
Conclusion : Nicotine polyestex gum is effective and safe for smoking cessation. It is also associated with
significant improvement in the QOL.
Keywords : Nicotine gum, Nicotine dependence, Smoking cessation, Quality of life
