Effectiveness of a 16-Hour Transdermal Nicotine Patch in a Medical Practice Setting, Without Intensive Group Counseling

Abstract

Nicotine replacement therapy via a 16-hour transdermal nicotine patch provided safe and effective treatment for tobacco-dependent patients. One-year sustained nonsmoking rates were nearly three times higher in the active than in the placebo condition, when the patch was used in an easily applicable standard medical practice setting, without the need for psychological interventions. This outcome was as good as or better than results achieved by nicotine patches using behavior modification or group counseling.