The sale of nicotine replacement therapy products has been allowed in stores and service stations in 2006. Wholesale market sales topped 17.5 million euros on 2005; last year the figure was over 32 million euros.
Occupational Health Professor, Kari Reijulaa, is not surprised by the figure.
”The desire to give up smoking is on the rise. For this reason, help is being sought from a variety of sources and also through nicotine replacement therapy,” he notes.
However, results can be disappointing as many fail to stick the required dose.
Pharmacy sales down
Currently some 68% of nicotine gum and other preparations are sold elsewhere than in pharmacies. Professor Reijula says a lack of proper information concerning their use is not available at normal retail outlets.
A nicotine preparation works best in quitting smoking when correctly prescribed and used over a specified time. It then relieves the craving for a cigarette. Health care professionals and physicians are best placed to give advice on the subject.
Nicotine preparations are also used by those who have not intention to quit the habit. According to Dr. Kirsi Pistil, such customers buy just a small packet of the preparation.
Nicotine replacement therapies should be used for a minimum of three months to produce a smoke free life.