Comparative effectiveness of the nicotine lozenge and tobacco-free snuff for smokeless tobacco reduction

Jon O. Ebbert, Herbert H. Severson, Ivana T. Croghan, Brian G. Danaher, Darrell R. Schroeder

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Long-term smokeless tobacco (ST) use is associated with cardiovascular disease and cancer, but not all ST users want to quit. Previous studies have evaluated the effectiveness of nicotine lozenges and tobacco-free snuff for reducing ST use among ST users not ready to quit, but no comparative effectiveness trials of these two products have been conducted. We conducted a multicenter, randomized clinical pilot study evaluating the comparative effectiveness of the 4-mg nicotine lozenge and tobacco-free snuff for reducing ST use and increasing tobacco abstinence among ST users with no intention of quitting in the next 30 days. Participants received 8 weeks of treatment and behavioral counseling on tobacco reduction strategies with follow-up to 26 weeks. We randomized 81 participants (40 nicotine lozenges, 41 tobacco-free snuff). No significant differences in reduction were observed between the two groups at weeks 8, 12, and 26. No significant differences were observed between groups in nicotine withdrawal or tobacco craving. However, both groups significantly reduced (p<.001) ST use in cans/week and dips/day from baseline which was sustained through the end-of-study. The observed biochemically-confirmed abstinence rates at week 26 were similar between groups (12% vs. 12%, one-tailed p=615). The 4-mg nicotine lozenge and the tobacco-free snuff both appear to be effective and comparable for reducing ST use among ST users not ready to quit in the next 30 days.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2140-2145
Number of pages6
JournalAddictive Behaviors
Volume38
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2013

Keywords

  • Clinical trial
  • Nicotine lozenge
  • Smokeless tobacco
  • Tobacco-free snuff

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Toxicology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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