Nicotine replacement therapies: patient safety and persistence

otine replacement therapies: patient safety and persistence Review (2447) Total Article Views Authors: Ferguson SG, Shiffman S, Gitchell JG Published Date June 2011 Volume 2011:2 Pages 111 - 117 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/PROM.S11545 Stuart G Ferguson1,2, Saul Shiffman3,4, Joseph G Gitchell5 1School of Pharmacy, 2Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia; 3Pinney Associates, 4University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; 5Pinney Associates, Bethesda, MD, USA Abstract: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has become a central part of the treatment of nicotine dependence. However, NRT’s potential efficacy is limited to some extent by patient adherence and persistence. Here we review the relationship between NRT compliance and adherence, and overall treatment outcome. We then examine the factors that likely impact on treatment compliance and persistence, with a special focus on users’ perceptions of treatment safety and efficacy as possible mediators. Potential clinical strategies for improving suboptimal medication use are also discussed.