(April 3, 2009 - Insidermedicine) For smokers who cannot or will not quit abruptly, nicotine replacement therapy can make a gradual smoking cessation program up to twice as effective, according to research published in the British Medical Journal.

Here is some information about nicotine replacement therapy:

•    It is an alternate source of nicotine so smokers can wean themselves of the habit of smoking.

•    Products are available as gums, inhalers, lozenges, nasal sprays, or transdermal patches.

•    Nicotine replacement therapy should be used regularly when you first quit smoking. You can then gradually reduce your use.

Researchers from the University of Birmingham analyzed data from seven randomized trials in which smokers were assigned to nicotine replacement therapy, another smoking cessation treatment, a placebo, or no treatment at all.

Nearly 7% of those on nicotine replacement therapy quit smoking for at least 6 months, which was more than double the rate of those on placebo. About 29 smokers needed to receive nicotine replacement therapy for one to quit smoking for 6 months.

We had a chance to speak with Dr. Paul Aveyard, one of the authors of this study, who offered some further insight.

Today’s research suggests that nicotine replacement therapy may enhance the effectiveness of a gradual smoking cessation strategy.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.