Effectiveness of Over-the-Counter Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Abstract
To the Editor: Drs Pierce and Gilpin1 state: "Since becoming available over the counter, NRT appears no longer effective in increasing long-term successful cessation in California smokers." This is a strong assertion that has the potential to significantly damage public confidence in NRT. In fact, this conclusion is much stronger than can be justified by the study results. The findings are derived from self-reported data on past cessation attempts from cross-sectional surveys in a single state. We believe that it is premature to draw inferences from this research.