In this study assessing five different pharmacotherapy interventions, the nicotine patch + lozenge produced the greatest benefit relative to placebo. These findings, plus recent meta-analyses published in the 2008 PHS Guideline Update, suggest that a combination pharmacotherapy comprising the nicotine patch and an ad libitum NRT should be routinely considered for use as a smoking cessation treatment. In addition, this study illustrates that, while the patch has been used for smoking cessation for more than 20 years, it remains a highly efficacious pharmacotherapy for helping smokers quit.
