Impact of over-the-counter sales on effectiveness of pharmaceutical aids for smoking cessation

Nicotine replacement therapy does not appear to be effective over the long-term for helping people to quit smoking, especially if they are light smokers. This was the conclusion of researchers who analyzed the California Tobacco Surveys of 1992, 1996, and 1999. Most smoking cessation aids are sold over-the-counter and are widely promoted by the pharmaceutical industry.