Experts are not in favor of re-categorizing nicotine replacement therapy as a prescription drug – Dainik Savera Times

New Delhi: Experts have said nicotine ‘replacement therapy’ is safe and helps people quit smoking, but they have expressed concern over a proposal to reclassify such methods as prescription drugs. Experts believe the move to recategorize them as prescription drugs will limit their accessibility to people wanting to quit tobacco use.

The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has proposed to make nicotine ‘replacement therapy’ available only on the consultation of authorized physicians. Nicotine Polacrylex gum, lozenges and transdermal patches are used for nicotine ‘replacement therapy’ (NRT).

Experts have said that NRT offers a 50 percent greater chance of quitting smoking than trying to quit without it, and it is safe and easily available without a prescription. Dr Chandrakant S Pandav, former head of the Department of Community Medicine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, stressed the need for better access to tobacco-related elimination methods in India. He said that tobacco consumption in the country affects 28.6 percent of adults, out of which specifically 42 percent of men and 14.2 percent of women are affected.

Using nicotine products instead of cigarettes is a better option
Dr Pandav said, ‘Challenges remain in difficult geographical locations and rural areas, which underlines the importance of making NRT accessible.’ Dr. Sajila Maini said, ‘In my years of efforts to eliminate smoking, I have found that nicotine replacement therapy is a key solution. Using nicotine products instead of cigarettes is a better option. It is most effective in increasing the desire to give up the addiction.

To ensure the success of our smoking cessation efforts, we must focus on increasing access to NRT, he said. Tobacco addiction is one of the most widespread addictions in the world. In fact, we need a multi-pronged approach to stop this menace.’ He said, ‘The effort to end tobacco addiction is still in its initial stage in India.

We need to spread awareness about scientifically supported alternatives like NRT to help the public quit smoking and thus save them from contracting diseases caused by tobacco-smoking and tobacco chewing.’ Dr. Pandav also pointed to studies conducted in 2023, such as one conducted in Odisha, which showed the effectiveness of NRT in curbing smokeless tobacco use.