The study, which involved recent expansion of NRT to pregnant women and children, said nicotine impairs, disrupts, duplicates and/or interacts with essential physiological functions and is involved in tobacco-related carcinogenesis.
A new study published in the Journal of Health Psychology last week states that Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is not as safe as one would imagine. The therapy is used in tobacco cessation programme as an effective adjunct in management of withdrawal symptoms.
The study, which involved recent expansion of NRT to pregnant women and children, said nicotine impairs, disrupts, duplicates and/or interacts with essential physiological functions and is involved in tobacco-related carcinogenesis. At present, there are many nicotine preparations (nicotine gums, patches, e-cigarettes and inhalation agents) that are freely available in most parts of the world.
Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, professor and surgeon at the Tata Memorial Hospital, said, "It is likely that many addicts may use it to counter their withdrawal symptoms when they cannot access cigarettes, such as while in flight, public places, meetings, and so on. Simultaneous use of synthetic nicotine and tobacco products by the individual can result in serious overdose."
He also raised concerns over the aggressive marketing of NRT preparations and their rising unsupervised usage. "Nicotine should be used only under the supervision of cessation experts. There is an urgent need to prohibit over-the-counter sale of NRT preparations, including e-cigarettes, and curb the advertisement of these products in India. The e-cigarettes contain high amount of nicotine and are becoming very popular. They should be banned all over India, just like in Maharashtra and Punjab. All NRT products must carry appropriate warning about their harmful effects," he added.
Dr Lancelot Pinto, who heads the tobacco cessation programme at PD Hinduja hospital, said nicotine undoubtedly has known adverse effects and should not be consumed or prescribed as a stimulant. He added that when used as a replacement for cigarettes, it merely replaces the nicotine already being consumed, with the advantage of protecting the smoker from other numerous cancer-causing chemicals present in a cigarette. "It should strictly be used along with cessation of smoking, as dual consumption might be harmful," said Dr Pinto.
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