TABLE
1 (Smoking Deterrents)
Prescription Drugs Now Available as
Over-the-Counter Products |
 |
Product
class
|
Active
ingredients/availability
|
Brand
name(s)
|
OTC
indications
|
Usual
dosage
|
Cost*
|
| Smoking
deterrents† |
Nicotine
transdermal system, 7-mg patch, 14-mg patch, 21-mg
patch |
Nicoderm
CQ |
Reduction
of symptoms associated with smoking cessation,
including nicotine craving, in adults age 18 years
and over |
One
patch daily; taper dosage as recommended by
manufacturer |
$28.00
per seven-day supply in 7-mg dose
$28.00 per seven-day supply in 14-mg dose
$28.00 per seven-day supply in 21-mg dose |
|
Nicotine
transdermal system, 15-mg patch |
Nicotrol |
Reduction
of symptoms associated with smoking cessation,
including nicotine craving, in adults age 18 years
and over |
One
patch daily |
$25.00 per seven-day supply |
|
Nicotine
polacrilex gum, 2 mg and 4 mg |
Nicorette |
Reduction
of symptoms associated with smoking cessation,
including nicotine craving, in adults age 18 years
and over |
One
piece of gum every one to two hours for weeks one
through six, every two to four hours for weeks
seven through nine and every four to eight hours
for weeks 10 through 12 |
$48.00
starter kit (108 pieces)
$28.00 refill (48 pieces) |
OTC = over-the-counter.
*--Estimated cost to the
pharmacist based on average wholesale prices,
rounded to the nearest dollar, per dosage
unit, in Red book. Montvale, N.J.: Medical
Economics Data, 1998. Cost to the patient
will be greater, depending on prescription
filling fee.
†--Nicotine therapy
should not be used in a patient who continues
to smoke.
‡--Previously available
in 0.5 percent cream and ointment. One
percent cream and ointment now available as
generic products. |
