LOW completion rates of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) indicate pregnant women need more support to quit smoking, revealed a UNSW-led study published in JAMA Network Open.
Dr Annelies Robijn, study lead author and pharmacoepidemiologist, said, "while there is some data on smoking cessation pharmacotherapy use during pregnancy, it's outdated".
"Our goal with this study was provide evidence of what's happening currently in practice and compare this to the clinical guidelines."
Prescription NRT was used by less than 2% of women in New Zealand, with minimal use of it in the other countries, where NRT is potentially more often purchased without a script.
Among the women who did use prescription NRT, the majority did not take it long enough to quit successfully.
"The research findings highlight the need for robust information about safety and effectiveness regarding the use of NRT during pregnancy," commented Dr Robijn.
"Armed with better knowledge, pregnant women and clinicians can make informed choices around quitting smoking," she added.
The study found the low use of varenicline and bupropion, not recommended in pregnancy, aligned with current clinical guidelines.
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