Nicorette Sales Increase In Lead Up to December 10 Smoke-free
Sales of New Zealand’s leading nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)1 – Nicorette – have grown as the December 10 deadline
for smoke-free workplaces draws nearer.
Nicorette spokesman, Peter Baltus, says overall sales of Nicorette – which includes gum, patch, inhaler and now the new
Microtab – have grown by more than 20% in the last six months, with the sharpest growth being experienced from August as
smokers gear up for the legislation change.
“While some of this growth can be attributed to an advertising campaign which began in May and the launch of a new
product, we believe that many smokers are using this historic health milestone to take up the challenge to quit,” said
Mr Baltus.
The Nicorette brand now accounts for around 30% of the dollar value of the NRT market in New Zealand.
In addition Pfizer, which markets and distributes Nicorette has also experienced a 37% growth in its NRT category sales
through pharmacies, compared to an overall industry category growth of just 9%.
The company recently launched a new form of Nicorette called Nicorette Microtab – a small, discreet tablet which is
placed under the tongue – which the company expects will make it easier for smokers to forgo a cigarette while out
socialising.
“The uptake of Nicorette Microtab has been fantastic with most pharmacies purchasing stock of the new product. We have
sold nearly 8,000 units in the first few weeks,” said Mr Baltus.
Meanwhile, Nicorette has also been working closely with organisations such as SCANZ – Sporting Clubs Association of New
Zealand – to help its members be better prepared for the changes to the Smoke-free Environments Act. The company has
offered members, along with nearly 100 other clubs, bars, restaurants and RSAs a 12-week information programme offering
advice and motivational help to plan for the changeover.
At the same time the company has confirmed a distribution contract with Gilmours to enable these sorts of venues to sell
Nicorette gum and patches “over the bar” for the first time in this country’s history.
“Orders are starting to roll in. We expect many smokers will choose to use Nicorette when they are out at sports clubs
and bars as a way to delay the urge for a cigarette. If these people can also be encouraged to quit altogether that is
even better,” said Mr Baltus.
“If you are planning to quit smoking, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is an effective way to do it.2 It is the most
widely used, clinically proven treatment for tobacco dependence.3 “
It is proven with Nicorette a smoker is twice as likely to succeed in quitting compared to willpower alone2, making it
even easier to say no to cigarettes.
NRT works by releasing just enough nicotine into your body to wean you off cigarettes, relieving the cravings when they
happen and helping you break the habit.
There are many brands of NRT in New Zealand - the most well known is Nicorette4.
Nicorette also offers a 12-week ‘Steps to Success’ programme to help people stay on track with their goal to quit
smoking, this includes a support line: 0800 SAY NO NOW (0800 729 666).
References: Aztec MAT Value, July 2004 Silagy C, Mant D, Fowler G, Lancaster T. Nicotine replacement therapy for
smoking cessation (review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2001, Oxford:
Update Software Garvey AJ et al. Nicotine & Tobacco Research 2000; 2:53:63 Pfizer Consumer Research, December 2003.
Nicorette is a stop smoking aid. Nicorette Gum contains 2mg and 4mg nicotine. Nicorette Patch delivers 15mg, 10mg and
5mg nicotine over 16 hours. Nicorette Inhaler is a Pharmacy Only Medicine containing 10mg Nicotine. Nicorette Microtab
is a Pharmacy Only Medicine containing 2mg Nicotine. Medicines have benefits and some may have risks. Always read the
label carefully and use strictly as directed. If you have any side effects, or require further information, consult your
doctor or pharmacist. Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Auckland.