— Nicorette solution to cost CYP 120 over 3 months
Of the 153,000 smokers in Cyprus, some 58% want to quit, while a further 63% of non-smokers have reason to help others kick the habit, according to a study commissioned by pharmaceuticals distributors Phadisco.
Speaking at the launch of Pfizer’s nicotine substitute Nicorette products, Yiannis Photiou, Managing Director of Phadisco, said that the patch and gums may only be used by those who have a will to stop smoking and need help.
“We all know how difficult it is to cut the smoking habit. What many didn’t know is that there now is an alternative,” he said.
A Phadisco executive said that the 12-week treatment that includes self-induced doses of pure nicotine to substitute the addiction from cigarettes, would cost about CYP 120, whereas buying cigarettes would cost the average smoker some CYP 300 for the same period.
Nicorette patches are available in three packages for the first, second and third month of treatment, reducing the nicotine content each time. They are sold over-the-counter at pharmacies with a maximum CYP 9.45 for the first box of patches.
The Nicorette gums come in plain sugar-free and menthol variants in boxes of 30 or 105 and with the same nicotine content, but allows the consumer to reduce the daily dosage gradually over 3 months. Boxes of gums sell for CYP 3.46.
A representative for Pfizer Greece said that the gum has a very low risk of addiction and the same dangers related to smoking. Side-effects are minimal and are not recommended for use by high-risk groups, such as pregnant women, just as they would be forbidden from smoking.
The extreme case of a Nicorette gum overdose would simply result in nausea and vomiting, while in the case of obvious weight loss commonly related to stopping smoking would have to be regulated by a stricter diet by the affected person.
Phadisco, one of the oldest pharmaceuticals distribution companies in Cyprus that dates back to 1933 when the company’s predecessor Christodoulides Bros was first established, only distributes Pfizer Consumer Healthcare products. Other Pfizer products (medical, agricultural) are distributed by Geo Pavlides & Araouzos.
