ASH Australia media release                                        February 23, 2006

Smokers would benefit from wider access to NRT

Retail reform overdue, says ASH

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Smokers would benefit if NRT (nicotine replacement therapies) were more widely available in supermarkets and shops, says Action on Smoking and Health - following media reports today that the federal government is seeking an end to pharmacy-only NRT sales.  

“The medical evidence on NRT proves it’s both safe and effective in helping smokers to quit – regardless of the setting or intensity of additional support for the smoker”, says Anne Jones, CEO of ASH Australia.

“NRT products – gum, patch, nasal spray, inhaler and lozenge – need to be easily accessible for the 80% of smokers who are trying to get over their addiction to lethal tobacco products.

“The great irony is that the safer NRT products are far more restricted than the harmful tobacco products that are still promoted and displayed centre stage in most supermarkets, petrol stations and corner stores.

“Retail reform is long overdue”, says Anne Jones – “the safe NRT products need to be more widely available than tobacco products that should be stored out of the sight of children and recent quitters who are trying to avoid relapse.

“An out-of-sight policy in shops would not inconvenience smokers, as the majority say they know their brand and do not need displays.”

ASH is seeking support from the major supermarket chains to adopt a more socially responsible out-of-sight policy for tobacco products, whilst giving a higher profile to safe and effective cessation products.

One-on-one quit counselling is always available via the Quitline, ph. 131848.

Cochrane report on NRT safety at  www.cochrane.org/cochrane/revabstr/AB000146.htm

Comment:  Anne Jones, CEO, ASH Australia   ph. (02) 9334-1876   m. 0417-227-879

Media inquiries:   Stafford Sanders   ph. (02) 9334-1823    m. 0412-070-194  

Page last updated 23/2/06