THE AVAILABILITY OF TOBACCO CESSATION PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN COMMUNITY PHARMACIES IN TÂRGU MUREȘ, ROMANIA
RAREȘ-DANIEL LUCA, ANDREEA NĂDĂȘAN, ASTRID JERCA, PAULA-VIORICA ALEXANDER, LORÁND FERENCZ, ZOLTÁN ÁBRÁM, VALENTIN NĂDĂȘAN *
“George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139, Târgu Mureș, Romania *corresponding author: valentin.nadasan@umfst.ro
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Abstract:
The study aimed to assess the availability of tobacco cessation products and services in community pharmacies in Târgu Mureș, Romania. The study included a representative sample of 47 pharmacies. Data were collected using the simulated client method by four trained assessors following a common protocol. The most recommended medication was nicotine replacement therapy; either as gum (80%), patch (70%) or sublingual spray (51%). Varenicline was recommended in 8.5% of the pharmacies. A few pharmacists also recommended plant-based extracts. While posology was explained in 80% of the pharmacies, warnings about the adverse effects were presented in only 8.5%, and withdrawal symptoms were evaluated in only 19.1%. Referral to a medical professional or stop-smoking centre was given by 70% of pharmacists. The study identified strengths and weaknesses that will be useful in developing a training program aimed to implement a quit-smoking intervention in the community pharmacies in Târgu Mureș, Romania.

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