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February, 2020:

Death related to nicotine replacement therapy

Highlights

•Nicotine substitution therapies can be fatal if misused.

•Transdermal absorption of nicotine induces a gradual symptomatology and an agony.

•Importance of supervising nicotine substitution therapy in detention.

•Toxicological analyses are absolutely necessary in nicotine poisoning cases.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0379073820300852

Abstract

Transdermal nicotine patches and nicotine tablets are widely used for substitution therapies after cessation of smoking. Toxic concentrations of nicotine and cotinine, its main metabolite, are rarely reported, either in cases of misuse or in a fatal context. We report here a rare fatal case due to massive exposure to nicotine replacement therapy.

A 41-year-old man was found dead by his cellmate with 7 nicotine patches on the body. There were 14 nicotine patches (21 mg) and 5 empty blisters of nicotine tablets (Nicopass® 1.5 mg) in the bin. External, internal, and histological examinations revealed asphyxia syndrome. Toxicological analyses indicated lethal concentrations of nicotine and cotinine in femoral (2239 and 1230 ng/mL) and cardiac blood (1344 and 1090 ng/mL). Screening for ethanol, drugs, and illicit drugs revealed therapeutic concentrations of cyamemazine, lormetazepam, nordiazepam, oxazepam, and buprenorphine and its metabolite. THC and its metabolites were also detected, reflecting use of cannabis. The findings highlight the risk of nicotine poisoning in persons using nicotine patches. This case emphasises the importance of carrying out complete toxicological analyses to prevent other instances of nicotine poisoning from being overlooked.

Analysis of factors associated with disease outcomes in hospitalized patients with 2019 novel coronavirus disease

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Exploring the Point-of-Sale Among Vape Shops Across the United States

Audits Integrating a Mystery Shopper Approach

https://academic.oup.com/ntr/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/ntr/ntaa041/5801058

Abstract

Introduction

Vape shops represent prominent, unique retailers, subject to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation in the United States.

Aims and Methods

This study assessed compliance of US vape shop retail marketing strategies with new regulations (eg, required age verification, prohibited free samples) and pre-implementation conditions for other regulations (eg, health warning labels on all nicotine products, required disclosures of e-liquid contents).

Results

95.0% of shops displayed minimum-age signage; however, mystery shoppers were asked for age verification at 35.6% upon entry and at 23.4% upon purchase. Although 85.5% of shops had some evidence of implementing FDA health warnings, 29.1% had signage indicating prohibited health claims, 16.3% offered free e-liquid samples, 27.4% had signage with cartoon imagery, and 33.3% were within two blocks of schools. All shops sold open-system devices, 64.8% sold closed-system devices, 68.2% sold their own brand of e-liquids, 42.5% sold e-liquids containing cannabidiol, 83.2% offered price promotions of some kind, and 89.9% had signage for product and price promotions.

Conclusions

Results indicated that most shops complied with some implementation of FDA health warnings and with free sampling bans and minimum-age signage. Other findings indicated concerns related to underage access, health claims, promotional strategies, and cannabidiol product offerings, which call for further FDA and state regulatory/enforcement efforts.

A Cigarette by any other name is still a cigarette

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The truth behind Philip Morris’ cigarette-free future

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Turkey bans import of e-cigarette products

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Online Pro-Tobacco Marketing Exposure Is Associated With Dual Tobacco Product Use Among Underage US Students

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0890117120905231

Abstract

Purpose:

To understand the effect of pro-tobacco marketing on electronic cigarette and combustible cigarette dual use among US middle and high school students under 18 years of age.

Design:

Data were derived from the 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey, an annual self-administered school-based cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

The survey was administered in public and private middle and high schools across the United States.

Participants:

The probability sample size was 15 238 middle and high school students with complete responses who were under 18 years of age during the study period.

Measures:

The study measured self-reported exposure to online combustible and electronic cigarette advertisements, dual use of combustible and electronic cigarettes during the past 30 days, exposure to the Real Cost antitobacco campaign advertisements, and other sociodemographic factors (eg, race/ethnicity, gender, and grade).

Analysis:

Logistic regressions were used to measure pro-tobacco marketing exposure and dual use as a function of pro-tobacco marketing exposure.

Results:

Descriptive analyses show that 59.0% of respondents were exposed to pro-tobacco online marketing, and 2.9% were dual users. Dual users (odds ratio [OR] = 1.73) and high school students (OR = 1.43) were more likely to report exposure to online pro-tobacco marketing.

Conclusions:

Findings indicate that a gap in electronic cigarette pro-tobacco marketing regulatory oversight may exist. Further policy action may be warranted to protect the public health of minors and other vulnerable populations who are most susceptible to pro-tobacco marketing.

Are e-Cigarettes Safer Than Tobacco? It’s Complicated

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The Secrets of Big Tobacco: Has Philip Morris Really Given Up Smoking?

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The Truth Behind Philip Morris International’s Smoke-Free Future

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