New study tests smarter smoking cessation strategies

NCT ID NCT04188873

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested different ways to help daily smokers quit by comparing two medications (varenicline and nicotine patches/lozenges), how long to take them before quitting, how long to continue after quitting, and the level of counseling. Over 500 smokers from primary care participated. The goal was to find the most effective and cost-efficient treatment plan to achieve long-term abstinence.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy (patch and lozenge)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could identify the most effective combination of medication and counseling to help smokers quit long-term.
What could go wrong: This is a completed Phase 4 trial, so results are available but may not apply to all smokers. Side effects from medications are possible.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

nicotine dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

NICOTINE DEPENDENCE

Contacts and locations

Locations

UW Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53233, United States
University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention

Madison, Wisconsin, 53711, United States

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