Pharmacists are key in establishing a future free from tobacco and nicotine dependence

THE HAGUE —  Pharmacists have a crucial role to play in tobacco and nicotine use cessation in order to reduce the heavy burden of non-communicable diseases, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) said in a new statement of policy Wednesday. 

The policy statement, recently adopted by the FIP Council, makes recommendations for pharmacists, pharmaceutical organizations, pharmacy educators, governments, policy makers, regulatory agencies and health care funders to facilitate and support roles for the pharmacy profession in supporting the cessation of tobacco and nicotine use. It updates the 2003 FIP policy statement and builds on a joint statement by FIP and the World Health Organization which was adopted in May 2024.

“Use of tobacco remains a significant public health issue. Recognizing the preventable nature of the harms of tobacco and tobacco-related products, this statement highlights pharmacists' roles and further potential in reducing diseases and premature deaths linked to their use. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to influence public health through patient education, personalised support and pharmacological interventions. They can enhance cessation success rates through identifying individuals who use tobacco and nicotine, assessing their readiness to quit, and providing structured cessation programmes,” said Lars-Åke Söderlund, FIP vice president and co-chair of the policy committee.

Through the updated policy statement, FIP urges pharmaceutical organizations to actively support tobacco cessation services in pharmacies by developing guidelines and implementation tools. Pharmacists should take a more active role preventing people from ever starting tobacco use and are encouraged to utilise digital technologies to increase the uptake of effective cessation treatments, the federation says. Educational institutions should incorporate knowledge on tobacco use prevention and cessation into their curricula and competency frameworks, while governments and policymakers are called on ensure remuneration for cessation services.

“FIP also makes several commitments in the statement, including to promote scientific research and education to advance effective tobacco cessation interventions, to continue advocating the utilisation of pharmacists in tobacco cessation strategies, and to continue supporting the work of pharmacists and FIP member organisations though a range of resources,” Söderlund added.