Sold as NicoStop, NicoPop, and Likatine, the nicotine lollipops have been growing in popularity with their appealing flavors of cherry, grape, apricot, and tequila sunrise. According to one supplier, sales of the nicotine used in lollipops increased 20-fold from 2000 to 2001.

In addition to selling the lollipops, some pharmacists are also offering nicotine-laced hard candy, gummy lozenges, and lip balm. The products are being sold in stores and on the Internet.

Since the nicotine lollipops and other products have not been tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Congressman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) has called on Health Secretary Tommy G. Thompson to put an end to sales until such products are reviewed.

"An addictive drug should not be masked by sweeteners and sold as a lollipop without a thorough review by FDA and strict safeguards to prevent inappropriate underage use," said Waxman.

Also, a prescription or proof of age is not required to purchase the nicotine lollipops, and tobacco-control activists pointed out that children could easily purchase the lollipops and get addicted to nicotine. Pharmacists say the high price of the lollipops -- about $3 each -- discourages that.

FDA spokesman Brad Stone said the agency "is looking into" the legality of the lollipops.

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