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Prescriber Update Articles

The use of varenicline (Champix) in NZ: key findings from IMMP study

Web site: September 2010
Prescriber Update 2010;31(3):22

Dr Mira Harrison-Woolrych, Head, IMMP

Prescribers are reminded that the varenicline product information advises a 12 week course of treatment commencing with a starter pack and that failure to complete the course may have implications for the effectiveness of this smoking cessation treatment.¹

A recently published study from the NZ Intensive Medicines Monitoring Programme (IMMP) on the use of varenicline (Champix) had the following key findings:²

• The majority of patients did not receive 12 continuous weeks of varenicline treatment as recommended in the Champix product information.
• The most commonly reported reasons for not completing the 12 week course were adverse reactions and the cost of treatment.
• Doctors prescribing varenicline appeared to believe patients were completing the 12 week course when IMMP dispensing records showed that most did not.
• The effectiveness of varenicline in a sub-group of this cohort was 28% and is similar to that reported in clinical trials.

References

1. Pfizer Ltd. New Zealand datasheet for Champix. 2009. Available at: http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/ dsform.asp
2. Harrison-Woolrych M and Ashton J. 2010. Utilization of the smoking cessation medicine varenicline: an intensive post-marketing study in New Zealand. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety 19: 1-5.