SMC accept varenicline
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted varenicline (Champix®) for use on the NHS in Scotland.
The recommendation additionally states that the treatment should be made available as part of a smoking cessation support programme.
The SMC also points out that efficacy and safety data are uncertain in patients who have significant co-morbidity and that the additional treatment course after an initial twelve-week supply provides modest benefit.
Action: As previously discussed, Nicotine Replacement Therapy remains the first line choice. Bupropion and then varenicline are suitable alternatives where NRT treatment fails.
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