Varenicline for smoking cessation: a narrative review of efficacy, adverse effects, use in at-risk populations, and adherence
Treating tobacco dependence is the most effective way to reduce tobacco-related death and disability. Counseling and pharmacotherapy have been shown to increase tobacco abstinence rates among smokers. Varenicline is the most effective monotherapy treatment for tobacco dependence; however, it is pres...
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Dove Medical Press
2016
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| Online Access: | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4824380/ |
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pubmed-48243802016-04-20 Varenicline for smoking cessation: a narrative review of efficacy, adverse effects, use in at-risk populations, and adherence Burke, Michael V Hays, J Taylor Ebbert, Jon O Review Treating tobacco dependence is the most effective way to reduce tobacco-related death and disability. Counseling and pharmacotherapy have been shown to increase tobacco abstinence rates among smokers. Varenicline is the most effective monotherapy treatment for tobacco dependence; however, it is prescribed less often than indicated, and adherence is less than optimal. We conducted a literature review of the development, efficacy, safety, contraindications, and adverse effects of varenicline; including reviewing data regarding combination therapy, extended duration, and patient adherence. Varenicline was developed to work specifically on the factors that underlie nicotine addiction. Phase II and Phase III trials established dosing, safety profiles, and efficacy. Postmarketing research raised concerns about neuropsychiatric and cardiac effects, resulting in warning labels being added and modified to encourage discussions with patients weighing the risks and benefits. While more research is needed, evidence is strong that varenicline is safe and effective in treating tobacco dependence among people who are at higher risk for neuropsychiatric symptoms and cardiovascular disease. The effectiveness of varenicline can be improved by taking it in combination with other medications, enhancing patient adherence and extending the duration of treatment. Dove Medical Press 2016-04-01 /pmc/articles/PMC4824380/ /pubmed/27099479 http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S83469 Text en © 2016 Burke et al. This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited The full terms of this license are available at https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/). By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. |
| repository_type |
Open Access Journal |
| institution_category |
Foreign Institution |
| institution |
US National Center for Biotechnology Information |
| building |
NCBI PubMed |
| collection |
Online Access |
| language |
English |
| format |
Online |
| author |
Burke, Michael V Hays, J Taylor Ebbert, Jon O |
| spellingShingle |
Burke, Michael V Hays, J Taylor Ebbert, Jon O Varenicline for smoking cessation: a narrative review of efficacy, adverse effects, use in at-risk populations, and adherence |
| author_facet |
Burke, Michael V Hays, J Taylor Ebbert, Jon O |
| author_sort |
Burke, Michael V |
| title |
Varenicline for smoking cessation: a narrative review of efficacy, adverse effects, use in at-risk populations, and adherence |
| title_short |
Varenicline for smoking cessation: a narrative review of efficacy, adverse effects, use in at-risk populations, and adherence |
| title_full |
Varenicline for smoking cessation: a narrative review of efficacy, adverse effects, use in at-risk populations, and adherence |
| title_fullStr |
Varenicline for smoking cessation: a narrative review of efficacy, adverse effects, use in at-risk populations, and adherence |
| title_full_unstemmed |
Varenicline for smoking cessation: a narrative review of efficacy, adverse effects, use in at-risk populations, and adherence |
| title_sort |
varenicline for smoking cessation: a narrative review of efficacy, adverse effects, use in at-risk populations, and adherence |
| description |
Treating tobacco dependence is the most effective way to reduce tobacco-related death and disability. Counseling and pharmacotherapy have been shown to increase tobacco abstinence rates among smokers. Varenicline is the most effective monotherapy treatment for tobacco dependence; however, it is prescribed less often than indicated, and adherence is less than optimal. We conducted a literature review of the development, efficacy, safety, contraindications, and adverse effects of varenicline; including reviewing data regarding combination therapy, extended duration, and patient adherence. Varenicline was developed to work specifically on the factors that underlie nicotine addiction. Phase II and Phase III trials established dosing, safety profiles, and efficacy. Postmarketing research raised concerns about neuropsychiatric and cardiac effects, resulting in warning labels being added and modified to encourage discussions with patients weighing the risks and benefits. While more research is needed, evidence is strong that varenicline is safe and effective in treating tobacco dependence among people who are at higher risk for neuropsychiatric symptoms and cardiovascular disease. The effectiveness of varenicline can be improved by taking it in combination with other medications, enhancing patient adherence and extending the duration of treatment. |
| publisher |
Dove Medical Press |
| publishDate |
2016 |
| url |
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4824380/ |
| _version_ |
1613563691458887680 |