Medical Uses
Varenicline is indicated for smoking cessation. It is more effective than NRTs and nicotine agonists. In a 2006 randomized controlled trial sponsored by Pfizer, after one year the rate of continuous abstinence was 10% for placebo, 15% for bupropion and 23% for varenicline. In a 2009 meta-analysis of 101 studies funded by Pfizer, varenicline was found to be more effective than bupropion (odds ratio 1.40) and NRTs (odds ratio 1.56).
A Cochrane systematic review concluded that both varenicline and bupropion improved smoking cessation. More people quit with varenicline than with bupropion, but the difference was not statistically significant.
The FDA has approved its use for twelve weeks. If smoking cessation has been achieved it may be continued for another twelve weeks.
Varenicline has not been tested in those under 18 years old or pregnant women and therefore is not recommended for use by these groups.
Read more about this topic: Varenicline
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