Adherence to Varenicline and Associated Smoking Cessation in a Community-Based Patient Setting

• DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2013.19.2.125
• Publication Date: 2016-02-16T19:27:07Z
• Authors: Joshua N. Liberman; Marc J. Lichtenfeld; Aaron Galaznik; Vera Mastey; James Harnett; Kelly H. Zou; Joseph B. Leader; H. Lester Kirchner
• Keywords: Varenicline; Nicotine replacement therapy; Pharmacotherapy; Regimen

Varenicline, a selective α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist, is pharmacotherapy indicated for smoking cessation treatment. To our knowledge, no studies have described varenicline treatment adherence and efficacy from real-world patterns in U.S. primary care setting.To estimate to prescription orders subsequent quit rates among smokers setting.In this retrospective cohort study, eligible patients were enrolled with Geisinger Health Plan, had an initial written by provider between January 1, 2006, December 31, 2009, follow-up clinic visit within the 12 months. Adherence was derived linking electronic prescriptions adjudicated pharmacy claims. Smoking status collected at each health encounter.Of 1,477 patients, 823 (55.7%) nonadherent, having failed initiate on prescribed therapy. Of remaining 654 359 (54.9%) adherent, completed full 12-week course of therapy, 295 (45.1%) partially initiated but not A total 521 (35.3%) ceased during 12-month period: 182 (50.7%) adherent cohort, 82 (27.8%) population, 257 (31.2%) nonadherent cohort. No significant difference found patient cohorts (adjusted HR 0.88 [95% CI=0.69-1.13]). However, regimen almost twice as likely succeed quitting compared completely (HR 1.93 CI=1.59-2.33]).Smoking occurred more often individuals therapy; however, medication nonadherence common. After prescribing varenicline, clinicians payers could consider active maximize optimize outcomes.