Varenicline for smoking cessation intervention in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

In smoking-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), smoking cessation was previously demonstrated to reduce lung function decline and disease morbidity if it resulted in a sustained tobacco abstinence. Varenicline is a newer pharmacologic therapeutic agent able to reduce withdrawal symptoms in smokers, and this makes it particularly valuable in inducing abstinence in patients with significant addiction.

AREAS COVERED:

This paper discusses the results of a randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effects of a smoking cessation intervention including varenicline in patients with COPD.

EXPERT OPINION:

Varenicline can be an appropriate aid to maintaining smoking abstinence in patients with COPD and heavier nicotine addiction, and the documentation of the long-term effects of a smoking cessation intervention that includes this pharmacologic therapeutic agent is necessary.

• Authors: Sabina A Antoniu, Antigona Carmen Trofor
• Journal: Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy (Expert Opin Pharmacother) Vol. 12 Issue 16 Pg. 2595-7 (Nov 2011) ISSN: 1744-7666 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21819275 (Publication Type: Comment, Journal Article)