Champix no magic bullet: academic

The research, a short term, four week study published in the current issue of the international scientific journal Addiction, examined 412 smokers in a specialist tobacco dependence clinic in the UK trying to quit smoking with either Champix plus weekly group support sessions or their choice of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) plus weekly group support sessions.

While the authors concluded that "with group support varenicline appears to improve success rates over those achieved with NRT", they stated there was "no evidence of a difference in success rates between varenicline and combination NRT".

The results have led Australian pharmacy academic Professor Peter Carroll to caution against developing unrealistic expectations of the drug.

"Smoking cessation aids will only help people who are committed to quitting.  There is no one magic bullet or wonder drug for smoking cessation. Talk of magic pills simply builds unrealistic expectations in smokers and leads to disappointment if they fail," he said.

"Proven aids plus a commitment to quit and counselling from a health care professional will give smokers their best chance of successfully quitting."

The drug, which has been recommended for listing on the PBS from 1 January 2008, is currently under investigation by US authorities for possible links to suicidal thoughts and erratic behaviour.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration said it would be monitoring any warning or reports issued by the FDA.