The NPS is warning that smokers with known cardiovascular problems who are looking to quit should consider alternative options to Champix (varenicline).
The warning in the latest NPS safety update, came after the results of a recent meta-analysis showed smokers taking Champix had a higher risk of cardiovascular events than those taking a placebo.
Smokers with a history of cardiovascular disease have been advised to try to kick the habit through nicotine replacement therapy or counselling, by the NPS, rather than taking a risk with the widely used pharmaceutical option.
“For people with no history of cardiovascular disease who are starting varenicline for smoking cessation, [we] advise that there is information to suggest the medicine may cause a small increase in their absolute...
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