Effects of Combined Varenicline With Nicotine Patch and of Extended Treatment Duration on Smoking Cessation. A Randomized Clinical Trial
RCT (n=1251) found no significant difference in self-reported smoking abstinence rates at 52 weeks for varenicline + nicotine patch vs varenicline alone when given for either 12 weeks (25.1% vs 23.6%) or 24 weeks (24.4% vs 25.1%) in adults who smoked ≥5 cigarettes per day.
Source:
Journal of the American Medical Association
SPS commentary:
The abstinence rates for 12 weeks treatment and 24 weeks treatment were also not significantly different. An editorial notes this study is consistent with previous research from two other trials. It notes however a significant portion of cigarette smokers pass through cycles of abstinence and relapse. Hence, there is a need for more clinical trials to identify the specific subgroup of smokers for whom the combined use of varenicline plus nicotine replacement therapy or extended treatment duration may be beneficial. Clinicians meanwhile need to use a chronic disease management approach, which involves monitoring tobacco use over time and making frequent efforts to encourage and assist cigarette smokers in quitting tobacco products.