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Abstinence Rate, Adverse Events and Withdrawal Symptoms after Varenicline Use and Predicting Factors of Smoking Abstinence: A Multicentre Single-State Study in Malaysia

Author

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  • Shea Jiun Choo

    (School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Malaysia
    Pharmacy Department, Hospital Taiping, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Taiping 34000, Malaysia
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Chee Tao Chang

    (Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Ipoh 30450, Malaysia
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Balamurugan Tangiisuran

    (School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Malaysia)

  • Mohd Faiz Abdul Latif

    (Taiping Health Clinic, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Taiping 34000, Malaysia)

  • Nor Aida Sanusi

    (Perak Pharmaceutical Services Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Ipoh 31250, Malaysia)

  • Sabariah Noor Harun

    (School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Malaysia)

Abstract

(1) Background: Varenicline is a widely prescribed agent in smoking cessation. However, the abstinence rate, the incidence of adverse events and withdrawal symptoms, have not been widely studied locally. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of smoking abstinence, adverse events and withdrawal symptoms associated with varenicline use, as well as possible factors contributing to successful smoking abstinence. (2) Methods: This was a retrospective, cohort study conducted in twenty-two government-operated smoking cessation clinics across the state of Perak, Malaysia. The medical records of adult smokers (age ≥ 18 years old) who were prescribed with varenicline between January 2017 and June 2018 were traced. The medical records of smokers who used pharmacotherapy other than varenicline, those who received less than four weeks of varenicline treatment, and with missing data were excluded. (3) Results: Sixty-eight out of 114 subjects (59.6%) successfully achieved smoking abstinence. Probable varenicline-induced chest pain was documented in three subjects. Altered behaviour ( n = 2) and auditory hallucinations ( n = 1) were also reported. Varenicline treatment duration is a significant predictive factor for successful smoking abstinence (odds ratio (OR) = 2.45; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.74–3.45; p < 0.001), followed by age (OR = 1.25; 95% CI 1.005–1.564; p = 0.045), the presence of adverse events (OR = 0.096; 95% CI 0.014–0.644; p = 0.016) and withdrawal symptoms (OR = 0.032; 95% CI 0.016–0.835; p = 0.032). (4) Conclusion: Almost two-thirds of the subjects achieved smoking abstinence with varenicline. The duration of the treatment, as well as the patients’ ages had a significant influence on successful smoking abstinence. Rare cases of cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric-related adverse events were reported, warranting continuous surveillance and adverse drug reaction reporting.

Suggested Citation

  • Shea Jiun Choo & Chee Tao Chang & Balamurugan Tangiisuran & Mohd Faiz Abdul Latif & Nor Aida Sanusi & Sabariah Noor Harun, 2022. "Abstinence Rate, Adverse Events and Withdrawal Symptoms after Varenicline Use and Predicting Factors of Smoking Abstinence: A Multicentre Single-State Study in Malaysia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7757-:d:846846
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Susi Ari Kristina & Vo Quang Trung & Ni Putu Ayu Linda Permitasari & Eliza Dwinta & Faisal Rahman, 2018. "Individual, Social and Psychological Characteristics of Smoking Cessation Behaviors: A Systematic Review," Global Journal of Health Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 10(10), pages 1-55, October.
    2. repec:cdl:ctcres:qt8nw5p0zt is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Dechao Qiu & Ting Chen & Taiyi Liu & Fujian Song, 2020. "Smoking cessation and related factors in middle-aged and older Chinese adults: Evidence from a longitudinal study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(10), pages 1-9, October.
    4. Bertrand Joly & Jean Perriot & Philippe d’Athis & Emmanuel Chazard & Georges Brousse & Catherine Quantin, 2017. "Success rates in smoking cessation: Psychological preparation plays a critical role and interacts with other factors such as psychoactive substances," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(10), pages 1-13, October.
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