2016 Volume 11 Issue 6 Pages 166-171
Objective: To examine the long-term effectiveness of a reduced dosage of varenicline on smoking cessation among female patients by comparing half-year and 1-year rates of successful smoking cessation between reduced and standard dosages of varenicline.
Subjects and Methods: We evaluated and compared the data between two groups of female participants: 14 who received a reduced dosage of varenicline (0.5 mg/day for 3 days, 0.5 mg twice daily for 4 days, and 0.5 mg twice or thrice daily for 12 weeks) and 50 who received the standard dosage (0.5 mg/day for 3 days, 0.5 mg twice daily for 4 days, and 1.0 mg twice daily for 12 weeks). Patient characteristics and half-year and 1-year rates of successful smoking cessation were compared between the groups.
Results: Patient characteristics were similar between the groups with the exception of height. Half-year rates of successful smoking cessation were similar between the two groups (78.6% vs. 78.0%; p = 0.96). There was no significant difference in the 1-year rates of successful smoking cessation between the two groups (78.6% vs. 66.0%; p = 0.37). However, it was determined that a reduced dosage of varenicline has the same efficacy as that of the standard dosage.
Discussion and Conclusion: From the perspective of long-term effectiveness for smoking cessation in female patients, a reduced dosage of varenicline is beneficial.
