A cost-effectiveness model of smoking cessation based on a randomised controlled trial of varenicline versus placebo in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Source: Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, December 2011, vol. 12, part 17, pp. 2613-26

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: December 2011

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Examined the cost-effectiveness of varenicline from the perspective of the healthcare systems of Spain (base case), the UK, France, Germany, Greece and Italy.  A Markov model was developed to determine the cost-effectiveness of varenicline as an aid to smoking cessation, compared to a placebo, in a COPD population. Cost-effectiveness was determined by the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained.  Results suggest that varenicline had a 95% probability of being cost effective at a threshold of 30,000 euros per QALY.

Length of publication:  24 pages

Some important notes: Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library

Acknowledgement: Medline

Are pharmacists reducing COPD’S impact through smoking cessation and assessing inhaled steroid use?

Source:  Respiratory Medicine Volume 106, Issue 2, February 2012, Pages 230-234

Follow this link for the abstract.

Date of publication:  Feb 2012

Publication type:  Journal article

In a nutshell: Researchers from Manchester and New Zealand have looked at the contribution NW community pharmacists are making to the implementation of NICE guidelines on COPD by providing smoking cessation advice and reviewing inhaled corticosteroid prescriptions.

Length of publication:  4 pages

Some important notes: Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions in patients with COPD

Source: Thorax, 2010, vol.65 part 8, pages 711-8 

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: August 2010

Publication type: Article

In a nutshell: Study in the Netherlands which showed that compared with usual care, intensive counselling and pharmacotherapy resulted in low costs per QALY gained with ratios comparable to results for smoking cessation in the general population. Compared with intensive counselling, pharmacotherapy was cost saving and dominated the other interventions.

Length of publication:  8 pages

Some important notes: Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.