Pharmacy

[Ryan Moore]

#13857

Hi all, this sub section if for any pharmacy related queries and shared learning!

[Ryan Moore]

#13858

Hi all, please see below a situation regarding Varenicline prescribing!

Question- We have had a situation today at work where we wanted to commence varenicline on a patient but pharmacy and cardio doctor have said we cannot give it to the patient as it is cautioned in cardiovascular disease – the patient does not have PMH of cardiovascular disease and was admitted with an acute event – an NSTEMI with a trop of 16,000.

I would like to run this by you to ensure we have not made a mistake in offering the Champix to the patient as surely it is better for this patient to stop smoking? Also it is not a contra-indication and as I am aware we can offer Champix in ACS.
The patients only PMH is depression – not on any meds for over 6 months and stated he was happy in himself and stable for over 6 months.

Answer- Offering champix was 100% the right thing!!!!
Unfortunately there is sometimes education needed for the doctor/pharmacist.
I would point them in the direction of two major trials Rigotti 2010 Efficacy & Safety of varenicline for smoking cessation in patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Eisenberg 2016 Varenicline for smoking cessation in hospitalised patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Both confirm there is NO increased risk of cardiovascular events with varenicline.

So you were completely correct and we need to focus on educating those that perpetuate myths like that.

[connor_s]

#13859

Hi All,

Question on Nicotine Patches. We have a patient who we have followed up who is complaining of arm/leg aches when wearing the 24hr patch. Asked to change position daily, also advised to apply between shoulders instead to see if this helps.
Does anyone have other suggestions, can patches be placed anywhere on the body?

TIA
Sophie
(clinical smoking cessation nurse - Wigan Team)

[Giovanna]

#13860

Hi that’s good to know regarding the champix. I have had the same issue a couple of times with ACS patients when the pharmacist and Dr do not want to prescribe. I have also has issues with requesting champix for stroke patients and epilepsy patients. Are both these health issues contraindications that rule out champix?

[connor_s]

#13863

Hi all,

For our team at wigan when looking at medications we have the info from the CURE on the green cards and I have also printed out a document called –
‘medication interactions with smoking and smoking cessation’ which has been really helpful to us - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Publications/tool-14-medication-intera.pdf

Thought I would share.
If anyone else has anything they use I think it would be great to share.

Thanks,
Sophie

[Freya Howle]

#13883

Please see below information on Champix including access to training materials and patient support:

1. For UK Healthcare professionals there is the promotional website for CHAMPIX on our PfizerPro site https://www.pfizerpro.co.uk/product/champix/smoking-cessation and includes educational information and patient support materials for download including:
a. Mode of Action (MOA) card
b. Twelve-week guide to Smoking Cessation
c. PGD awareness tear off pad
d. Dosage card

You can also request support via AskPfizer https://www.pfizerpro.co.uk/support/book-appointment?advert=advert on the PfizerPro homepage

2. In addition you can order specific printed materials for direct delivery on the Medisa platform http://www.medisa.com (if not registered you will be required to do so)

3. For your patients you can also find support at:
• http://www.Champix.co.uk For those patients that have been prescribed CHAMPIX
• http://www.quitwithhelp.co.uk For general public there is support and information on Smoking Cessation

4. For future questions about Pfizer medicines or if you need further support – there are other ways, you can still contact us for guidance;
• Pfizer Medical Information (https://www.pfizermedicalinformation.co.uk/engb/medical-enquiry ) (01304 616161)
• Customer Contact Centre (0845 6088 866)

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