Effect of Combination Treatment With Varenicline and Nicotine Patch on Smoking Cessation Among Smokers Who Drink Heavily A Randomized Clinical Trial

Source:

King A, Vena A, de Wit H, Grant JE, Cao D. Effect of Combination Treatment With Varenicline and Nicotine Patch on Smoking Cessation Among Smokers Who Drink Heavily: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(3):e220951. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.0951

Key Points

Question  Is the combination of varenicline tartrate and nicotine patch a more effective treatment than placebo with nicotine patch for smoking cessation in adult cigarette smokers who drink heavily?

Findings  In this randomized clinical trial of 122 smokers who drink heavily, combination treatment with varenicline and nicotine patch significantly improved continuous cigarette abstinence during the final 4 weeks of treatment relative to placebo and nicotine patch.

Meaning  This study found that combined treatment with varenicline and nicotine patch improved smoking cessation outcomes among smokers who drink heavily, a population who have historically experienced worse outcomes with standard approved treatments for tobacco cessation.