Varenicline Isn't Associated with Excess Risk for Adverse Cardiovascular Events

Evidence suggests that varenicline is as safe as bupropion.

Varenicline (Chantix) is a partial nicotine-receptor agonist that is used to facilitate smoking cessation. In a recent meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials, varenicline use was not associated with excess risk for adverse cardiovascular (CV) events during or within 30 days after stopping treatment (JW Gen Med May 22 2012). In this new nationwide observational study from Denmark, researchers compared risk for adverse CV events in 18,000 new users of varenicline and 18,000 new users of bupropion for smoking cessation. Major CV events included acute coronary syndrome, ischemic stroke, and CV-related death.

During a mean follow-up of 6 months from start of treatment, the rate of major adverse CV events was virtually identical in the two groups (7 events per 1000 person-years). Varenicline was not associated with excess risk for any specific CV endpoint, and results were similar in subgroup analyses by sex, duration of follow-up, duration of use, and history of CV disease.

CITATION(S):

Svanström H et al. Use of varenicline for smoking cessation and risk of serious cardiovascular events: Nationwide cohort study. BMJ 2012 Nov 8; 345:e7176.