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Varenicline and Risk of Self-Harm: A Nested Case-Control Study
Mina Tadrous1,2, Diana Martins2, Zhan Yao2
1Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.
Plos One
|September 24, 2016
Summary
Varenicline is a medication for smoking cessation. This study found varenicline does not increase suicide or self-harm risk compared to bupropion, another smoking cessation drug.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Smoking cessation is a major public health challenge.
- Bupropion and varenicline are effective pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation.
- Concerns exist regarding varenicline's safety due to post-marketing reports of suicidal behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the risk of suicide and self-harm between varenicline and bupropion for smoking cessation.
- To investigate the safety profile of varenicline in a real-world population.
Main Methods:
- A population-based nested case-control study in Ontario, Canada (2011-2015).
- Included adults aged 18+ receiving bupropion or varenicline for smoking cessation.
- Cases were hospitalized or visited the ED for suicide/self-harm within 90 days; controls were matched.
Main Results:
- 331 cases and 5,346 matched controls were identified.
- Varenicline was not associated with an increased risk of suicide or self-harm compared to bupropion.
- Adjusted odds ratio was 1.15 (95% CI 0.71 to 1.87).
Conclusions:
- Varenicline treatment does not appear to significantly elevate the risk of suicide or self-harm relative to bupropion.
- Findings suggest comparable safety profiles for these smoking cessation pharmacotherapies regarding self-harm risk.
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