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The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has announced an update to the product information for varenicline (Champix® ▼) highlighting concerns over suicidal thoughts and behaviour.
Following a European review in conjunction with the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) it has been recommended that:
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Clinicians should already be aware of the risk of using varenicline in patients who have an underlying mental illness.
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Clinicians should advise patients who are trying to stop smoking that they can develop symptoms of depression.
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Patients who develop suicidal thoughts while taking varenicline should stop their treatment and contact their doctor immediately.
Action: Clinicians should avoid using varenicline in patients with underlying mental illness. Patients who are prescribed varenicline should be advised as recommended above.
This article is based on a blog by Matt Robinson and can be accessed at http://www.prescriber.org.uk/
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