Benefit of varenicline in pregnancy 'likely outweighs harm'
Study findings are inconsistent with expert advice that NRT be given preference, researchers say
13th February 2020
Varenicline could be a better option than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for pregnant women who want to quit smoking, as it is associated with a reduced risk of preterm birth and other poor outcomes, Australian researchers say.
Their conclusion is based on an eight-year population-based cohort study of 98,000 pregnant smokers in NSW and WA, including 1057 who used varenicline, 330 who used NRT and 233 who used bupropion.
The NHMRC-funded Smoking MUMS Study found that women