Cost-effectiveness analysis of smoking-cessation treatment using electronic medical records in a cardiovascular hospital

AbstractPurposeEvaluating the cost-effectiveness of a first-line smoking cessation drug using an electronic medical record system is very important for defining the best decision-making tree to use in the Brazilian National Health System (SUS). This study aimed to evaluate the cost effectiveness of varenicline compared with bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) (gum and patches) in a smoking cessation program.MethodsWe included 940 patients admitted to a smoking cessation program. Smokers had access to medical consultations and prescription of nicotine replacement therapies (NRT — patch and gum), bupropion, and varenicline. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were estimated in the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS).ResultsWe were able to show that the best cost-effectiveness for one participant to quit smoking was BRL R$ 1.546,40 with varenicline plus bupropion BRL R$ 1.650,00 with varenicline alone; BRL R$ 1.971,32 with bupropion plus gum; BRL R$ 2.413,81 with bupropion plus NRT; and BRL R$ 2.414,26 with NRT alone.ConclusionTreatment with varenicline showed to be dominant and cost saving compared to NRT and/or bupropion