Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Varenicline Versus Currently Funded Smoking Cessation Strategies in Brazil

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the cost-effectiveness of varenicline in comparison to currently funded smoking cessation strategies in Brazil.

Methods: We modeled the lifetime direct costs and health-related quality of life of a hypothetical cohort of smokers with a single attempt to quit smoking using one of the following: (1) cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) without any pharmacological intervention, (2) varenicline, (3) bupropion, (4) nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) with transdermal patch, (5) bupropion in combination with NRT transdermal patch, and (6) combined NRT (oral plus transdermal). All drug alternatives were considered with concomitant CBT. The analysis relied on a Markov model based on the Benefits of Smoking Cessation and Outcomes study and used different age and sex categories in the consideration of relative risks and incidence rates of the diseases included in the model. The analysis was conducted from the healthcare system perspective, and a 3% discounting rate for costs and outcomes was applied. Model parameter values were sourced from published literature. Probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses assessed robustness.

Results: Among the smoking cessation alternatives available in Brazil, varenicline and combined NRT were estimated to have higher effectiveness; varenicline, however, was dominated due to its higher average cost. In the base-case analysis, combined NRT had an incremental gain of 0.25 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) in comparison to the second-best option (bupropion in combination with NRT transdermal patch) and an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of R$2173.47/QALY ($595.45/QALY).

Conclusions: Combination of oral and transdermal NRT (coupled with CBT) was the most effective smoking cessation option and was 100% cost-effective within a conservative willingness-to-pay threshold.

Keywords: bupropion; cost-effectiveness; economic evaluation; nicotine replacement therapy; smoking cessation; varenicline.