The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies smoking as a chronic disease that claims the lives of 8 million people each year. In Spain it causes around 54,000 deaths a year, of which 27.5% are due to cardiovascular diseases associated with its consumption, according to data from the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC).
On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, the Spanish pharmaceutical company Normon, a leader in the manufacture of generic medicines, has launched a new generic medicine with varenicline. This is the only medication on the market with this molecule and is the first option recommended by health professionals to quit smoking.
The way varenicline works is simple: it relieves withdrawal symptoms when quitting smoking. Treatment is easy to follow, starting with one tablet daily for the first three days, followed by two tablets daily for the remainder of the treatment. In addition, the blister is calendared, indicating the precise time at which the medication should be taken, making it easier to comply.
If the patient smokes, varenicline prevents them from experiencing the rewarding effects of tobacco, increasing the chances of success in quitting smoking up to three times. This medication has been shown in large clinical studies to be more effective than other available treatments.
Vareniclina Normon reaches the market complying with the highest quality standards required by health authorities, being developed to meet the established requirements and remaining well below the permitted limit of nitrosamines.
“Varenicline Normon is more effective than other similar options on the market. In addition to its simple dosage, the treatment is financed and has a 40% price reduction compared to the original, making it more accessible for those who want to quit smoking. He also has experience with special populations, such as patients with cardiovascular disease, COPD, and psychiatric disorders. The arrival of Vareniclina Normon on the market is a significant advance in the fight against smoking in Spain,” said Miguel Moreno, Commercial Director of Normon Spain.
Smoking: a serious public health problem
Currently, the age at which tobacco and other derived devices begin to be consumed is between 12 and 14 years. According to the latest data from the EDADES study, the population between 15 and 64 years old is the one that consumes tobacco the most. Smoking has a high prevalence, with approximately 30% of the population being smokers, and only 30% of those who want to quit smoking have access to the means to do so. The social perception of smoking also affects its treatment: approximately 65% of smokers who try to quit relapse in the first three months, another 10% relapse between three and six months, and 3% between six and twelve months. .
“Quitting smoking is not always difficult and it is almost never impossible. Compliance with pharmacological treatment is crucial to minimize relapses and achieve complete cessation.”
“Smoking is a devastating disease that requires urgent attention. Health professionals must promote prevention and smoking cessation, and pharmacological treatment is essential in this process,” said Noa Rey, member of the Board of Directors of the National Committee for Smoking Prevention (CNPT). “Quitting smoking is not always difficult and it is almost never impossible. Relapses are usually due to a lack of motivation, professional support, or adequate prevention. Therefore, complying with pharmacological treatment is crucial to minimize relapses and achieve complete cessation.”
A Commitment that Saves Lives and Improves the Efficiency of the National Health System
Treatment with Varenicline Normon is administered orally and the decision on its use corresponds to medical judgment. To date, Normon has recorded four presentations of Varenicline:
- Varenicline Normon 0.5 mg film-coated tablets, 56 tablets
- Varenicline Normon 1 mg film-coated tablets, 56 tablets
- Varenicline Normon 1 mg film-coated tablets, 112 tablets
- Varenicline Normon 0.5 mg + 1 mg film-coated tablets, 53 tablets
The only presentation that will not be financed by the National Health System (SNS) will be that of Varenicline Normon 1 mg of 112 tablets. This financing makes the treatment up to 40% cheaper than the original reference brand, contributing to the efficiency of the SNS and facilitating access to medicines. This advance represents a milestone for Normon and sparks greater interest in generic therapies, allowing economic barriers to be broken down.
