Two medicines to stop smoking are available in Portuguese pharmacies and are covered by the National Health Service. A Brazilian Society of Pulmonology says that this support is fundamental help for smokers, but warns that it is also necessary to create an accessible consultation plan to everyone.
Varenicline and Cytisinicline arrived in Portuguese pharmacies at the beginning of this month. The two drugs composed of active substances, but not nicotine, are reimbursed by the National Health Service. A help that could be a turning point in the path of many smokers.
Sales of smoking cessation drugs began to fall in recent years after Pfizer decided to withdraw verenicline from the market because it considered that chemical compounds increased the risk of cancer.
In 2021, around 157 thousand packages were sold, a number that began to decrease in the following years and, in 2023, did not exceed 115 thousand. In the space of two years, 42 thousand fewer products were sold.
With the support of 37% of the state, a package of Cuitvar with 56 tablets costs 26 euros and one of Xistab with 100 tablets costs more than 60 euros.
Since the beginning of the month, two medicines have become available in pharmacies to support smoking cessation reimbursed by the NHS.
Both can act as a stimulus for more people to kick the habit.
