COMMUNITY PHARMACY WORKBOOK 2014-15PUBLIC HEALTH DORSETSupply of varenicline (Champix ®)

YOUR DETAILSName:

Position:

Pharmacy:

Date:

Notes:

AIMS AND OUTCOMES

Community pharmacies are now able to supply varenicline for smoking cessation via patient group direction (PGD).

INTRODUCTION

To improve access and choice for patients who want to stop smoking

To improve primary care capacity by reducing medical practice workload related to smoking cessation

WHEN CAN I SUPPLY VARENICLINE?

The patient must be suitably willing to quit and willing/able to attend 1-1 sessions

Main contra-indications (refer to PGD for full list): Pregnancy and/or breastfeedingPatient has taken varenicline/bupropion

previously in an attempt to stop smokingPatient under the age of 18Patient not willing for information to be passed to

GP

Where the patient does not meet criteria for supply under the PGD, they can be signposted to other health and social care professionals

WHEN SHOULD I SIGNPOST?

If the patient wishes to stop smoking but you cannot supply varenicline under the PGD: Discuss alternative therapies for smoking

cessation Refer to Public Health Dorset for further advice Refer the patient to their GP

WHO CAN SUPPLY UNDER THE PGD?

ONLY a pharmacist who has carried out the required training can undertake consultations and supply the medication.

Technicians are not eligible to supply medicines under PGD.

CONSIDERATIONS

When pharmacotherapy is required to assist in supporting a quit attempt patients should be assessed based on medical history, previous use and client choice.

NRT or varenicline may be used as a first line option for smoking cessation.

Patients should be fully informed of the risks and benefits of the available treatment options through verbal and written information.

Note: repeat courses of varenicline are not recommended and are not covered by the PGD.

THE FIRST CONSULTATION

Complete the relevant stage on PharmOutcomes. Follow the varenicline PGD checklist form, ensuring

that all the relevant information is provided to the patient. This information includes:

Treatment schedule Administration

Side effects Dose tapering

Consent to share information

General stop smoking advice

Follow-up Where to get more information

THE FIRST CONSULTATION (continued)

Check the patient understands advice given and ask them to sign the consultation form.

Keep this form as a record of the consultation and patient consent.

Provide the first 2 weeks treatment as a titration pack and arrange the follow up appointment.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ONGOING CONSULTATIONS Update on PharmOutcomes. Provide a further 2 week supply of varenicline. (Do not

supply any more than 2 weeks at any one time). Arrange next follow up appointment. Patients who experience side effects should be advised

to seek advice from the pharmacist, or their GP; varenicline is a black triangle medicine (T) and all suspected side effects should be reported to the MHRA on a yellow card.

Patients should be advised to discontinue treatment and seek prompt medical advice if they, or their family or carers notice that the patient has developed agitation, depressed mood or suicidal thoughts.

DOSE AND FREQUENCYThe recommended dose is 1 mg oral varenicline twice daily with a 1 week titration at the beginning and end of the 12 week period.

Days 1-3: 0.5mg (white) once dailyDays 4-7: 0.5mg (white) twice dailyDay 8 onwards: 1mg (blue) twice daily

End of treatment reduction (starter pack in reverse)1mg (blue) twice daily for 7 days then 0.5mg (white) twice daily for 4 days then 0.5mg daily for 3 days

Patients who cannot tolerate side effects, but are still motivated to continue treatment may have their dose lowered temporarily or permanently to 0.5mg twice daily

Provision for the first two weeks supply is provided as a titration pack, which contains one clear blister of 11 x 0.5 mg film-coated tablets and a second clear blister of 14 x 1 mg film coated tablets.

ADMINISTRATION AND PAYMENT

A record of each supply of varenicline must be made on the PMR.

The patient’s GP must be notified of the supply of varenicline by fax. It is the responsibility of the pharmacist to inform the patient’s GP.

The pharmacy should submit a claim on PharmOutcomes at each stage of supply for payment for supplies of varenicline (part of normal claim).

The pharmacy will be paid £6 for each initial supply of varenicline, plus the basic drug cost and £2 dispensing fee for each 2 week supply.

CONTRACT AND PGD SIGN UP SHEET If your pharmacy does not yet offer the smoking

cessation service, you must ensure that you sign a contract to provide this service and sign a copy of the varenicline PGD sign up sheet. Inform Public Health Dorset of who is trained to provide this service.

If your pharmacy already provides the smoking cessation service but you are participating in the supply of varenicline via the community pharmacy PGD you must ensure you sign a copy of the PGD sign up sheet. Inform Public Health Dorset of who is trained to provide this service.

NEXT STEPS

Once you have studied the PGD and this workbook please complete and submit the questions and declaration by clicking on the link below:

Varenicline PGD workbook questions

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions after reading through this workbook and PGD please contact:

Emma Wilson e.wilson@dorsetcc.gov.uk

01305 225869

or

Michelle Homer m.homer@dorsetcc.gov.uk

01305 225878