Category: Federal Forum Posters
Purpose: In 2016, the FDA updated labeling for varenicline and removed a Black Box Warning regarding neuropsychiatric adverse events based on post-marketing safety data. Within the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System (VASLCHCS), varenicline was previously classified as a non-formulary medication requiring prior authorization. This requirement was eliminated in May 2018 to reflect varenicline’s improved safety profile and encourage utilization in patients meeting criteria for use. The objective of this medication use evaluation (MUE) is to determine whether prescribing patterns for varenicline changed after the prior authorization requirement was removed, and to identify opportunities for provider education regarding appropriate use.
Methods: This MUE will be conducted as a retrospective chart review utilizing the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) to identify all patients with outpatient varenicline prescriptions from a VASLCHCS provider between January 23, 2018 to September 23,2018. The following data will be collected: patient age and gender, department/prescriber for varenicline prescriptions, renal function, and documentation of suicidality within the previous 12 months. The primary outcome is to define the number of outpatient varenicline prescriptions before and after the removal of the prior authorization requirement. Descriptive statistics will be used to evaluate the primary outcome.
Results: Not Applicable
Conclusion: Not Applicable
Kali Savoca
– PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy Resident, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, UT123 Views