Spanish Health Ministry to Fund Generic Version of "Champix"

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May.30.2024

Spanish Health Ministry to Fund Generic Version of "Champix"

Spain's Health Ministry to fund generic version of "Champix" from June, after original version pulled due to impurities.

According to El Mundo on May 29th, the Spanish Ministry of Health will start funding generic versions of "Champix" from June, a drug that was previously removed from the market due to impurities found in the production process of its main component, Varenicline.

Susana Verdejo, director of the Tobacco Prevention and Control Department at the Spanish Ministry of Health, revealed during a World No Tobacco Day meeting on Wednesday (May 29) that the active ingredient varenicline in the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer's drug "Champix" was ordered to be removed from shelves in 2021 by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) due to the presence of carcinogenic nitrosamine impurities above permitted levels during the manufacturing process. It is expected that in June, the version of the drug produced by the designated manufacturer Normon will be available for sale in Spanish pharmacies.

In Spain, two smoking cessation medications, "Todacitán" and "Recigarum," have received funding. Therefore, there are currently three smoking cessation medications available in Spain.

References:

[1] Sanidad financiará vareniclina, el genérico de 'Champix', como tratamiento para dejar de fumar a partir de junio

Also Read:

[1] British Tourists Face £1,700 Fine for E-Cigarettes in Spain

[2] Spanish Tobacco Prevention Committee Urges Generic Packaging for Tobacco Products

[3] Spanish National Smoking Prevention Plan to be Implemented by Year End

[4] Spain Approves New Smoking Ban Plan with Increased Taxes

[5] Canary Islands Considering Comprehensive Smoking Ban Legislation for Public Health

[6] UK Approves Sale of Promising Smoking Cessation Medication, Cytisine

#Europe #Traditional tobacco #Spain #Regulation

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