"Consistently good healthcare which continually improves is our aim."

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) published advice on this medication for this indication in January 2007:
 
Varenicline tablets (Champix®) is accepted for use within NHS Scotland for smoking cessation in adults. It should be used only as a component of a smoking cessation support programme. The benefits of an additional treatment course in those who have stopped smoking after the initial 12 weeks of therapy appear modest. Efficacy and safety in patients with significant co-morbidity are uncertain.

View SMC's advice here

In this case, there is no material difference between the NICE STA and the SMC recommendation.

NHSScotland should note that:

1. NHS Boards should continue to adhere to the SMC advice.
2. The new NICE single technology appraisal process is being monitored by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, Scottish Executive Health Department and SMC for a period of time. During this period recommendations of NICE STAs will be only for noting by NHS Scotland in the knowledge that SMC have already issued advice on the medicine which NHSScotland should follow. 
3. Hard copies of NICE appraisals are available from NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (contact Shonagh Buchanan, tel 0141 225 6993 or email shonagh.buchanan@nhs.net).