[Public financing of pharmaceuticals to quit smoking: utilisation and cost in Navarra, Spain (1995-2007)]

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the use of smoking cessation drugs and their cost in Navarre, where these pharmaceuticals are covered by the publicly funded health care system. Public coverage substantially increased the use of these drugs and their related expenditure. In 2007, consumption was four units of treatment per 100 smokers/year. The cost of pharmaceuticals for smoking cessation to the public health system can be estimated at 1.9 € per smoker/year, or 0.4 € per inhabitant/year. As the program has evolved, the main option for pharmaceutical treatment is nicotine replacement therapy. This financial effort does not seem to have had a populational impact on prevalence, although it is believed to have benefited many individual patients.