Study examines real-world usability of intranasal varenicline

New study data on intranasal varenicline for dry eye noted a high discontinuation rate despite a small sample size of patients with follow-up data. However, patients who remained on the medication did report some subjective and clinical improvement, along with decreased usage of prescription medications. The data was presented at the ASCRS Annual Meeting 2023.

In this retrospective, consecutive case series, conducted at a single ophthalmology practice, baseline data including demographic information, baseline dry eye questionnaire (SPEED) scores, and clinical ocular surface disease evaluation were collected. Outcome measures included change in ocular surface appearance (staining and tear volume), change in SPEED score, discontinuation rate, change in tear osmolarity, change in frequency of artificial tear use, and change in number of other prescription medication use.

Intranasal varenicline was started in 30 patients, but only 16 patients completed the study. Of the remaining 16, 10 discontinued the medication after a median of 2 weeks. The reasons for discontinuation included lack of subjective improvement, sore throat, nosebleeds, and cost. The 6 patients who remained on the medication had a median treatment duration of 42 weeks. Two of these patients reduced their use of other prescription medication, and 7 of their 12 eyes showed improved corneal staining. No patients reported symptomatic worsening.
Reference
Parikh A, et al. Real-World Outcomes of Intranasal Varenicline for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease. Presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting 2023.