Question of the Week # 273

273 ) A 58 year old man with history of chronic smoking and coronary artery disease is seen in your office for a second opinion regarding smoking cessation. He suffered an acute myocardial infarction two years ago and has had percutaneous coronary intervention with stent placement. He has not had any coronary events in the past 2 years. He denies any chest pain. He was recently placed on Nicotine patches for treatment of tobacco use by his primary care physician. The patient is concerned that the nicotine may increase his risk of having a coronary event and requests you for a second opinion regarding nicotine patch therapy. Physical examination is unremarkable. Which of the following is the most appropriate response?

A) Nicotine replacement  is contraindicated in patients with cardiovascular diseases

B) Periodic counselling alone is very effective for smoking cessation.

C) Nicotine patch is not an independent risk factor for acute myocardial infarction

D) Your doctor knows what is best for you and you should follow his recommendations.

E) Varenicline is completely safe smoking cessation strategy in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Question of the Week # 272

272 ) A 58 year old man with history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and seizure disorder is evaluated in your office during a follow-up visit. He uses tiotropium inhaler on a daily basis and his pulmonary symptoms are adequately controlled. However, he reports inability to comply with smoking cessation recommendations. He has tried counseling sessions and Nicotine replacement therapy in the past without any success. The patient has been counseled again during this visit. Which of the following recommendations is most appropriate for this patient?

A) Nortriptyline

B) Varenicline

C) Bupropion and Telephone Counseling

D) Group therapy

E) Topiramate