A report by the General Council of Pharmaceutical Colleges shows nearly 500,000 people used publicly funded medicines in Spain last year. Cytisine was the most used option, accounting for around 450,000 treatments.
The study was presented this Friday at the Ministry of Health. It notes that public funding boosts quit attempts, since shortages of medicines also reduce requests for treatment.
About eight million people smoke daily in Spain. Nearly half tried to quit last year, yet only 6.2 percent used medicines with scientific support. Three drugs are funded: bupropion and varenicline since 2020, and cytisine since 2023.
Jesús Aguilar, president of the Council, said pharmacist intervention doubles the chances of success. Minister Mónica García added that funding works, but there is still room to improve support for those wanting to quit.
