Pfizer launches a stronger Smokefree Workplace Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday 29 May 2012

Pfizer launches a stronger Smokefree Workplace Policy and new quit smoking resources for Kiwis on World Smokefree Day

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a real health risk. In recognition of this, on World Smoke Free Day (31 May), Pfizer New Zealand will launch a more comprehensive Smokefree workplace policy aiming to improve the health of its employees, contractors and visitors by minimising the exposure to ETS in the workplace and outdoor surrounds. This policy is consistent with the vision of a Smokefree New Zealand by 2025 which Pfizer supports as a proactive and positive health objective for the country.

The Pfizer New Zealand Smokefree workplace policy expands on a global policy and prohibits smoking by employees, contractors or visitors within a 500 metre zone of any Pfizer building – Pfizer has offices in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin. The policy also prohibits smoking in Pfizer vehicles.

Pfizer New Zealand Managing Director Mrs Frances Benge says this policy is intended to improve the health and wellbeing of all Pfizer staff and its visitors and is not intended to single out current smokers.

“Tobacco use is often passed off as a personal choice, however most tobacco users want to quit but find it difficult to stop due to the addictiveness of nicotine”, she says.

To help Pfizer employees wanting to quit, the company will pay for up to three health professional visits for smoking cessation each year.

Pfizer as a company supports all initiatives that are a part of Smokefree New Zealand 2025. Pfizer contributes to smoking cessation through the medicine, Champix which was first available in New Zealand in 2007 and then fully-funded by Pharmac under special authority criteria in November 2010.[i]

In a one year period after receiving Pharmac funding over 40,000 Kiwis have used Champix to try and quit smoking.[ii]

To continue helping Kiwis stop smoking, the Champix website (www.champix.co.nz) now has12 short videos to make it easier to learn about stopping smoking and staying Smokefree – something many Kiwis find hard to achieve. The videos are organised around three topics; preparing to stop smoking, support to stop smoking, and staying smoke-free.

Pfizer will be communicating its Smokefree workplace policy to other business within the 500 metre zone, encouraging their support of the policy. To promote compliance, smokefree signs will be put up in and around Pfizer buildings and communication about the policy will be circulated via regular business correspondence to make sure visitors and contractors are also aware.

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Champix (varenicline) 0.5 mg & 1 mg Tablets

Champix (varenicline) is a prescription medicine that helps adults stop smoking. Champix is fully funded under special authority. A pharmacy charge and normal doctor’s fees apply.

Do not take Champix if you are allergic to varenicline or any other tablet ingredients.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had depression, other mental health problems, kidney problems, have a history of repeated fits, are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Some people have had changes in behaviour, mood or thinking including self-harm or harming others. If you or your family notice changes in your behaviour, mood or thinking, stop taking Champix and see your doctor.

Some people have had allergic reactions to Champix that can be life threatening. If you get swelling of the face, mouth, throat or a skin rash, stop taking Champix and see your doctor immediately.

There have been reports of heart attack and strokes in some people taking Champix. Heart attacks and strokes can also be caused by smoking. If you have any of these conditions tell your doctor.

Common side effects include nausea, constipation, flatulence, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, difficulty in sleeping and abnormal dreams. If you have other side effects see your doctor.

Always read the label and use as directed. Consult your doctor to see if Champix is right for you.

Contains varenicline 0.5 mg or 1 mg.

Further information on Champix is available from www.medsafe.govt.nz or Pfizer New Zealand Ltd,

Auckland, www.pfizer.co.nz. Ph. 0800 736 363.

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About Pfizer New Zealand: Working together for a healthier world™

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Our diversified global healthcare portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world’s best-known consumer products.

Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as the world’s leading biopharmaceutical company, we also collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world.

For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked in countries around the world to make a difference for all who rely on us.

To learn more about our commitments, please visit us at www.pfizer.co.nz

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