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What are Varenicline tablets?

VARENICLINE (Chantix™) is a prescription medicine to help people quit smoking. It can reduce the symptoms caused by stopping smoking. It can also decrease the urge to smoke and decrease nicotine cravings. It is used with a patient support program recommended by your physician. Generic varenicline tablets are not available.

NOTE: You should use Chantix™ alone. Do not use with other smoking cessation products. Talk to your prescriber for advice before stopping Chantix™.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• depression
• kidney disease
• manic depression (bipolar disorder)
• schizophrenia
• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
• an unusual reaction to Varenicline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

You should set a date to stop smoking and tell your doctor. Start this medicine one week before the quit date. Stick to your plan; ask about support groups or other ways to help you remain a 'quitter'.

Take this medicine by mouth after eating. Take with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children under the age of 18 years.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Varenicline?

Some medicines may require dose adjustment after you quit smoking. Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Varenicline?

The goal of taking medication for smoking cessation is to stop smoking or using tobacco. Ask for ongoing advice and encouragement from your prescriber, friends, and family to help you quit. If you smoke while on this medication, quit again. Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may have to take this medicine for several days before you see the effects. Continue the full course of therapy.

Do not use other products to quit smoking such as nicotine patches or chewing gum.

You may get drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, thoughts of suicide or dying, or other changes in behavior or mood should be reported to your doctor right away.

This medicine can make your mouth dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional well before your scheduled surgery that you are taking varenicline.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Varenicline?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• difficulty breathing or wheezing
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• seizures
• skin rash, itching, hives
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusual change in behavior, such as hostility
• vomiting
• worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• abdominal pain
• changes in appetite
• constipation
• difficulty sleeping
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• flatulence
• headache
• heartburn or reflux
• nausea
• upset stomach

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.