Chantix (generic name: Varenicline; brand name: Champix) is a nicotinic receptor partial agonist. It blocks nicotinic receptors, therefore blocking the effects of nicotine in your body.

Chantix is used to help adults stop smoking. It can help to reduce craving and withdrawal symptoms that happen while you give up smoking.

People giving up smoking are often affected by nicotine withdrawal. Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can include craving for tobacco, irritability, frustration, feeling angry, sleep problems, depressed mood, feeling anxious, difficulty in concentrating, restlessness, decreased heart rate, increased appetite or weight gain. Not everybody is affected by some or all of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Clinical trials have shown that people who took Chantix were almost four times more likely to have quit smoking at the end of 12 weeks of treatment than if they took sugar pills (placebo). They were three times more likely to still be not smoking one year after they started taking the 12 week course of Chantix than if they took sugar pills (placebo). Over 40% of smokers who took Chantix for the 12 weeks had quit at the end of the treatment period.

Chantix does not contain nicotine and it is not addictive.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Chantix exactly as directed.

You are more likely to stop smoking if you are motivated to stop. Your doctor and pharmacist can provide advice, support and sources of further information to help ensure your attempt to stop smoking is successful.

BEFORE YOU START

Choose a date when you will stop smoking. Write this date on the carton.

You start taking Chantix 1 week to 2 weeks (7 to 14 days) before your quit date. This lets Chantix build up in your body and allows it to start working. You can keep smoking during this time. Make sure that you try and stop smoking on your quit date. If you slip, try to quit again.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

Chantix comes as a white tablet (0.5 mg) and a light blue tablet (1 mg). You start by taking a low dose to help your body to get use to Chantix. Start with the white tablet and then increase the dose up to the light blue tablet.

The usual dosage instructions are listed below. If you have severe kidney disease your doctor may prescribe a different dose.

Day 1 - 3

One white tablet once a day.

Day 4 - 7

One white tablet in the morning and one in the evening.

Week 2 onwards

One light blue tablet in the morning and one in the evening.

After 12 weeks of treatment, if you have stopped smoking, your doctor may recommend another 12 weeks of treatment with Chantix. This will increase your chances of stopping smoking long term. For this course take one light blue Chantix 1 mg tablet twice a day.

If you do not stop smoking during the first 12 weeks of treatment or if you start smoking again after treatment, you can make another attempt at stopping smoking. However, before you make another attempt, you should try to understand the reasons why your attempt to stop smoking failed, so that your next attempt has a better chance of success.

HOW TO TAKE IT

Take Chantix with a full glass of water.

It does not matter if you take Chantix before or after food. Some people find it helpful to take Chantix with food.

HOW LONG TO TAKE IT

Most people will keep taking Chantix for 12 weeks. If you have completely quit smoking by 12 weeks, ask your doctor if another 12 weeks of Chantix may help you stay cigarette-free.

Precautions

Tell your doctor before taking Chantix, if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have or have had kidney problems, haemodialysis treatment, or repeated fits or convulsions;
you have a mental illness or a history of mental illness;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: varenicline.