Champix (Original)

 

How to Use

Champix (Varenicline) should be taken orally, usually twice a day, with or without food. Take this medication with a full glass of water. Pick a specific date on which you want to quit smoking and start taking the pills one week beforehand. In that week, you are still allowed to smoke and the dosage of your medication should be gradually increased. Champix (Varenicline) comes in a starter package and a continuation package. Make sure you are using the correct one according to your current stage in the quitting process. Follow the instructions of your doctor exactly, even if they differ from the usually recommended dose.

 

To enjoy the maximum benefits of Champix (Varenicline), make sure you take this medication regularly and at approximately the same time each day. Do not take more of this medication than prescribed by your doctor. This will not make you stop any quicker and could lead to unwanted side effects.

 

Overdose

If you think you have taken too much of Champix (Varenicline), contact your local poison control center or the emergency medical services immediately.

 

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Champix (Varenicline), take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dosage, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up on this medication to make up for a missed dose.

 

Notes

While taking Champix (Varenicline), you may require regular laboratory or medical tests to chart your progress and check for side effect Make sure you do not miss any of these appointments.

 

In addition to taking medication, you may also implement certain lifestyle changes to help you quit smoking, such as a healthy diet, plenty of exercise and joining support groups.

 

Do not share this medication with others as they may have condition that is not adequately treated with Champix (Varenicline).

 

Storage

Store Champix (Varenicline) at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) and away from light and moisture. Once you have finished this medication, dispose of it in keeping with environmental standards. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

 

Important Note

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that taking this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.

 

 

 

Precautions

Before taking Champix (Varenicline), inform your doctor of any relevant medical issues, including:

• Any allergies
• Kidney diseases (especially kidney dialysis)
• Mental or mood disorders

If you suffer or ever have suffered from any of the above conditions, you may not be able to take Champix (Varenicline) or you may need a dosage adjustment.

 

Champix (Varenicline) may cause drowsiness. It is therefore advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery while taking this medication, until you are sure you can do these things safely.

 

Champix (Varenicline) is removed by the kidneys and elderly people often suffer from a declined kidney function. The elderly may therefore be more sensitive to some of the side effects of this medication, such as nausea.

 

Champix (Varenicline) is classified as Pregnancy Category C, which means it is not sure whether or not this medication could be harmful to an unborn baby. If you are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future, you should consult your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of this medication before using it.

 

It is not known whether Champix (Varenicline) passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing infant. If you are currently breastfeeding, you should not start using this medication without talking to your doctor first. 

 

Drug Interactions

Before taking Champix (Varenicline), inform your doctor of all other medications you are currently using, including:

• Nicotine replacement therapy (e.g. patch, gum, nasal spray)
• Blood thinners (e.g. warfarin)
• Insulin
• Theophylline

This is only a partial list and other medications may cause negative interactions with Champix (Varenicline). Notify your doctor about all other medications you are currently using, including vitamins, minerals, herbal pills, dietary supplements and medicines prescribed by other doctors. Do not start or stop taking any medication without discussing this with your doctor first.

 

 

The following common side effects of Champix (Varenicline) may occur:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Gas
• Constipation
• Trouble sleeping
• Unusual dreams
• Changes in taste

The above side effects are usually mild and should only last temporarily. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if any of these side effects persist or worsen.

 

Rarely, Champix (Varenicline) may cause mental or mood instabilities. This could happen during treatment or after you stop taking the medication. Combining this medication with alcohol may increase the risk of these instabilities. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following:

• Depression or suicidal thoughts
• Agitation
• Aggressiveness
• Other unusual thoughts or behavior

In rare cases, you may develop a severe allergic reaction to Champix (Varenicline). Seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Rash
• Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing

This is a partial list and other side effects are possible. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effects other than the ones mentioned above, especially if they are bothersome.

 

How does Champix (Varenicline) work? When cigarette smoke is inhaled, the nicotine attaches itself to nicotine receptors in the brain, which release a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a naturally occurring chemical, which is associated with feelings of pleasure. Champix (Varenicline) works by attaching itself to the nicotine receptors and thereby preventing nicotine itself from binding to them. In addition, the bond between varenicline and the nicotine receptors causes a much lower amount of dopamine to be released than when nicotine attaches itself. By using this medication, the ordinary pleasure feelings associated with smoking a cigarette disappear, making it less likely for you to smoke.

Is it safe to take Champix (Varenicline) if I am pregnant or breastfeeding? Champix (Varenicline) is classified as Pregnancy Category C, which means it is not sure whether or not this medication could be harmful to an unborn baby. If you are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future, you should consult your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of this medication before using it.   It is not known whether Champix (Varenicline) passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing infant. If you are currently breastfeeding, you should not start using this medication without talking to your doctor first.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Champix (Varenicline)? Champix (Varenicline) may cause drowsiness and alcohol could increase this effect. To avoid this and other side effects, it is advised to limit your alcohol consumption or stop drinking alcohol altogether while taking this medication.   Research has also suggested that in the same way Champix (Varenicline) combats nicotine addiction, it may also be useful to help people fight alcohol dependency and it is sometimes already prescribed for this reason.

What is the difference between Champix (Varenicline) and Chantix (Varenicline)? There is no difference between these two medications – they both contain the same active ingredient in the same dosage and are both produced by the same manufacturer. However, Chantix (Varenicline) is only available in the US, whereas the name Champix (Varenicline) is only used for the European market.

What is the recommended dosage of Champix (Varenicline)? The recommended starting dosage of Champix (Varenicline) is 0.5mg, taken once a day. You should start on this dosage 1 week before your official quit date. During that week the dosage should be gradually increased in the following manner: 0.5mg taken twice daily from day 4-7 of the treatment, then 1mg taken twice daily from the eighth day onwards. At this point you should actively try to quit smoking. The 1mg dosage should then be sustained throughout the following 12 weeks.   If you have successfully quit smoking after 12 weeks, your doctor may prescribe you a second 12-week treatment period to help you stay smoke-free. If you have not been able to stop smoking, you should not continue with the treatment.   If you suffer from any type of kidney problems, you may need to take a smaller dosage of Champix (Varenicline).