Generic Chantix™®: Varenicline
Varenicline is the chemical name of the active ingredient in Chantix™®
Tablet Chemical Name: Varenicline.
Other name brands for this medication
Tyrvaya, Champix, Nocrav, Varnitrip, Varnisam
Common uses of Varenicline :
Varenicline helps you stop smoking. To increase your chance of success, use this medicine with a stop-smoking program that includes education, support, and counseling. Quitting smoking lowers your risk of heart and lung disease, as well as cancer.
Varenicline is in a class of medicines called smoking cessation aids. It works by blocking the pleasant effects of nicotine (from smoking) on the brain.
Before using Varenicline :
Before taking varenicline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
How to take Varenicline :
Varenicline comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day at first and then twice a day in the morning and evening. Take varenicline with a full glass of water (8 ounces [240 mL]) after eating. Take varenicline at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take varenicline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of varenicline and gradually increase your dose over the first week of treatment.
Precautions When Using Varenicline :
Before using this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, mental/mood disorders (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression), heart/blood vessel disease (such as coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, stroke), seizure.
This drug may make you dizzy, drowsy, lose consciousness, or make it difficult to concentrate. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can worsen these effects. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This drug may also make you more sensitive to alcohol (including increased drunkenness, unusual behavior, and limited or no memory of things that happened). Limit alcoholic beverages. Be aware of how alcohol affects you while taking this medicine.
During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Side Effects of Varenicline :
Nausea, headache, vomiting, drowsiness, gas, constipation, trouble sleeping, unusual dreams, or changes in taste may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medicine because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: burning feeling in feet/toes, unusual pain in the legs when walking.
Stop taking varenicline and get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizure, symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating), signs of a stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion), harmful behavior to self/others/property.
Rarely, varenicline may cause serious mental/mood changes, even after stopping the medicine. Drinking alcohol while taking this medicine may increase the risk for mental/mood changes. Quitting smoking itself may also cause mental/mood changes. Stop taking varenicline and tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have symptoms such as depression/suicidal thoughts, agitation, aggression, or other unusual thoughts or behavior.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Drugs Interactions of Varenicline :
Drug interactions may change how your medicines work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Smoking can affect the way your body removes certain drugs such as insulin, theophylline, warfarin, among others. When you stop smoking, your doses of these drugs may need to be adjusted by your doctor. Tell all your doctors and pharmacists that you are quitting smoking and of all the products you take.
Missed Dose of Varenicline :
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Overdose of Varenicline :
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call a poison control center right away.
Storage of Varenicline :
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Additional information of Varenicline :
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
Generic Chantix™®: Varenicline
Varenicline is the chemical name of the active ingredient in Chantix™®
Tablet Chemical Name: Varenicline.
Other name brands for this medication
Tyrvaya, Champix, Nocrav, Varnitrip, Varnisam
Common uses of Varenicline :
Varenicline helps you stop smoking. To increase your chance of success, use this medicine with a stop-smoking program that includes education, support, and counseling. Quitting smoking lowers your risk of heart and lung disease, as well as cancer.
Varenicline is in a class of medicines called smoking cessation aids. It works by blocking the pleasant effects of nicotine (from smoking) on the brain.
Before using Varenicline :
Before taking varenicline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
How to take Varenicline :
Varenicline comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day at first and then twice a day in the morning and evening. Take varenicline with a full glass of water (8 ounces [240 mL]) after eating. Take varenicline at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take varenicline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of varenicline and gradually increase your dose over the first week of treatment.
Precautions When Using Varenicline :
Before using this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, mental/mood disorders (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression), heart/blood vessel disease (such as coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, stroke), seizure.
This drug may make you dizzy, drowsy, lose consciousness, or make it difficult to concentrate. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can worsen these effects. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This drug may also make you more sensitive to alcohol (including increased drunkenness, unusual behavior, and limited or no memory of things that happened). Limit alcoholic beverages. Be aware of how alcohol affects you while taking this medicine.
During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Side Effects of Varenicline :
Nausea, headache, vomiting, drowsiness, gas, constipation, trouble sleeping, unusual dreams, or changes in taste may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medicine because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: burning feeling in feet/toes, unusual pain in the legs when walking.
Stop taking varenicline and get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizure, symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating), signs of a stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion), harmful behavior to self/others/property.
Rarely, varenicline may cause serious mental/mood changes, even after stopping the medicine. Drinking alcohol while taking this medicine may increase the risk for mental/mood changes. Quitting smoking itself may also cause mental/mood changes. Stop taking varenicline and tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have symptoms such as depression/suicidal thoughts, agitation, aggression, or other unusual thoughts or behavior.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Drugs Interactions of Varenicline :
Drug interactions may change how your medicines work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Smoking can affect the way your body removes certain drugs such as insulin, theophylline, warfarin, among others. When you stop smoking, your doses of these drugs may need to be adjusted by your doctor. Tell all your doctors and pharmacists that you are quitting smoking and of all the products you take.
Missed Dose of Varenicline :
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Overdose of Varenicline :
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call a poison control center right away.
Storage of Varenicline :
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Additional information of Varenicline :
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
FAQ
1. What is Varenicline?
Varenicline, sold under the brand name Chantix, is a prescription medication used to help people quit smoking. It works by reducing the cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine addiction.
2. How does Varenicline work?
Varenicline works by binding to nicotine receptors in the brain, mimicking the effects of nicotine to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. At the same time, it blocks the rewarding effects of nicotine if a person smokes while taking the medication.
3. Who can use Varenicline?
Varenicline is typically prescribed for adults who smoke and are motivated to quit. It may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine if Varenicline is appropriate for you.
4. How is Varenicline taken?
Varenicline is usually taken orally, with or without food. The dosing typically starts with a low dose and gradually increases over the first week to minimize the risk of side effects. It's important to follow the dosing schedule provided by your healthcare provider.
5. What are the common side effects of Varenicline?
Common side effects of Varenicline may include nausea, headache, difficulty sleeping, abnormal dreams, and changes in taste. Some individuals may experience mood changes, including depression or suicidal thoughts. If you experience any concerning side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
6. How effective is Varenicline in helping people quit smoking?
Clinical studies have shown that Varenicline can significantly increase the likelihood of quitting smoking compared to placebo. However, its effectiveness may vary from person to person. It's important to combine Varenicline with counseling and support programs for the best chance of success.
7. How long does someone typically take Varenicline?
The duration of Varenicline treatment can vary depending on individual circumstances and the recommendation of a healthcare provider. In general, the medication is taken for 12 weeks. In some cases, a longer duration of treatment may be recommended to help maintain smoking cessation.
8. Can Varenicline be used with other smoking cessation products?
Varenicline can be used alone or in combination with nicotine replacement therapies (such as patches, gum, or lozenges) under the guidance of a healthcare provider. However, it's essential to avoid using tobacco products while taking Varenicline to maximize its effectiveness.
9. Can Varenicline cause addiction or dependence?
Varenicline itself is not addictive, but it is used to help people overcome nicotine addiction. It does not contain nicotine and does not produce the same effects as nicotine replacement therapies. However, like any medication, it should be used as prescribed and not misused.
10. Are there any precautions or contraindications for taking Varenicline?
Varenicline may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as kidney problems or a history of mental health issues. It is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Before starting Varenicline, discuss your medical history and any medications you are taking with your healthcare provider.
