How to Use

To ensure the safe use of Champix (varenicline), let your doctor know if you have:

• Heart disease
• Circulatory problems
• Kidney disease
• Episodes of depression
• Mental illness

You should always consult your doctor before you start using this medication. The treatment works best for smokers who are motivated to stop smoking. You have to seek counseling services and stop smoking at the planned date. Your doctor should also be informed of all the medications you are using. This helps avoid serious interactions.

With the Champix starter-kit, you start by taking one tablet of 0.5mg a day. This should be taken for the first three days. On the fourth day, the dose is increased to two tablets of 0.5mg, taken twice a day. This dose is taken for the following four days. On the eighth day of treatment, on the second week, a patient gets started on two tablets of 1mg a day. This is taken until the end of the 12^th week.

When taking two tablets, you need to take one in the morning and the other one in the evening. Do not take a higher dose than recommended.

FDA Pregnancy Classification

Category C

It is unknown if Champix (varenicline) can cause harm to an unborn baby. Animal studies have, however, shown that the drug can increase the risk of reduced fetal weight, increased auditory startle response and decreased fertility.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember and only if it is not almost time for the next scheduled dose. Taking the dose at the same time each day is recommended.

Storage

Store at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.

Side Effects

• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Abnormal dreams
• Hyperventilation
• Bowl movement difficulty
• Nasopharyngitis
• Restlessness
• Irregular heartbeats
• Headache
• Labored breathing

Safety

Patients should be monitored closely for seizure disorder, psychiatric disorder and cardiovascular disease. Don’t miss a scheduled appointment with your doctor.

Interactions

Champix (varenicline) interacts with 7 drugs. It also affects alcohol tolerance and obstructs the metabolism of such drugs as insulin, theophylline and warfarin.