Champix

The usual starting dose of Champix (Varenicline) is 0.5 mg once daily for the first 3 days, then 0.5 mg twice daily for the next 4 days, then continue on 0.5 mg twice daily or increase to 1 mg twice daily thereafter. The maximum dose of Champix (Varenicline) is 1 mg twice daily. Champix (Varenicline) should be taken with a full glass of water, after eating.

Champix (Varenicline) is intended to be used in combination with quit-smoking education and counselling. There are 3 different approaches to setting a date to quit smoking (the "quit date"). Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which method would be best for you.

• In the fixed quit approach, start treatment with Champix (Varenicline) 1 to 2 weeks before the date you have set to quit smoking and continue for 12 weeks.
• In the flexible quit approach, start taking Champix (Varenicline), then set a date to quit smoking between weeks 2 and 5 after the start of treatment. Treatment should be continued for 12 weeks. For those who succeed in quitting smoking during this time, an additional 12 weeks of treatment may be recommended by their doctor to reduce the risk that they will start smoking again.
• In the gradual quit approach, start taking Champix (Varenicline) and decrease smoking with a goal to quit smoking by the end of 12 weeks. If you are able to, you may quit smoking at any time before the end of 12 weeks. Continue taking Champix (Varenicline) for an additional 12 weeks, to make up a total of 24 weeks of treatment.

Your doctor may suggest that you gradually decrease the dose of Champix (Varenicline) as you stop the medication, to reduce the risk of you starting to smoke again.

People who fail to quit smoking during the first 12-week treatment are encouraged to try again once they have identified and addressed the factors that may have caused them to have trouble quitting.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that Champix (Varenicline) be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, and it is within a few hours of the missed dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Champix (Varenicline) at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause constipation - to prevent this, drink plenty of water or juice, and eat more dietary fibre; it may cause either drowsiness or excitability - use caution until you know how you will react; it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting; it may cause unusual dreams. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

0.5 mg
Each capsular, biconvex, white-to-off-white, film-coated tablet debossed with "Pfizer" on one side and "CHX 0.5" on the other side contains 0.5 mg of Champix (Varenicline) (as tartrate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; film-coating: hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.

1 mg
Each capsular, biconvex, light blue, film-coated tablet debossed with "Pfizer" on one side and "CHX 1.0" on the other side contains 1 mg of Champix (Varenicline) (as tartrate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; film-coating: hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, triacetin, and FD&C Blue No. 2 Indigo Carmine Aluminum Lake.

Do not take Champix (Varenicline) if you are allergic to Champix (Varenicline) or any ingredients of the medication.

Do not take Champix (Varenicline) if you are using nicotine replacement therapy such as patches, gum, or the nicotine inhaler. Combining Champix (Varenicline) and nicotine replacement therapy may cause more side effects than with Champix (Varenicline) alone and is unlikely to improve your chances of quitting.

There may be an interaction between Champix (Varenicline) and any of the following:

• alcohol
• Bupropion
• H2-antagonists (e.g., Cimetidine, Famotidine, Ranitidine)
• nicotine replacement therapy
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, Norfloxacin)
• Trimethoprim

Stopping smoking can cause a change in the way your body uses some medications. If you are taking any of the following medications, the doses of these medications may need to be changed once you are smoke-free.

• insulin
• Theophylline
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Champix (Varenicline). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Champix (Varenicline).

Alcohol: Consuming alcohol while taking Champix (Varenicline) may increase the risk of developing mood disorders or behavioural changes. You may also experience increased intoxicating effects of alcohol if you drink while taking Champix (Varenicline).

Allergic reaction: In rare cases, some people may develop serious allergic reactions and skin reactions to Champix (Varenicline). Signs of an allergic reaction include a severe rash, skin changes, hives, swollen face or throat, or difficulty breathing. If these occur, seek immediate medical attention.

Behaviour or mood changes: Some people taking Champix (Varenicline) experience erratic or aggressive behaviour, agitation, depressed mood, or thoughts of harming themselves or others. This can occur whether or not there is a history of psychiatric disorder. Alcohol can increase the risk of experiencing these mood or behaviour changes. If you experience any mood or behaviour changes or if your friends or family observe any of these changes while you are taking Champix (Varenicline), stop taking Champix (Varenicline) and contact your doctor immediately.

Cardiovascular disease: Champix (Varenicline) may increase the risk for cardiovascular-related side effects in people who have cardiovascular disease (diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels). If you have cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Champix (Varenicline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Champix (Varenicline), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Talk to your health care provider if you experience new or worsening cardiovascular-related symptoms, such as new or worsening chest pain, new or worse pain in legs when walking, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing.

Diabetes: People with diabetes who quit smoking often experience changes in their blood sugar control. This is a result of removing the effect of nicotine on the body. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how quitting smoking may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Champix (Varenicline), and whether any special monitoring is needed. You may be asked to monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Champix (Varenicline) may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Some people find that it causes drowsiness, dizziness, or decreased ability to concentrate. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Champix (Varenicline) affects you.

Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Champix (Varenicline) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Champix (Varenicline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Champix (Varenicline), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you have kidney disease, you may be prescribed a lower dose of Champix (Varenicline). Your doctor will monitor you while you are taking Champix (Varenicline).

Mental health problems: If you have any type of mental health condition or any history of mental health problems, including Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, discuss with your doctor how Champix (Varenicline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Champix (Varenicline), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience any new or worsening mood or behaviour changes while taking Champix (Varenicline), or if your friends or family observe any of these changes while you are taking Champix (Varenicline), stop taking Champix (Varenicline) and contact your doctor immediately.

Nicotine replacement therapy: Champix (Varenicline) should be tried as a smoking cessation therapy only after a trial of nicotine replacement therapy has been unsuccessful.

People who use nicotine replacement therapy at the same time as Champix (Varenicline) may experience an increase in side effects. The safety and effectiveness of taking Champix (Varenicline) with other smoking cessation therapies such as nicotine replacement therapy have not been established.

Nicotine withdrawal: Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can occur even when using Champix (Varenicline).

Seizures: There have been reports of seizures by people taking Champix (Varenicline). They have been reported by people with seizure disorders and some with no history of seizures. If you have a seizure disorder, discuss with your doctor how Champix (Varenicline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Champix (Varenicline), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience seizures while taking Champix (Varenicline), stop the medication immediately and get medical attention.

Tips on quitting smoking: Champix (Varenicline) is intended to be used in combination with education and counselling to help you quit smoking. If you start smoking again after your quit date, continue trying to quit. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for additional tips on quitting smoking.

Pregnancy: Champix (Varenicline) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Champix (Varenicline), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Champix (Varenicline) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Champix (Varenicline), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Champix (Varenicline) have not been established for children.

Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience side effects when taking Champix (Varenicline).

This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. It is preferable to take this medication after eating and with a full glass of water to decrease nausea. This medication may change the way you react to alcohol. It is recommended to decrease the amount of alcohol that you drink until you know if this medication affects your ability to tolerate alcohol.