Varenicline


DNX5574.HTM

Varenicline (By mouth)
Varenicline (var-EN-i-kleen)

Helps you quit smoking.

Brand Name(s):Chantix, Chantix Start Month Pak, Chantix Starter Pack
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to varenicline.

How to Use This Medicine:
Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • Tell your doctor when you intend to stop smoking. This medicine needs to be started one week before that date.
  • It is best to take this medicine after eating, and with a full glass of water.
  • Treatment with Chantix™ usually lasts for 12 weeks. In some cases, an additional course of 12 weeks of treatment with Chantix™ may be needed. Ask your doctor if you have questions.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using. Some medicines may need to have their doses adjusted after you quit smoking. These may include theophylline (such as Theolair®), warfarin (such as Coumadin®), or insulin (such as Humulin®). Also tell your doctor if you are using other medicine or treatment to help you quit smoking.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine should only be used if your doctor tells you to. Smoking can seriously harm your unborn child. Try to stop smoking without using medicine. This medicine is believed to be safer than smoking. However, the risks to your unborn child from the medicine are not fully known.
  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, or depression or other mental problems.
  • This medicine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.
  • You will probably still want to smoke sometimes. Have a plan for coping with situations where you may be tempted to smoke. This medicine is only part of a complete program to quit smoking.
  • Make sure you know how quitting smoking with this medicine may affect you before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • Talk to your doctor about side effects that bother you or that do not go away, such as nausea or sleep problems. Your doctor may want to decrease your dose of this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Anxiety, confusion, depression, restlessness, or mood changes.
  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, trouble urinating.
  • Chest pain.
  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
  • Fever or chills.
  • Increased hunger or thirst.
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting.
  • Lumps on your neck, armpit, or groin.
  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
  • Red or black stools.
  • Seeing or hearing things that are not really there.
  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or others.
  • Tremors or seizures.
  • Trouble breathing or swallowing.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Back pain, joint pain, muscle pain, or muscle cramps.
  • Bleeding or swollen gums, or mouth sores.
  • Changes in appetite.
  • Changes in vision.
  • Dry mouth or dry eye.
  • Headache.
  • Heartburn (burning pain in the chest or throat).
  • Increased sweating.
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, or upset stomach.
  • Problems having sex.
  • Problems with hearing or balance.
  • Runny or stuffy nose, or nosebleeds.
  • Skin rash or itchiness.
  • Tiredness.
  • Trouble sleeping, or having unusual dreams.
  • Unusual or bad taste in your mouth.
  • Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.
  • Weight gain.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.