Type of medicine: smoking deterrent
Generic and brand names: varenicline, oral; Chantix
This product is taken by mouth to help you stop smoking.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Read the Medication Guide that comes in the medicine package when you start taking this medicine and each time you get a refill.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Taking too much may increase the risk of side effects. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Treatment with this medicine usually lasts for 12 weeks, but may take longer depending on your response.
This medicine is started while you are still smoking because you need to take it for at least 1 week to build an effective level of medicine in your blood. Set a target date to stop smoking at least 1 week after you start taking the medicine.
Do not take nicotine replacement medicines without your healthcare provider's approval. Taking this medicine with nicotine replacement medicines may increase your risk of side effects.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Take it after meals to lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach.
An instruction sheet is included in the package of this medicine. Read the information carefully. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you do not understand all of the instructions.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
Behavior changes may be caused by the medicine or by quitting smoking. Contact your provider right away if you or your family notice any disturbing changes in your thoughts or behavior, such as:
If you have heart disease, this medicine may increase your risk of heart-related side effects. Contact your healthcare provider if you have new or worsening symptoms such as:
This medicine may cause dizziness, confusion, or weakness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert and know how this medicine affects you.
This medicine may cause nausea and trouble sleeping. These side effects usually go away. If these side effects continue or become worse, contact your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may reduce the dose of the medicine.
When you stop smoking, there may be a change in how certain medicines work for you. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking medicine that reduces the chance of blood clots forming such as warfarin (Coumadin), bronchodilators such as theophylline, or diabetes medicines such as insulin.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Change in behavior or thoughts; confusion; hallucinations; depression; thoughts of suicide; new or worsening chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain in legs when walking; any rash; peeling or blistering sores; mouth sores; nausea or trouble sleeping that doesn’t go away.
Other: Nausea, trouble sleeping, headache, constipation, gas, vomiting, abnormal dreams, drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, weakness, change in sense of taste, increased appetite, dry mouth.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
