The following information is a summary about Chantix.
It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
(CHANTIX (Varenicline) - ORAL)
USES
Chantix (Varenicline) is used to help you quit smoking.
Chantix acts at sites in the brain affected by nicotine
and may help those who wish to give up smoking in two
ways: by providing some nicotine effects to ease the
withdrawal symptoms and by blocking the effects of
nicotine from cigarettes if they resume smoking.
DIRECTIONS
Use Chantix as directed by your doctor. Check the label
on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Set a date to quit smoking. Start treatment with
Chantix 1 week before your quit date.
- Take Chantix after a meal with a full glass (8 oz/240
mL) of water.
- Even if you smoke after your quit date, continue
to try to quit.
- If you miss a dose of Chantix , take it as soon as
possible. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Starter Kit: This contains 11 x 0.5mg and 14 x 1mg
tablets. This is enough for the first 2 weeks of treatment.
You take 1 of the 0.5 mg chantix tablets per day for the
first 3 days, and then 2 of the 0.5mg per day for four
days. Then you take the 1mg twice a day after food for
1 week.
PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor about any other medicines that you use.
If you are taking certain other medicines (eg, theophylline,
warfarin, insulin), quitting smoking may affect their
actions or side effects. Your dose of these medicines
may need to be changed. Discuss any questions or concerns
with your doctor. This medication may cause drowsiness
or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take
it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Chantix with
caution. DO NOT drive or perform other possibly unsafe
tasks until you know how you react to it. This medication
should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 18 years
old; safety and effectiveness in these children have
not been confirmed. Use this medication with caution
with the ELDERLY; older adults may be more sensitive
to its effects and side effects. Chantix should not
be used in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety
and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming
pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor.
You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of
using Chantix while pregnant; it is not known if this
drug passes into breast milk. DO NOT take this drug
while breast feeding. DO NOT suddenly stop taking Chantix
without checking with your doctor. Suddenly stopping
Chantix may cause increased irritability or trouble
sleeping.
SIDE EFFECTS
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people
have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor
if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or
become bothersome: Constipation; gas; headache; increased
appetite; nausea; stomach upset; strange dreams; taste
changes; trouble sleeping; vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately if any of these SEVERE
side effects occur: Severe allergic reactions (rash;
hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the
chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);
chest pain; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; memory
loss; seizures; severe or persistent nausea; suicidal
thoughts; unusual mental or mood changes; vision changes.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered if
it is within an hour or so. If you do not remember
until later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual
dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch
up.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Take any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it
is within 8 hours of the next dose. If it is time for
the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your
regular schedule. Do not "double up" the dose.
NOTES
Do not allow anyone else to take Chantix.
STORAGE
Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture
and sunlight. KEEP CHANTIX AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT
OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
