What is Champix prescribed for?
Champix (Varenicline) is prescribed to adults to help stop smoking. It is important to combine this medication with a stop-smoking program that includes education, support, and counseling in order to be successful. It works by blocking the effects of nicotine in the brain that motivate you to smoke. Quitting smoking reduces your risk of heart and lung disease, as well as cancer. Having a discussion with your doctor about this medication and other ways to quit smoking (such as nicotine replacement therapy) is the best way to avoid any risks.
Champix (Varenicline) Information
Use of Champix
Always follow the directions provided by your doctor and medication guide. You can use varenicline in several ways. For example, you can begin treatment with this drug after setting a date for quitting smoking. One to two weeks before your quit date, start taking varenicline as directed by your doctor.
Take one 0.5-milligram tablet per day for three days before increasing to one 0.5-milligram tablet per day for four days. Slowly increasing the dose is recommended to reduce side effects (such as nausea, unusual dreams). You may smoke during this period. Once you quit smoking, take the prescribed dose twice a day for the remainder of the treatment (usually 12 weeks).
Drink plenty of water after taking this medication by mouth. Depending on your medical condition and treatment response, the dosage is determined.
Taking this medication more often or taking it at a higher dose will not improve your condition faster and will increase your risk of side effects. Do not exceed a dose of 1 milligram twice per day.
Make sure you take this medication every day at the same time(s) to get the most benefit from it. Do not stop taking varenicline unless directed by your doctor.
During treatment, if you continue to smoke, tell your doctor and if you are still unable to quit after 12 weeks of treatment, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor may recommend another 12 weeks of varenicline treatment if you are successful and smoke-free after 12 weeks.
Possible side effects of Champix
Few known side effects of Champix (Varenicline) Tablet include:
- sore throat
- redness
- Burning
- sneezing
- swelling around or inside the nose
- cough
- difficulty sleeping
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Drug Interactions of Champix Tablet
Few Known Drug Interactions of Varenicline:
- ethanol
- lamotrigine
- dalfampridine
- vandetanib
- dolutegravir
- ranolazine
- cimetidine
- nicotine
This is not a complete list of Drug Interactions. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without consulting your doctor.
Champix cost in Canada
Starting price of Champix Tablet 0.5mg Cost in Canada
- 56 tabs - $178.48 USD ($3.19 per tabs)
- 112 tabs - $343.88 USD ($3.07 per tabs)
Generic Equivalent Varenicline cost in Canada
Starting price of Varenicline Tablet 0.5mg (Generic Equivalent to Champix) Cost in Canada
- 56 tabs - $111.97 USD ($2.00 per tabs)
- 112 tabs - $198.10 USD ($1.77 per tabs)
Champix (Varenicline) FAQs
Is Chantix still available?
Yes, Chantix (varenicline) is still available as a prescription medication for smoking cessation.
How to pronounce Varenicline?
Varenicline is pronounced as "vuh-REN-uh-kleen".
Is varenicline the same as Chantix?
Yes, Varenicline is the generic name for the medication that is commonly known by its brand name, Chantix (in the United States) or Champix (in Canada and other countries). Both Varenicline and Chantix/Champix refer to the same medication, which is used as a prescription medication to help people quit smoking by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Can I Buy Champix (Varenicline) Over the Counter?
No, you cannot buy Champix (Varenicline) over the counter since it is a prescription medication. Prescriptions can only be written by licensed healthcare providers, such as physicians or nurse practitioners.