Chantix

What is Chantix?

Chantix (varenicline) is a nicotine-free, smoking cessation prescription drug which has been proven to help adults who are addicted to smoking kick the habit for good.

There are some different and very effective approaches that you can take to quitting smoking. However, all of them rely upon your desire and firm commitment to stop smoking.

• Use stop-smoking aids such as nicotine gum and or patches
• Get a prescription to Chantix and curb the mental addiction in the brain
• Try quitting with a friend, family member or co-worker so you can support each other

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Chantix?

Before using Chantix, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, or a history of mental illness.

Chantix is in the FDA pregnancy category C. Chantix may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not give this medicine to anyone younger than 18 years old.

Chantix passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Chantix?

Take Chantix exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Take the medicine after eating. In most cases, Chantix treatment lasts for 12 weeks. Your doctor may recommend a second 12-week course of Chantix to improve the chance that you will quit smoking long-term.

It is important to take this medication regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure Chantix is not causing harmful effects, your kidney function may need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

When you first start taking Chantix, you will take a low dose and then gradually increase your dose over the first several days of treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. To be sure Chantix is not causing harmful effects, your kidney function may need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

To improve your chances for successful smoking cessation, set a date to quit smoking. Start taking Chantix one week before your planned quit date.

Store Chantix at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Be sure to take the medicine after eating.

What should I avoid while taking Chantix?

Chantix can cause drowsiness, which may impair your thinking or reactions. You may also have mood or behavior changes when you quit smoking. Until you know how Chantix and the smoking cessation process are going to affect you, Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be cautious and alert

What are the possible side effects of Chantix?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any mood or behavior changes, or if you feel agitated, depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

	nausea (may persist for several months);
	stomach pain, indigestion, vomiting, constipation, gas;
	increased appetite;
	unpleasant taste in your mouth;
	sleep problems (insomnia) or unusual dreams.
	headache; or
	weakness, tired feeling;

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Chantix?

After you stop smoking, the doses of any medications you are using may need to be adjusted. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

	insulin;
	a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); or
	theophylline (Respbid, Theobid, Theoclear, Theo-Dur, Uniphyl).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with or be affected by Chantix. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Chantix.