Description
Champix
Champix tablets (varenicline) help to stop smoking permanently by
counteracting the addiction and reducing the craving to smoke.
Champix dosage
Quantity
Champix Starter Pack 2 week pack *1 x 0.5mg plus
*4 x 1mg tablets
Champix 1mg tablets *8 tablets
Champix 1mg tablets *6 tablets (4 week
supply)
Champix 1mg tablets **2 tablets (8 week
supply)
Champix 1mg tablets **8 tablets (full *2 week
course)
About Champix
Champix tablets (from Pfizer) contain varenicline, which is used to
help stop smoking. Champix reduces craving and nicotine withdrawal
symptoms. It also makes smoking less pleasurable.
Champix (varenicline) mimics the effects of nicotine and blocks its
pleasurable effects. A person taking Champix will find it easier to
stop smoking and will be less tempted by cigarettes. In some ways
Champix replaces nicotine during the time when a smoker is giving
up.
How to take Champix
Champix tablets are started two weeks before the \'quit date\'.
There is a starter pack which allows the dose of Champix to be
built up slowly over 2 weeks to reach a dose of one 1mg tablet
twice a day. Two weeks after starting Champix smoking is stopped.
Champix is then continued at a dose of 1mg twice daily for *2
weeks. After *2 weeks treatment is stopped, by which time smokers
should have given-up and kicked the habit.
Some people, who do not manage to give up, and start smoking again,
can try Champix again and can take it for longer (up to *4 weeks).
If the usual dose of 1mg twice daily is too strong, and not
tolerated, a lower dose of 0.5mg twice daily may be prescribed.
If a person starts smoking whilst they are taking Champix, the
course of treatment has failed, and they should stop treatment. It
is not harmful to continue with Champix, but the attempt to quit
has failed.
If extra Champix tablets are taken in error, seek medical advice.
If a dose or doses are missed, do NOT make up the missed dose by
taking extra, but resume at the normal daily dose.
Champix can be taken with or without food. Tablets should be
swallowed whole.
