Varenicline (Champix) tablets

Varenicline (Champix) is a medicine that can help to quit smoking.

Known as Chantix in the US, Varenicline was approved for smoking cessation treatment in Europe in 2006 under the brand name Champix. It works by altering the brain receptors responsible for nicotine dependence.

The brand Champix was recalled in 2021 due to an impurity issue. However, a generic version containing the same active ingredient became available in August 2024.

Champix contains the active ingredient Varenicline.

Varenicline is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist. This means it targets the receptors that respond to nicotine

How Champix helps you quit smoking

	Champix acts on receptors that play a key role in nicotine dependence.
	It activates these receptors and the brain releases dopamine.
	This limits the rewarding feeling of smoking, reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

It activates these receptors, which causes them to release small amounts of dopamine in the brain’s reward centre. This helps to reduce the pleasure experienced when smoking, which reduces cravings.

Varenicline also blocks nicotine from attaching to these receptors. This limits the pleasant effects of smoking and makes smoking less satisfying.

This helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms and makes quitting smoking easier.

Varenicline tablets have unique benefits when it comes to quitting smoking:

• It’s highly effective - Studies show that Varenicline can double your chances of quitting smoking.
• It’s simple to take - you only have to take 1-2 tablets a day depending on the week, unlike other treatments where you take up to 6 tablets a day.
• It’s a long-term solution - studies show that people who take Varenicline have longer quit rates than those who don’t take it.

You can be assured knowing that Varenicline is a safe, clinically proven and effective prescription medicine for smoking cessation.

Multiple studies show that Varenicline is one of the most effective methods of smoking cessation.

One study found that after 24 weeks of treatment (followed by 28 weeks of no treatment) people who took Varenicline had significantly higher continuous no-smoking rates than those who took a placebo.

Varenicline vs. NRT quit rates

It is also proven to be an effective treatment long-term. A study looking at the medical records of 654 GPs (over 70,000 patients) in England investigated the absolute quit rates after using Varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

They found that Varenicline had significantly higher sustained quit rates after treatment than NRT up to 4 years post-treatment.

Varenicline is suitable for most adults who are looking to quit smoking. However, you should always ask your doctor if you have another medical condition or take any other medication.

Our free consultation at HealthExpress will allow our doctors to ensure that Varenicline (Champix) is suitable for you to take.

Who cannot take it

Some people should not take Varenicline. This is because they are too great a risk of side effects.

Do not take it if you:

• are allergic to Varenicline or any of the other inactive ingredients
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

If Varenicline is unsuitable for you, you may be able to take alternatives such as Cytisine or Zyban. Otherwise, you should consult with your doctor or pharmacist for other treatment options.

Cautions

Some people with certain conditions may be able to take it but should ask their doctor. This is because they may need additional monitoring.

This includes those who:

• are more likely to have a seizure or have a genetic predisposition to seizures
• have a history of cardiovascular disease
• have a history of mental illness (e.g. depression)

If you are not sure whether any of these factors apply to you, consult your doctor or healthcare professional before using Varenicline.

To use Varenicline correctly, follow the dosage and treatment course our medical team prescribes. This ensures the medication’s effectiveness, increases the chance of success and helps avoid side effects.

What dose do I take?

Each starter pack of Varenicline contains two doses: 0.5 mg and 1 mg tablets. Refill packs will just contain the 1 mg dose.

• Start by taking the 0.5 mg dose in week 1.
• From week 3, take 1 mg tablets until week 12.

You then slowly increase the dose throughout the 12 weeks of treatment until you reach the maximum dose of 1mg twice daily.

When do I take it?

You should take Varenicline at roughly the same time every day. Below is a detailed dosage schedule.

You should also aim to quit smoking during the second week of treatment.

If you cannot quit by the second week, set a date within 5 weeks after starting treatment.

How do I take it?

Take each tablet with a suitable amount of water. Do not break, chew or split tablets as this means the medicine won’t work properly.

You can take tablets with or without food.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking your tablets as scheduled.

If you take more Varenicline than you are supposed to, seek medical attention.

It takes about 1-2 weeks before you start feeling the effects of Varenicline. That’s why your planned quit date should be during the second week of treatment.

However, it will take 12 weeks for the treatment to work completely.

So, unless instructed to by your doctor, do not stop treatment before finishing the full course. The medicine may not be effective if you do not complete the entire treatment course and can make it harder to quit smoking for good.

Quitting smoking is hard and a major lifestyle change. So, you must make other changes to help you quit for good.

Quitting smoking isn’t easy. But, ensuring you have a good support network and a good environment to quit will make a significant difference alongside treatment,

Dr. Anup JethwaClinical Lead

• Throw away all your cigarettes - This will get rid of the temptation immediately.
• Get support - reach out to your friends, loved ones or a support group to help you on your journey.
• Identify your triggers - find out what causes you to smoke so you can manage and avoid those triggers.
• Remind yourself of your reasons for quitting - quitting smoking is essential for your overall health and well-being. Reminding yourself of why you’re doing this will keep you motivated.
• Be kind to yourself - stopping smoking is difficult. If you have a setback or relapse, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, focus on how you can get back on track.
• Use stop-smoking aids - NRT or vapes can help you beat the habit in the short term.
• Keep busy - being active, seeing friends or trying a new hobby will help to distract you from cravings.

There are also plenty of apps and online resources to help you quit and track your progress.

Like all prescription medicines, Varenicline can cause side effects.

Common side effects

Very common and common side effects occur in 1 -10 in every 100 people using this medicine.

• appetite changes
• feeling weak or fatigued
• chest discomfort
• constipation or diarrhoea
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• stomach discomfort
• headache
• joint or muscle problems
• feeling or being sick
• skin reactions
• sleep problems
• weight gain

Staying hydrated will help with any digestive side effects or dry mouth. You may also be able to take over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol for headaches.

Ask your pharmacist for advice on managing other mild side effects.

Uncommon side effects

Uncommon side effects occur in 1-10 in every 1,000 people.

• allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• mood changes, anxiety and suicidal thoughts
• irregular heart rhythms and palpitations
• conjunctivitis (an eye infection)
• eye pain
• burping
• fever
• fungal infection
• hallucinations
• hot flush
• high sugar levels (hyperglycaemia)
• numbness
• seizure
• problems during sex (e.g. low libido)
• ringing in your ear (tinnitus)
• sweat changes
• urinary problems
• menstrual cycle changes

If you are at a greater risk of these side effects, such as if you are at a higher risk of seizures or mental health problems, then ask your doctor before using this medicine.

Rare side effects

Rare side effects occur in less than 1-10 in every 1,000 people. Rare side effects include:

• swelling
• slowed thinking and speaking difficulties
• coordination problems
• inflammation of the cartilage in the breast bone (costochondritis)
• cyst
• diabetes
• feeling cold
• elevated sugar levels in your urine
• excessive thirst
• psychosis
• snoring
• vaginal discharge
• vision disorder

While you are very unlikely to experience rare side effects, it’s still important you know them should you experience any.

Please refer to the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects.

Varenicline may interact with other medicines you take. This includes:

• theophylline (for asthma)
• warfarin (to reduce blood clotting)
• insulin (for diabetes)
• cimetidine (for gastric problems)

Your doctor may need to check if it's safe for you to take or adjust the dose of any medicines you currently take.

This is because when taken with Varenicline, these medicines may cause side effects or alter the effectiveness of either treatment.

Do not take Varenicline with other prescription stop-smoking medicines. This includes Cytisine & Zyban.

Keep it out of sight and reach and children.

Do not use this medicine past the expiry date. This is stated on the outside of the packet and refers to the last day of that month.

Take expired or unused to your nearest pharmacy to be disposed of. Do not throw it in the general waste or flush it down the toilet. This harms the environment.

No, Varenicline is a prescription-only medication. You need a valid prescription from a healthcare professional to purchase it. This ensures the medication is safe and suitable for your needs.

You can receive an online prescription from HealthExpress.

HealthExpress is trusted by thousands of UK users for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:

• Experienced doctors manage your consultations and prescriptions.
• Online consultations, quick approvals, and discreet doorstep delivery add to the convenience.
• A supportive team is on hand to answer treatment-related questions or concerns.
• Patients can manage their prescriptions hassle-free through our secure platform.

Join thousands who trust HealthExpress for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.

The price of Varenicline at HealthExpress includes everything you need:

• Free online consultation with our experienced doctors
• Free prescription, if approved
• Free delivery straight to your door

Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.

There are two stop-smoking alternatives to Varenicline: Cytisine and Zyban. They are also prescription stop-smoking treatments. While they are equally effective, they work in different ways.