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Cytisine tablets
Buy Cytisine after completing our online consultation for smoking cessation
Prices include next-day delivery and prescription
| 100 tablets | £149.99 |
Select your treatment after the consultation:
More information about Cytisine
Cytisine Overview
| Type of medicine | Nicotine receptor agonists |
| Used for | Quitting smoking |
| Active ingredient(s) | Cytisine |
| Works by | Reducing nicotine cravings by altering brain response to nicotine. |
| Effective within | 25 days |
| Available as | Tablets |
| Available dosage(s) | 1.5mg |
| Usage instructions | Start by taking 1 tablet every 2 hours (6 tablets a day) for days 1-3. Dose is then reduced throughout the treatment course. |
| Packaging | Cardboard box containing 100 white tablets in foil blister packs. |
| Manufacturer | Various |
| Branded available | No |
| Storage | In temperatures below 25°C. Keep out of sight and reach of children. |
| Prescription required? | Yes - included with our consultation |
| Who is suitable for an online consultation* | Adults who are committed to quitting smoking |
*Note: Our medical team must review your online consultation before approving this treatment. They will determine if the requested treatment and quantity are safe, appropriate, and effective for you.
What is Cytisine?
Cytisine is a treatment used to help people quit smoking. It is also known as Cytisinicline or by the brand name Tabex.
It was approved for treatment in the UK by the MHRA in January 2024. But, it has been used in Europe for over 40 years for smoking cessation.
It works by altering brain activity which helps control the urge to smoke, helping you to quit for good.
How does Cytisine work?
Cytisine is an alkaloid and works in a similar way to Varenicline (Champix).
- It works by mimicking nicotine’s effects in your brain.
- It binds to the same receptors in your brain that nicotine usually attaches to (the nicotinic receptors).
- This helps to reduce cravings for cigarettes.
- If you do smoke, Cytisine makes nicotine less pleasurable.
The gradual dosing also reduces withdrawal symptoms, making quitting smoking much simpler.
What are the benefits of Cytisine?
Cytisine has unique benefits when it comes to quitting smoking:
- Cytisine has a short half-life, which means the drug leaves your body quickly. This means it mimics the short-term satisfaction of smoking a cigarette, which helps reduce cravings.
- It’s quick - treatment lasts 25 days, instead of 7-12 weeks.
- It is effective - multiple studies show that it is a safe and effective treatment for smoking cessation.
- It’s cheap - it’s cheaper than other smoking cessation aids.
- It has fewer side effects - Studies show it has fewer side effects than other treatments like Champix.
- Reduces withdrawal symptoms - the gradual dosage schedule helps to prevent withdrawal side effects like irritability, helping you quit for good.
You can be assured knowing that Cytisine is a safe, clinically proven and effective prescription method for smoking cessation.
How effective is Cytisine for quitting smoking?
Clinical research has shown that Cytisine is an effective quit-smoking treatment.
One 2011 clinical trial found that participants taking Cytisine had higher quit rates after 12 months than a placebo. Patients on Cytisine had a 6% higher quit rate than those on the placebo.
A separate study found it had higher quit rates than Champix 6 months after completing the treatment.
Research also found that self-reported abstinence rates were higher at 6 months on Cytisine than on nicotine replacement therapy.
Who can and cannot take Cytisine?
Cytisine is suitable for most adults aged 18-65 years old who are looking to quit smoking. It is generally a safe and well-tolerated medication.
Who cannot take it
Some people should not take Cytisine. This is because they are too great a risk of side effects.
Do not take it if you have:
- a condition that affects your heart rhythm (e.g.arrhythmias)
- recent myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- recent stroke
- unstable chest pain (angina)
- severe kidney or liver problems
You should also not take it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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 have:
- cardiovascular disease
- diabetes
- gastric and duodenal ulcer
- gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
- a history of mental illness
- hyperthyroidism (high thyroid levels)
- peripheral vascular disease
- phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour in the adrenal glands)
- schizophrenia
Our free consultation at HealthExpress will allow our doctors to ensure that Cytisine is suitable for you to take.
How do I take Cytisine?
To use Cytisine correctly, follow the dosage and treatment course our medical team prescribes. This ensures the medication’s effectiveness and helps avoid side effects.
What dose do I take?
Each tablet contains 1.5 mg of Cytisine. Each pack contains 100 tablets which will last for the whole course which is 25 days.
You start off by taking 6 tablets a day for 3 days, and you gradually decrease the dose across the 25-day course.
| Days of treatment | Dosage | Max daily dose |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-3 | 1 tablet every 2 hours | 6 tablets |
| Days 4-12 | 1 tablet every 2.5 hours | 5 tablets |
| Days 13-16 | 1 tablet every 3 hours | 4 tablets |
| Days 17-20 | 1 tablet every 5 hours | 3 tablets |
| Days 21-25 | 1-2 tablets a day | 2 tablets |
When do I take it?
You should try and allow for equal times between each dose. For days 1-3, you could take a tablet at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm and 7 pm for example.
You should stop smoking no later than day 5 of 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.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, do not take a double dose. Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
If you take more than you are supposed to, it can cause side effects. If you develop any serious side effects after taking too much Cytisine, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.
How long does it take for Cytisine to work?
You should start noticing a reduction in cravings within the first few days of treatment. However, you will need to take the full course of treatment for it to be successful.
What else should I do while taking Cytisine?
Quitting smoking is hard and a major lifestyle change. So, you must make other changes to help you quit for good.
Making lifestyle changes is essential for quitting smoking. Staying motivated, seeking support and being kind to yourself will help you on your quit-smoking journey,
- Throw away all your cigarettes - This will get rid of the temptation immediately.
- Get support - reach out to your friends, loved ones or join 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.
What are the side effects of Cytisine?
Like all prescription medicines, Cytisine can cause side effects.
Common side effects
Very common and common side effects occur in 1 -10 in every 100 people using this medicine.
These include:
- anxiety and mood changes
- increased appetite
- concentration difficulties
- diarrhoea or constipation
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- headaches
- high blood pressure
- feeling unwell and vomiting
- muscle pain
- skin reactions
- sleeping problems
- increased heart rate
- taste changes
- weight gain
Common side effects should be mild and go away on their own once your body gets used to the medicine.
You can also manage some side effects yourself. Over-the-counter pain killers can help with muscle pain or headaches.
Ask your pharmacist for advice on managing mild side effects.
Uncommon side effects
Uncommon side effects occur in 1-10 in every 1,000 people.
These include:
- difficulty breathing
- excessive tear production
- sweating
- lower sex drive
- increased sputum (mucus from the lungs)
Talk to your doctor about any side effects that concern you or don’t resolve.
For a full list of side effects please refer to the patient information leaflet here.
What interacts with Cytisine?
Cytisine may interact with other medicines you take. This includes:
- theophylline (for asthma)
- tacrine (for Alzheimer’s disease)
- clozapine (for schizophrenia)
- ropinirole (for Parkinson’s disease)
It may also interact with combined hormonal contraceptives. This includes the pill, the patch or the ring. You must use additional contraception while taking Cytisine such as condoms to prevent pregnancy.
Ask your doctors if you take one of these medicines or any others not listed before using Cytisine.
What safety advice should be followed when taking Cytisine?
| Category | Status | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Safe | It is safe to drink alcohol whilst taking Cytisine. |
| Pregnancy | Ask your doctor | Consult your doctor before using Cytisine if you are pregnant. |
| Breastfeeding | Ask your doctor | Consult your doctor before using Cytisine if you are breastfeeding. |
| Driving | Safe | Cytisine does not affect your ability to drive. |
| Contraception | Caution | Cytisine may reduce the effectiveness of combined hormonal contraceptives. To prevent pregnancy, use additional contraception such as condoms. |
How should I store Cytisine?
Store Cytisine in temperatures below 25°C. 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.
Can I buy Cyitisine over the counter?
No, Cytisine 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.
Why should I choose 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.
How much does Cytisine cost?
The price of Cytisine at HealthExpress is £149.99, which 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.
What are the alternatives to Cytisine?
There are two main alternatives to Cytisine: Varenicline and Zyban. While they are all effective stop-smoking treatments, they have some differences.
| Medicine | Active ingredient | How it works | How long it takes to work* | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cytisine | Cytisine | Affects nicotine receptors in the brain which controls the urge to smoke. | 25 days | £149.99 |
| Varenicline | Varenicline | Affects nicotine receptors in the brain which controls the urge to smoke. | 12 weeks | £44.99 |
| Zyban | Bupropion | Alters dopamine release in the brain to reduce the pleasurable effect of smoking. | 7 weeks | £74.99 |
*If treatment is taken correctly and you stop smoking as advised.
Note: Decisions about treatment are for both the prescriber and the person to jointly consider during the consultation. However, the final decision will always be the prescriber’s.
Cytisine FAQs
Is Cytisine the same as Champix?
No, Cytisine and Champix are different medications. Champix contains Varenicline. However, they do work in the same way and are similarly effective.
Is Cytisine addictive?
No, Cytisine is not addictive. It is designed to reduce dependence on nicotine which is addictive.
Can I smoke at all during the treatment?
You should stop smoking by day 5. Continuing to smoke whilst using Cytisine may cause side effects and treatment may not be effective.
Can I take Cytisine with nicotine replacement therapy?
It is not known how effective or how safe it is to combine Cytisine with nicotine replacement therapy. Do not use them together without the advice from your doctor.
How long does Cytisine last?
Cytisine has a short half-life of 4.8 hours, meaning half of the medicine is gone within that time. This is designed to mimic the satisfaction of smoking to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
What happens if I stop taking Cytisine suddenly?
While you are not likely to experience any side effects, stopping Cytisine suddenly may mean the treatment is not effective. The dosage schedule is designed so that you slowly reduce the dose of Cytisine, meaning you can successfully quit once you have finished treatment.
Is it safe to buy Cytisine online?
Yes, buying Cytisine through HealthExpress is safe. We follow strict UK doctor and pharmacy regulations and only offer genuine medication. Cytisine will only be prescribed by one of our doctors following an online consultation if treatment is suitable for you. Our secure payment ensures your privacy and safety. HealthExpress is a certified online pharmacy, and our customer service team is available to address any concerns you may have.
Will my order be confidential?
Yes, we will ensure your order is delivered to your chosen address in discreet packaging. The packaging will not have any reference to the brand ‘HealthExpress’ or the contents. Billing will also be discreet.
Is the price inclusive of all costs?
Yes, the price listed is all-inclusive. This means that the price covers the cost of the consultation, prescription, medication, and next-day delivery. There are no surprising hidden fees.
What are the delivery options available?
We offer several delivery options within the UK to ensure you receive your order quickly and securely.
Next-day delivery
: Free with Royal Mail.Nominated-day delivery
: Free with Royal Mail. Choose your preferred delivery date.
For more information on delivery options, please click here.
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