CHANTIX DRUG INFO

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using Chantix.

VARENICLINE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S):Chantix

USES: Chantix is used to help you quit smoking.

HOW TO USE:Chantix comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with a full glass of water after eating. Take Chantix at around the same time(s) every day. If you are taking Chantix twice a day, take one dose in the morning and one dose in the evening. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Chantix exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of Chantix and gradually increase your dose over the first week of treatment.

Set a quit date to stop smoking, and start taking Chantix 1 week before that date. You may continue to smoke during this first week, but make sure to try to stop smoking on the date you have chosen.

It may take several weeks for you to feel the full benefit of Chantix. You may slip and smoke during your treatment. If this happens, you may still be able to stop smoking. Continue to take Chantix and to try not to smoke.

You will probably take Chantix for 12 weeks. If you have completely stopped smoking at the end of 12 weeks, your doctor may tell you to take Chantix for another 12 weeks. This may help keep you from starting to smoke again.

If you have not stopped smoking at the end of 12 weeks, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can try to help you understand why you were not able to stop smoking and make plans to try to quit again.

SIDE EFFECTS: Chantix may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

- nausea
- constipation
- gas
- vomiting
- bad taste in the mouth
- increased or decreased appetite
- trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- unusual dreams or nightmares
- drowsiness
- headache

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

- swelling of the face, tongue, lips, gums, throat, arms, or legs
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- rash
- swollen, red, peeling or blistering skin
- blisters in the mouth

Chantix may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking Chantix:

- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to varenicline or any other medications.

- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); insulin; other medications to help you stop smoking such as bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and nicotine gum, inhaler, lozenges, nasal spray, or skin patches; and theophylline (Theo-24). Your doctor may need to change the doses of some of your medications once you stop smoking.

- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.

- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking varenicline, call your doctor.

- you should know that varenicline may make you drowsy, dizzy, or have difficulty concentrating. There have been reports of traffic accidents, near-miss accidents, and other types of injuries in people who were taking varenicline. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

- ask your doctor for advice and for written information to help you stop smoking. You are more likely to stop smoking during your treatment with varenicline if you get information and support from your doctor.

IMPORTAINT WARNING: Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, and suicidal thoughts (thinking about harming or killing oneself or planning or trying to do so) while taking Chantix. The role of Chantix in causing these mood changes is unclear since people who quit smoking with or without medication may experience changes in their mental health due to nicotine withdrawal. However, some of these symptoms occurred in people who were taking Chantix and continued to smoke. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking Chantix, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment or after stopping Chantix. These symptoms have occurred in people without a history of mental illness and have worsened in people who already had a mental illness. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had depression, bipolar disorder (mood that changes from depressed to abnormally excited), schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions), or other mental illnesses. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking Chantix and call your doctor immediately: suicidal thoughts or actions; new or worsening depression, anxiety, or panic attacks; agitation; restlessness; angry or violent behavior; acting dangerously; mania (frenzied, abnormally excited or irritated mood); abnormal thoughts or sensations; hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist); feeling that people are against you; feeling confused; or any other sudden or unusual changes in behavior. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own. Your doctor will monitor you closely until your symptoms get better.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTES: Do not allow anyone else to take Chantix. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

MISSED DOSE:Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.