Chantix Patient Information

Chantix™ is the brand name for varenicline tartrate, a smoking cessation drug developed by Pfizer, Inc.

Chantix was developed specifically for quitting nicotine and has two very unique abilities. First it mimics nicotine - a low dose of it - which eases withdrawal. Second, Chantix blocks nicotine from binding with receptors, rendering it ineffective. If a person smokes while on this drug, they get none of that nicotine boost; smoking is bland.

• Varenicline Tartrate as a Quit Smoking Aid

Chantix is available by prescription only. When discussing Chantix with your doctor, be sure to mention any of the following if they pertain to you:

• All other prescription medications you're using, including insulin, asthma medicines and blood thinners
• Nonprescription medications you use, including vitamins, pain relievers, herbal remedies and supplements
• Kidney problems including dialysis treatments
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding

You'll start taking Chantix therapy a week before you quit smoking. Following your physicians's specific instructions, you'll begin with a small dose of Chantix once a day, gradually increasing dosage until you're taking 1 mg tablets twice daily. Always take Chantix with a full glass of water and after eating.

If you slip and smoke a cigarette, continue using Chantix and try again. It can take a few weeks for this therapy to take hold for some people, so don't give up!

Chantix is typically prescribed for up to 12 weeks, but your doctor will be able to create a treatment plan that suits your needs best.

Typical side effects of using Chantix include:

• nausea
• Gas
• vomiting
• Constipation
• Disruptions in dream patterns

There are other less common side effects associated with Chantix. Your doctor will be able to help you decide whether these pose a significant risk for you.

Because the effects of Chantix have not been studied for these groups, the following people should not use Chantix:

• People under the age of 18
• Pregnant women
• Women who are breastfeeding

It's important to remember that quit aids are exactly what the name implies - aids. Without resolve and determination to quit smoking, there isn't a quit aid on the planet that can help you. With it, any quit aid you choose will work beautifully.

That said, when used in conjunction with education and support, Chantix appears to be a promising new therapy that could help a lot of people kick their addiction to nicotine, once and for all.

If Chantix appeals to you, discuss it with your doctor and get started! There's no time like the present to quit smoking.

Resources to Help You Quit Smoking:

Your Quit Smoking Toolbox
The quit smoking toolbox gives you links to information and the support necessary to build a solid quit smoking program for yourself.

Choosing a Quit Aid
Learn about the nicotine patch, gum, inhaler, nasal spray and nicotine lozenges. You'll also find information about alternatives to NRT's, such as bupropion(Zyban or Wellbutrin), acupuncture and hypnosis.

Quit Smoking 101 - A Free Email Course
This free newsletter e-mail course, which you'll receive daily for 10 days in your mailbox, aims to provide you with a solid foundation for quitting tobacco successfully.

Online Smoking Cessation Support Forum
Join our very active smoking cessation support community. Support from those who know what you’re going through is invaluable. You may visit as a guest and browse, or register (free) to join the discussions and post messages of your own.

Source:

• Medication Guide Chantix (varenicline)Tablets. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed on 07 May 2010 http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm088569.pdf.
• Pfizer, Inc., "Patient Information Chantix™ (varenicline) Tablets." 2006. Accessed on 24 Oct 2006 www.pfizer.com/pfizer/download/ppi_chantix.pdf.