VARENICLINE
Background and Date of Approval
Varenicline is a smoking cessation aid used alongside education and counseling to assist patients in stopping smoking. The FDA approved this medication on 05 October 2006.
Uses
Varenicline is available as a tablet. It is used in adults to help them stop smoking. It can help relieve the craving and withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. It also reduces the enjoyment of cigarettes if you smoke when on treatment. It works by blocking the pleasant effects of nicotine from smoking on the brain.
How is it administered?
It is an orally available prescription drug. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Varenicline based on your condition and other factors. Always take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet with or without food. Do not break, chew, crush, or break the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with water. Stop or reduce smoking when you are consuming this tablet.
Side Effects
The common side effects of varenicline are constipation, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, dream disorder, nightmares, headache, insomnia, cough, nasal and throat irritation. Other side effects are heart problems, sleepwalking disorder, night blindness, blurred vision, abnormal behavior, depression, mood disorder, and suicidal ideation.
Warnings
This medicine may cause serious neuropsychiatric symptoms such as mood disorder, abnormal behavior, suicidal ideation, depression, and psychosis. Inform your healthcare professional immediately if you face any of these symptoms. This medicine may cause an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, serious skin reactions, and sleepwalking.
Precautions
Inform your physician if you are facing depression, suicidal ideation, behavior, and suicidal attempts while taking the medicine. Inform your physician if you have heart, liver, seizures, skin diseases, and mental disorders. This medicine is not recommended for children. Avoid getting pregnant and breastfeeding during the treatment. Use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy. Do not consume alcohol while taking this medicine. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to varenicline or any ingredients. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vaccinations, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications interact with varenicline and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. Inform your physician if you are using insulin, theophylline, or blood thinner (warfarin) medications.
Word of Advice
Store the tablets below 30°C. Protect the medicine from light and excessive moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets. If you miss a dose, take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed dose. Your doctor may conduct laboratory tests to assess the effectiveness of therapy or monitor for unwanted side effects. This medicine requires cautious administration in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustments are necessary. Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems. This medicine may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, cause serious skin reactions, and lead to sleepwalking. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your progress and the effects of this medicine during regular visits. Attend all scheduled appointments.
References
CHAMPIX 0.5 mg film-coated tablets (Maintenance Pack) - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). www.medicines.org.uk. [Published March 2022] [Accessed May 5, 2023] http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/266/smpc CHANTIX - Varenicline Tablets; [Published 2016] [Accessed May 5, 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/021928s040lbl.pdf Christian Lüscher, Drugs of Abuse, Langeâs Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 575-589. KD Tripathi, Anticholinergic Drugs and Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019,.124-135. P. Hanlon, M. Byers, J.P.H. Wilding, H.M. Macdonald, Environmental and nutritional factors in disease, Davidsonâs Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 97-132.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Varenicline?
Inform your physician about all your medical and medication history, including over-the-counter medicines and nutritional or vitamin supplements you are taking. Especially, inform if you are taking, insulin, theophylline, and blood thinning medication (warfarin).
How many days varenicline should be taken?
Generally, the medicine should be taken for 12 weeks. The duration of your treatment depends on the successful cessation of smoking. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of your treatment.
Can older patients take varenicline?
Elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be given because dose adjustments are necessary for patients with renal failure. Inform your physician if you have any kidney diseases before initiating the treatment.
What if I overdose on Varenicline?
If you overdose on the medicine unintentionally or accidentally, seek medical advice immediately. Do not overdose on the medicine.
Why take Varenicline with food?
It is best if you take the medicine immediately after food. Take the tablets with a glass full of water to minimize potential side effects like nausea from the medicine.
What are the precautions for varenicline?
This medicine may cause an increased risk of heart attack or heart disease, depression, mental disorders, abnormal behavior, and suicidal ideation. Inform your doctor right away if you face any of these symptoms.