Champix 0.5mg and 1mg

Champix contains the active ingredient varenicline and is a medicine which is used in adults to help them stop smoking. Champix can help to relieve the craving and withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping smoking. Champix can also reduce the enjoyment of cigarettes if you do smoke when on treatment.

Do not take Champix if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to varenicline or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

You must tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take other medicines, in particular:

• theophylline (a medicine to treat breathing problems)
• warfarin (a medicine to reduce blood clotting)
• insulin (a medicine to treat diabetes)
• cimetidine (a medicine used for gastric problems)

• nausea
• vomiting
• indigestion
• constipation
• joint ache, muscle ache, back pain
• headaches
• difficulty sleeping
• abnormal dreams
• can cause dizziness or drowsiness - you should not drive or operate machinery if affected

There have been reports of suicidal thoughts or behaviour in people taking this medicine to help them give up smoking. It is very difficult to know if this is due to the medicine, as giving up smoking itself can make people depressed, especially if they already have a mental health condition. However, not all people experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts while taking this medicine had a previous history of psychiatric illness. If you begin to feel agitated or depressed, or experience any changes in your behaviour or thoughts about suicide you should stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor immediately.

Nicotine replacement therapy is an alternative treatment to help you stop smoking. This is available as inhalers, gums, lozenges, sprays, micro tabs and patches. There is also another prescription medicine called bupropion (trade name Zyban), but this is not available through Anytime Doctor.