Use
Champix(Varenicline )is a non-addictive medicine used to help you quit smoking. It helps by relieving the craving and withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping smoking.
Please note, this pack is for those who have first used the Champix starter pack.
Dosage and Administration
Take with a full glass of water, with or without food. For best results take the medication at around the same time each day.
If you miss a dose, do not double your next dose to make up for a forgotten tablet. Instead, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for you next dose, in which case skip the missed one and take the next dose as normal.
Take Champix as directed by your doctor. Please note, you will have more success quitting smoking if you are motivated to do so. Consult your doctor and pharmacist for advice, support, and further information to assist you in successfully quitting smoking.
Before taking Champix, decide a date in the second week of treatment which you will stop smoking on (between day 8 and day 14). Write this on the pack as a reminder. Although you stop smoking in the second week, continue to take the full 12 week course of Champix. Your doctor may even recommend that you take a second course of treatment with Champix, which would usually last another 12 weeks.
Side Effects
If you feel unwell while taking Champix tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. This medication helps most people to quit smoking but can produce the following side effects:
- Difficulty sleeping sleepiness, abnormal dreams, headaches, dizziness, and feeling weak
- Feeling bloated, indigestion, constipation, flatulence, and dry mouth
- Vomiting, nausea, and stomach discomfort
- Appetite and taste changes
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following more serious side effects which may require medical attention.
- Increased muscle tension, Tremors, or abnormal co-ordination
- Increased heartbeat, abnormal heartbeat, or chest pains
- Shortsightedness, disturbed vision, pain in the eye, sensitivity to light
- Abdominal pain, blood in vomit or stool, mouth ulcers, or pain in the gums
- Reddening of the skin, skin rash, itching
If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately. If you cannot contact your doctor, go straight to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital
- Wheezing, or difficulty breathing
- Severe chest pain
- Seizures or fits
- Fainting
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
- Severe itchy swellings on the skin
- Severe skin reaction with painful red blisters and chills, fever, and aching muscles
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell whilst taking Champix, as side effects not listed below may occur in some people. After stopping Champix you may notice an increase in irritability, the urge to smoke, depression, and trouble sleeping. If these side effects do occur it is best to consult your doctor.
Precautions
Do not give your medicine to anybody, even if they have the same condition you do.
While using Champix:
- If starting new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking Champix.
- Inform any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking this Champix.
- If undertaking surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking this medicine, as it may interfere with other medicines during surgery.
- If you become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Also consult your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant.
- Do not stop taking your medicine or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor.
- Until you know how Champix affects you, be cautious when driving or operating dangerous machinery.
- Do not take Champix to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
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