Champix (Varenicline) Product Information

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Champix varenicline is an effective drug that has been particularly designed to aid smoking cessation. Manufactured and marketed by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, varenicline has been licensed for sale in the UK since December 2006. Champix varenicline tablets can cause side effects, but in spite of this, most of these adverse reactions are minor in nature and will not even affect everybody who uses the drug.

Important features of this smoking cessation drug

The primary function of Champix tablets is to help people to quit smoking. Patients who received varenicline have improved their chance of quitting smoking by 4 times as compared to patients who don’t; varenicline tablets must be taken over a 12-week course of therapy.

The important features of varenicline are:

• Varenicline is the active ingredient in this medication
• This drug does not contain nicotine
• This medication helps you to quit smoking by reducing withdrawal symptoms and nicotine cravings, making it less likely that you will relapse
• It increases your chances of smoking cessation by 4 times as compared to not taking the drug at all
• These tablets make it twice as easy for you to quit smoking as compared to alternate medication, Zyban
• Varenicline mimics the effect of nicotine on your body

Clinical trials on varenicline

Clinical trials have shown that patients wanting to quit smoking can quadruple their odds by taking Champix tablets. Varenicline works to reduce your urge to smoke and relieves you from the painful withdrawal symptoms; giving you the confidence to continue with the treatment.

Clinical trials conducted on varenicline included 4,000 patients approximately. They were treated with Champix tablets for up to a year. It was noticed that the onset of adverse reactions generally occurred within the first week of treatment; the severity of side effects was generally mild to moderate. The adverse reactions did not vary with age, race or by gender.

In patients receiving the recommended dose of varenicline, the most commonly reported side effect was nausea (28.6%); it occurred early in the treatment period, was moderate in severity and did not result in the patient discontinuing this medication. About 11.4% of the patients discontinued treatment, primarily because of nausea, headaches, insomnia and abnormal dreams.

Very common, common and uncommon side effects with Champix Tablets

The side effects that can be caused by Champix tablets are mild to moderate in nature. Many varenicline users may never suffer the side effects.

Some very common side effects

Some of the most commonly reported varenicline side effects include nausea, constipation, fatigue, insomnia, unusual dreams, flatulence, abdominal pain, appetite changes, dizziness, dry mouth, gingivitis, headache, heartburn and rash. However, most of these side effects rarely stop patients from using these tablets.

Other less common side effects

Some commonly occurring varenicline side effects include allergic reactions such as redness, itching or swelling of the skin, hives, burning, stinging, skin problems, swelling of the neck area, dizziness, somnolence or difficulty breathing. If you suffer any of these side effects, you should immediately see a doctor.

Rare side effects

Here have been recent reports in the media that Champix varenicline tablets do cause some uncommon side effects, and it is because of these rare occurrences, that patients taking the drug should be monitored by family, friends or a medical practitioner. Some of these side effects include depression, changes in behaviour, mood swings, agitation and suicidal thoughts or actions. If you experience any of these changes, you should discontinue taking varenicline tablets.

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