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Introduction About CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET
CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET contains Varenicline, which belongs to the group of medicines called Smoking cessation aids. It is used by adults to help them stop smoking. It can help relieve the craving and withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping smoking. It can also reduce the enjoyment of cigarettes if you do smoke while on management.
CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney, heart problems, fits, psychiatric disorders. Consult your doctor before taking it.
CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET is not recommended for use by pregnant women. It is generally not recommended for use by breastfeeding women unless it is considered clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking it.
CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET is not recommended for use with children. It should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and older). Consult your doctor before taking it.
The most common side effects of taking CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET are inflammation of the nose and throat, abnormal dreams, difficulty sleeping, headaches, and nausea. Consult your doctor if any of the symptoms worsen.
Uses Of CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET
- It helps stop smoking in adults
- It helps to relieve the craving and withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping smoking
- To reduce the enjoyment of cigarettes if you do smoke while on management
How CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET Works
CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET works by blocking the pleasant effects of nicotine (from smoking) on the brain. Thus, it helps you to quit smoking.
How to use CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET
Take CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET as advised by your physician. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the medicine with water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight, and disease condition.
Side Effects Of CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET
Common
- inflammation of the nose and throat
- abnormal dreams, difficulty sleeping
- headache
- nausea, vomiting, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, feeling bloated, abdominal pain, toothache, indigestion, flatulence, dry mouth
- chest infection, inflammation of the sinuses
- increased weight, decreased or increased appetite
- sleepiness, dizziness
- changes in the way things taste
- shortness of breath, cough
- skin rash, itching
- joint ache, muscle ache, back pain
- chest pain, tiredness
Uncommon
- fungal infection, viral infection
- feeling of panic, difficulty thinking, restlessness, mood swings, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, changes in sex drive
- tremor, feeling sluggish, seizures, and being less sensitive to touch
- conjunctivitis, eye pain
- ringing in the ears
- angina, rapid heart rate, palpitations
- increased blood pressure, a hot flush
- congestion of the nose, throat, and chest, hoarseness, hay fever, throat irritation, congested sinuses, excess mucous from the nose causing cough, runny nose
- change of bowel habits and blood in stools, irritated stomach, belching, mouth ulcers, pain in the gums
- reddening of the skin, acne, increased sweating, night sweats
- muscle spasms
- abnormally frequent urination, urination at night
- increased menstrual flow
- chest discomfort, flu-like illness, fever, feeling unwell
Rare
- excessive thirst
- feeling unhappy, slow thinking
- increased muscle tension, difficulty with speech, and difficulty with coordination
- disturbed vision, eyeball discoloration, dilated pupils, sensitivity to light, shortsightedness, watery eyes
- irregular heartbeat
- throat pain, snoring
- blood in vomit, a coated tongue, and abnormal stools
- stiff joints, rib pain
- increased urine volume and frequency
- vaginal discharge, changes in sexual ability
- feeling cold, cyst
- sleep walking
Stop taking CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- severe skin reactions, including Erythema Multiforme and Stevens Johnson Syndrome (a serious illness with blistering or peeling of the skin, mouth, around the eyes, or genitals)
- serious allergic reactions including angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, mouth, throat, or body), difficulty breathing, and wheezing
- serious neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as agitation, depressed mood or changes in behaviour
- seizure, stroke, or heart attack
- suicidal thoughts or behaviour
- loss of contact with reality and being unable to think clearly, changes in behaviour (like aggression and abnormal behaviour)
How To Manage Side Effects

Bloating
Eat smaller and more frequent meals. Eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. If the flatulence does not improve, contact your doctor.

Constipation
Include fiber-rich foods in your diet, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereals, and drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly and stay active. Contact your doctor if constipation persists.

Diarrhea
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juices, to keep yourself hydrated. Do not take any medicine on your own to manage diarrhea. Contact your doctor if your diarrhea does not improve.

Dizziness Or Drowsiness
Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any machines while you are feeling dizzy. Do not drink alcohol, as it can aggravate your dizziness. Contact your doctor if your dizziness does not improve.

Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can be managed by chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candies to stimulate the flow of saliva. Sip water at regular intervals of time. Do not use mouthwashes that contain alcohol because they can be drying. Consult your doctor if the dry mouth gets worse.

Headache
Rest and relax. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or ORS (Oral Rehydrating Solution), and apply a pain-relieving balm to the head if necessary. Contact your doctor if your headache does not improve.

Nausea And Vomiting
Take CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET, with or just after a meal. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy food. Contact your doctor if your nausea and vomiting do not improve.

Skin rash Or Itching
Avoid hot baths because hot water can irritate your skin further. Do not scratch the affected area. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while going outside. Use unscented moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the affected area. Contact your doctor if your rashes worsen.

Stomach Pain
Try to have smaller meals but take them frequently. Keep a heat pad on your stomach. Do not self-manage and contact your doctor if the stomach pain does not improve.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
ContraindicatedCHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET is not recommended for use by pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET.

Breastfeeding
Monitoring requiredCHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless it is considered clearly necessary as it may pass through the breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET.

Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionAvoid driving and using machines while taking CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET, as it can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and transient loss of consciousness.

Alcohol
Consult your doctorAvoid alcohol consumption while taking CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET, as it may increase the intoxication effect of alcohol.

Kidney
Use with CautionCHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. Consult your doctor before taking CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET.

Liver
SafeCHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET can be used safely in patients with liver disease with no dosage adjustment. Contact your doctor before taking CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET.

Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET if you are allergic to Varenicline or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

Heart Disease
Use with CautionCHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with heart problems. Consult your doctor before taking CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET.

Use In Pediatrics
ContraindicatedCHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children as efficacy was not determined. Consult your doctor before taking CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET.

Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionCHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above). Consult your doctor before taking CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET.
Others
Before taking CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
- have a history of psychiatric disorder (depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts)
- have seizures or epilepsy
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- theophylline (used to manage breathing problems)
- warfarin (used to reduce blood clotting)
- insulin (used to manage diabetes)
- cimetidine (used for gastric problems)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Varenicline |
Pharmacological Category | : | Smoking cessation aids |
Therapeutic Indication | : |
To stop smoking in adults, relieve the craving and withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping smoking, Reduce the enjoyment of cigarettes if you do smoke when on management |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
More Information
- Keep CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET out of reach of children
- Store CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET below 30°C
FAQs About CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET
Q: Does CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET affect thinking?
A: For some people, stopping smoking with or without management has been associated with an increased risk of experiencing changes in thinking or behaviour, feelings of depression, and anxiety, and can be associated with a worsening of psychiatric disorders. Tell your doctor if you have a history of psychiatric disorders.
Q: What if I forget to take CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET?
A: It is important to take CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET regularly at the same time each day. If you miss your CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET dose at the usual time, take it immediately and then return to your routine dosing time. If it is almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time of dosage. Do not take two doses of CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET at the same time to make up for the missed dose.
Q: Does CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET affect sleep?
A: Yes, CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET may cause sleepiness, dizziness, trouble concentrating, and transient loss of consciousness. You should avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in any hazardous activity until you know how this medicine affects you.
Q: Can I continue smoking while on CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET?
A: You should set a date to stop smoking and then start taking CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET one week before your quit date. This helps the medicine build up in your body before you quit. You can keep smoking during this time. But be sure to stop smoking on your quit date, which is 8 to 35 days after you start taking this medicine.
Q: What should I avoid while taking CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET?
A: There have been some reports of increased intoxicating effects of alcohol in patients taking CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET. Hence, avoid consumption of alcohol while taking CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET, as it may increase the intoxication effect of alcohol.
Q: Can I stop using CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET on my own?
A: Take CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET according to the doctor’s advice. Taking all doses of your medicine at the appropriate times and for the recommended duration of management described by your doctor will increase your chances of stopping smoking. Therefore, do not stop using this medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop. Otherwise, it may increase the risk of returning to smoking and cause increased irritability, urge to smoke, depression, and/or sleep disturbances when you stop CHAMPIX (MAINTENANCE PACK) 1MG TABLET. Your doctor may decide to gradually lower your dose of this medicine at the end of management.
References
1. KD Tripathi. Anticholinergic Drugs and Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page- 122.
2. Gerald G. Briggs, Roger K. Freeman, Craig V. Towers, Alicia B. Forinash. Varenicline. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 11th edition. 2017. Page- 4986 to 4988.
3. Jon O Ebbert, Kirk D Wyatt, J Taylor Hays, Eric W Klee and Richard D Hurt. Varenicline for smoking cessation: efficacy, safety and treatment recommendations. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubMed Central. October 2010. [Accessed on 23rd February 2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2962400/
4. Dharminder Singh, Abdolreza Saadabadi. Varenicline. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. stat Pearls. January 2022. [Accessed on 23rd February 2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534846/
5. R-Pharm Germany GmbH. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in March 2021] [Accessed on 23rd February 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7944.pdf, https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7944/smpc