Champix is typically used once a day at 0.5 mg for the first three days, then increased to 0.5 mg two times a day for the following four days, then continued on 0.5 mg two times a day or increased to 1 mg two times a day until the end of the therapy. An individual is allowed only a maximum dose of 1 mg twice daily. Champix should be taken with a full glass of water, usually after eating.

There are three different approaches to setting a date to quit smoking or the so-called quit date:

• The fixed quit approach – This method will start the treatment with Champix 1 to 2 weeks before the exact date you intend to quit smoking. The treatment shall continue for 12 weeks.
• The flexible quit approach – This method starts the treatment with Champix, then you set the date when to quit smoking between weeks 2 and 5 after the first day of treatment. The treatment should continue for 12 weeks.
• The gradual quit approach – This method involves taking Champix and gradually decreasing smoking with the goal to quit by the end of 12 weeks. If able to do so, you may quit smoking at any time before the end of 12 weeks.

It is important that Champix be taken exactly as recommended by your doctor. Take the pills at the same time everyday and if you forget a dose, do not take a double dose to make up for it. Champix can be taken with or without food, but you need willpower and motivation to stop smoking.

Your doctor may gradually decrease the dose of Champix as you stop the medication in order to reduce the risk of you starting to smoke again. For those who have successfully stopped smoking after the 12 week course of treatment, they should take a follow up course for another 12 weeks: 1mg dose once daily to maintain abstinence. Total treatment time should be 24 weeks.

Always use this medication exactly as your clinician has told you. Check with our clinical team or your GP or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Common side effects of Champix include:

• Nausea
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headache
• Changes in dreams.

Champix can have some other side effects including:

• Inflammation of the nose and throat
• Dizziness
• Change in appetite
• Drowsiness

Smokers who used Champix have reported changes in mood, behaviour or thinking, and sometimes these changes have been serious. It is not known if those changes are related to the medicine or to stopping smoking.

There have been reports of heart attack and strokes in some people taking Champix. Heart attacks and strokes can also be caused by smoking. If you have any of these conditions, tell your doctor.

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, or you are experiencing any of the side effects mentioned in the patient information leaflet whilst taking this medication, please contact our clinical team or speak to your GP.

Since Champix may make you dizzy or drowsy, be careful when driving.

People with a history of psychiatric disorders or active depression should not take Champix. There have been reports of altered mood in people taking CHAMPIX. If you feel agitated, depressed, or have suicidal thoughts, you must stop the treatment and seek medical attention urgently. If you have previously suffered from any psychological problems, you should tell your doctor before taking this medication. If you feel like this you should stop taking Champix® and contact your GP, NHS 111 or in an emergency 999.

You must not take Champix if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, for example the active substance varenicline. You should also tell the doctor if you have had problems with your heart, a stroke, or seizures/epilepsy.

Champix is not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to this medication. These include:

• Hives
• Dizziness
• Fast or pounding heartbeats
• Wheezing
• Difficult breathing
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are currently taking. You must also tell us about any other medical conditions that you currently have (or had in the past). This will help us ensure the prescribed medication is safe and appropriate for you to take.

For full information on warnings, medication interactions and contraindications, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet. Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform our clinical team or your GP of medicines you are taking or intend to take.