How to use Varenicline

You should set a date to stop smoking.  Varenicline dosing should commence 1 - 2 weeks before this date. Therefore your quit date will be between days 8 -14 of taking Varenicline.

Patients who cannot tolerate Varenicline may have the dose lowered temporarily or permanently to 0.5mg twice per day.

If necessary it may be considered that the dosage of Varenicline could be tapered towards the end of therapy if any irritability, urge to smoke, depression and/or insomnia are experienced.  It would be necessary to speak to your GP about dose tapering.

Contraindications

• Aged under 18 years
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Currently has or has a history of:
  • End stage renal disease,
  • Epilepsy, fits or seizures
• Sensitivity to varenicline or any of its excipients
• Previously experience of serious or worrying side effects from varenicline
• Individuals unable to absorb oral medications or inability to swallow solid oral dosage formulations.
• Clients currently taking Clozapine
• Clients who currently have or have a history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder

 Cautions

If you have any of the following medical conditions that are listed below, it may be that your usage of Varenicline is cautioned. Any patient who falls into any of these categories would need to make an appointment with their GPor medication prescriber to discuss their suitability for Varenicline.

• Cardiovascular disease
• Current or History of psychiatric illness
• Renal impairment
• Currently taking Warfarin, Aminophylline, Theophylline, Olanzapine, Erlotinib & Riociguat

 Please note:

Varenicline may have minor to moderate effect on ability to drive and use machinery (anyone whose occupation involves driving or operating machinery is advised to use alternative product/ refer to GP).  Patients are advised to avoid driving and operating machinery until it is known whether this medication affects their ability to perform these activities.

Side effects

• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Vivid dreams
• Headaches

A reduced dose may be considered if side effects are intolerable.

It is important that all patients report any side effects or any adverse reactions that are believed to be attributed to Varenicline to their GP/advisor/pharmacist.  The GP/advisor/pharmacist will report this information to the drug company and other health professionals.  Your GP/pharmacist will make the clinical decision regarding clinical suitability and the prescription of Varenicline.

There is no data on Varenicline and alcohol consumption, if any adverse effects are experienced whilst drinking alcohol and taking Varenicline, this must also be reported to your GP/pharmacist.

Please read carefully all the patient information that will be enclosed with the medication.