Chantix Information

What is Chantix?

Chantix is a smoking cessation medicine. It is used together with behavior modification and counseling support to help you stop smoking.

Chantix may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Chantix?

Use Chantix exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

There may be other drugs that can interact with Chantix. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Stop using Chantix and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Chantix can cause persistent nausea for up to several months. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking Chantix?

Before using Chantix, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. Chantix may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Chantix passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Chantix without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Chantix?

Take Chantix exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

To improve your chances for successful smoking cessation, set a date to quit smoking. Start taking Chantix one week before your planned quit date.

When you first start taking Chantix, you will take a low dose and then gradually increase your dose over the first several days of treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from Chantix.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Take the medicine after eating.

In most cases, Chantix treatment lasts for 12 weeks. Your doctor may recommend a second 12-week course of Chantix to improve the chance that you will quit smoking long-term.

It is important to take Chantix regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure Chantix is not causing harmful effects, your kidney function may need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store Chantix at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. Be sure to take the medicine after eating.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Chantix overdose are unknown.

What should I avoid while taking Chantix?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using Chantix.

Chantix side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Talk with your doctor if you have any of these side effects:

• nausea (may persist for several months);

• stomach pain, indigestion, vomiting, constipation, gas;

• weakness, tired feeling;

• increased appetite;

• unpleasant taste in your mouth;

• headache; or

• sleep problems (insomnia) or unusual dreams.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect Chantix?

After you stop smoking, the doses of any medications you are using may need to be adjusted. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• insulin;

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); or

• theophylline (Respbid, Theobid, Theoclear, Theo-Dur, Uniphyl).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with or be affected by Chantix. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

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