Varenicline
(generic Champix)
How much does Varenicline / Champix cost?
Packs and prices
Prescription included
Starter Pack (2 Weeks)£44.97
Initial dosage for starting programme · Varenicline 0.5mg/1mgMaintenance Pack (4 Weeks)£87.97
1 tablet twice a day · Varenicline 1mgFull Course (12 Weeks)£257.97
1 tablet twice a day · Varenicline Starter Pack & Continuation Course
How does Varenicline / Champix work?
Varenicline / Champix is a prescription-only medicine which is used by adults to help stop smoking. It doesn’t contain any nicotine, instead, it blocks the action of nicotine in your brain to reduce the enjoyment that you get from smoking, which means that a cigarette won’t satisfy you in the same way and also helps to reduce your cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
You will be given the opportunity to buy Varenicline / Champix during the consultation process for your convenience. In the event that the doctor does not approve Varenicline / Champix treatment, you will not be charged for the medication that you have pre-selected.
How long does it take Varenicline to work?
It is recommended that you complete a 12-week course of varenicline treatment. During the first week of treatment, you take a lower dose of varenicline. From day 8 you will move up to the higher strength for the remaining weeks.
Partway through your 12 weeks you may feel that you are doing well, and haven’t smoked or wanted to smoke, but it is still advisable that you continue until the end of the full 12 weeks. The longer you stay on treatment, the greater the chance of successfully quitting. Completing the 12-week treatment course can increase your chance of quitting by more than 10 times, compared to people who complete up to 2 weeks of treatment.
How do I take Varenicline?
Varenicline tablets should be swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food. Before starting your course of varenicline, you should decide on your quit date. The date should ideally be between day 8 and day 14 of treatment.
Week 1
- Day 1 to 3 – take one 0.5mg tablet once a day
- Day 4 to 7 – take one 0.5mg tablet twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, at about the same time each day
Week 2 to 12
- Day 8 to end of week 12 – take 1mg twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, at about the same time each day
After 12 weeks of treatment, if you have stopped smoking, our doctors may recommend an additional 12 weeks of treatment with varenicline 1mg tablets twice daily to help avoid returning to smoking.
What happens if I take more tablets that I was supposed to, or I miss a dose?
It can be dangerous if you take more varenicline than you have been prescribed. If you do take more than you should, seek medical advice immediately. Remember to take your varenicline box with you, so the medical staff know what you have taken.
You should try to take your varenicline regularly at the same time each day. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 3-4 hours before your next dose, do not take the tablet that you have missed. You should never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.
Is it safe to buy Varenicline online?
While many online retailers claim to supply genuine medicines, they may be unregulated, provided without a genuine doctor consultation and potentially very dangerous. You can rest assured, PrivateDoc is a fully registered digital health service. We have UK registered doctors, nurses and pharmacists that review and assess every consultation. All the medicines we supply are 100% genuine and fully regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Special considerations when taking Varenicline / Champix
Varenicline should not be used if you are allergic to varenicline or any of the other ingredients in the tablets, under 18 years old, or pregnant or breastfeeding.
There have been reports of depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviour in patients taking varenicline. If you develop agitation, depressed mood, changes in behaviour, suicidal thoughts or behaviours you should stop taking varenicline and contact your GP immediately.
When you stop smoking, with or without treatment, it can affect how your body processes other medicines. Stopping smoking has also been associated with changes in thinking or behaviour and worsening of psychiatric disorder — discuss any history with us before starting treatment.
Tell us if you have experienced seizures, have heart or blood vessel problems, or are taking other medicines. Stop taking varenicline and seek emergency help if you develop a serious allergic reaction or severe skin rash.
What are the side effects associated with Varenicline
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Giving up smoking, with or without treatment, can cause various withdrawal symptoms including changes of mood, sleeplessness, and increased appetite.
Very common (more than 1 in 10 people): chest infection, inflammation of the sinuses, abnormal dreams, difficulty sleeping, headache, nausea.
Common (up to 1 in 10 people): increased weight, sleepiness, dizziness, shortness of breath, cough, heartburn, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, skin rash, joint or muscle ache, tiredness.
Contact a doctor or pharmacist if you experience serious neuropsychiatric symptoms. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet for the full list of side effects.
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