Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Champix (Varenicline).
Alcohol: Consuming alcohol while taking Champix (Varenicline) may increase the risk of developing mood disorders or behavioural changes. You may also experience increased intoxicating effects of alcohol if you drink while taking Champix (Varenicline).
Allergic reaction: In rare cases, some people may develop serious allergic reactions and skin reactions to Champix (Varenicline). Signs of an allergic reaction include a severe rash, skin changes, hives, swollen face or throat, or difficulty breathing. If these occur, seek immediate medical attention.
Behaviour or mood changes: Some people taking Champix (Varenicline) experience erratic or aggressive behaviour, agitation, depressed mood, or thoughts of harming themselves or others. This can occur whether or not there is a history of psychiatric disorder. Alcohol can increase the risk of experiencing these mood or behaviour changes. If you experience any mood or behaviour changes or if your friends or family observe any of these changes while you are taking Champix (Varenicline), stop taking Champix (Varenicline) and contact your doctor immediately.
Cardiovascular disease: Champix (Varenicline) may increase the risk for cardiovascular-related side effects in people who have cardiovascular disease (diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels). If you have cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Champix (Varenicline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Champix (Varenicline), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Talk to your health care provider if you experience new or worsening cardiovascular-related symptoms, such as new or worsening chest pain, new or worse pain in legs when walking, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing.
Diabetes: People with diabetes who quit smoking often experience changes in their blood sugar control. This is a result of removing the effect of nicotine on the body. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how quitting smoking may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Champix (Varenicline), and whether any special monitoring is needed. You may be asked to monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Champix (Varenicline) may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Some people find that it causes drowsiness, dizziness, or decreased ability to concentrate. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Champix (Varenicline) affects you.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Champix (Varenicline) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Champix (Varenicline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Champix (Varenicline), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you have kidney disease, you may be prescribed a lower dose of Champix (Varenicline). Your doctor will monitor you while you are taking Champix (Varenicline).
Mental health problems: If you have any type of mental health condition or any history of mental health problems, including Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, discuss with your doctor how Champix (Varenicline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Champix (Varenicline), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience any new or worsening mood or behaviour changes while taking Champix (Varenicline), or if your friends or family observe any of these changes while you are taking Champix (Varenicline), stop taking Champix (Varenicline) and contact your doctor immediately.
Nicotine replacement therapy: Champix (Varenicline) should be tried as a smoking cessation therapy only after a trial of nicotine replacement therapy has been unsuccessful.
People who use nicotine replacement therapy at the same time as Champix (Varenicline) may experience an increase in side effects. The safety and effectiveness of taking Champix (Varenicline) with other smoking cessation therapies such as nicotine replacement therapy have not been established.
Nicotine withdrawal: Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can occur even when using Champix (Varenicline).
Seizures: There have been reports of seizures by people taking Champix (Varenicline). They have been reported by people with seizure disorders and some with no history of seizures. If you have a seizure disorder, discuss with your doctor how Champix (Varenicline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Champix (Varenicline), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience seizures while taking Champix (Varenicline), stop the medication immediately and get medical attention.
Tips on quitting smoking: Champix (Varenicline) is intended to be used in combination with education and counselling to help you quit smoking. If you start smoking again after your quit date, continue trying to quit. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for additional tips on quitting smoking.
Pregnancy: Champix (Varenicline) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Champix (Varenicline), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Champix (Varenicline) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Champix (Varenicline), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Champix (Varenicline) have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience side effects when taking Champix (Varenicline).
