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Varenicline Oral Tablet (VARENICLINE - ORAL)

For quitting smoking.

Brand Name(s): Chantix

Generic Name: Varenicline

Instructions

Take the medicine with 250 mL (1 cup) of water.

Take the medicine after eating a meal.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

Choose a date to quit smoking. Start this medicine 1 week before your chosen day to quit smoking.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Cautions

This medicine is not recommended for use in children younger than 16.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Speak with your doctor about how you feel after you quit smoking. Some people on this medicine may feel depressed, have trouble sleeping, become irritable, or gain weight. Discuss these symptoms with your doctor. Your doctor may wish to adjust your medication dosage.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • constipation
  • drowsiness or sedation
  • excess gas
  • headaches
  • nausea and vomiting
  • vivid dreams or nightmares

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • change in behavior
  • chest pain
  • changes in memory, mood, or thinking
  • depression or feeling sad
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • mood changes
  • shortness of breath
  • symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

 
 

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