Indications
Chantix Continuing Pack is a medication used to help adults quit smoking. It contains the active ingredient varenicline and comes in the form of tablets. Varenicline works by attaching to nicotine receptors in the brain, blocking nicotine's effects and reducing the desire to smoke.
Chantix Continuing Pack is typically used for a 12-week treatment period, with the dose gradually increasing over the first week to lessen the chance of side effects such as nausea or unusual dreams.
Use and Dosage
The Chantix continuing pack is taken orally as a tablet and typically taken once daily initially, then twice daily in the morning and evening. It should be taken with a full glass of water after eating, at approximately the same time every day. Follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and ask a doctor or pharmacist for clarification on any unclear instructions.
The Chantix continuing pack can be used in different ways.
- One option is to set a quit date before starting treatment and begin taking Chantix continuing pack as directed by your doctor, 1 to 2 weeks before the quit date. Take the prescribed tablet once a day for the first 3 days, then twice a day for the next 4 days. Afterward, continue taking the prescribed dose twice daily for the remainder of the treatment period, which is typically 12 weeks. Gradually increase the dose to avoid side effects such as nausea or unusual dreams. Smoking is okay during the first week of Chantix use, but smoking should stop on the selected quit date.
- Another option is to start taking the Chantix continuing pack without a preset quit date, beginning with the 0.5-milligram tablets, and gradually increasing the dose as instructed by a doctor. Select a quit date between days 8 and 35 of treatment. Smoking should stop on the quit date and the prescribed dose of medication should be continued for the remainder of the treatment period.
Take the tablet exactly as directed and not take more or less than prescribed by a doctor. In cases where selecting a quit date is difficult, a doctor might suggest gradually reducing smoking during the treatment period with the goal of quitting by the end of the treatment.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Chantix Continuing Pack (Varenicline):
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal menstrual cycles
- Back, joint, or muscle pain
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Gas
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Lack of energy
- Nausea
- Toothache
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Unusual dreams or nightmares
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Chantix Continuing Pack (Varenicline):
- Blisters in the mouth
- Calf pain while walking
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Hoarseness
- Nausea, vomiting, or lightheadedness with chest pain
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Pain, squeezing, or pressure in the chest
- Rash
- Seizures
- Shortness of breath
- Sleepwalking
- Slow or difficult speech
- Sudden weakness or numbness of an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sweating
- Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, gums, eyes, neck, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Swollen, red, peeling, or blistering skin
Forms and Strength
Chantix Continuing Pack (Varenicline) is available in the following forms and strength:
Chantix Continuing Pack: Tablet
- 1 mg
Varenicline: Tablet
- 1 mg
Cautions
- Serious neuropsychiatric events: Chantix may cause serious neuropsychiatric events, including changes in behavior, agitation, depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior, and attempted suicide.
- Monitor for mood changes: Patients should be advised to immediately report changes in mood or behavior to their healthcare provider.
- Renal impairment: Chantix should be used with caution in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment and the dosage may need to be adjusted.
- Cardiovascular events: Chantix should be used with caution in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease.
- Allergic reactions: Patients should be advised to seek medical attention immediately if they experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms: Chantix may cause nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients should be advised to take Chantix with food and to report any persistent or severe gastrointestinal symptoms to their healthcare provider.
- Seizures: Chantix may increase the risk of seizures, particularly in patients with a history of seizures or other factors that increase the risk of seizures.
- Vision problems: Chantix may cause vision problems, including blurred vision, difficulty focusing, and sensitivity to light.
- Driving and operating machinery: Patients should be advised to use caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how Chantix affects them.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Chantix should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Chantix Continuing Pack be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Chantix should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
When should I start using Chantix Continuing Pack?
Start using Chantix one week before the date they have set to stop smoking.
How long does it take for Chantix to work?
Chantix should be started one week before quitting smoking. In clinical studies, patients who received Chantix were more likely to successfully quit smoking compared to those who received a placebo.
How long should I take Chantix?
The recommended duration of treatment with Chantix is 12 weeks. If the patient successfully quits smoking, an additional 12 weeks of treatment may be considered.
Can Chantix cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a common side effect of Chantix, but it is possible. Patients should speak with their healthcare provider if they experience any unexpected changes in their weight.
Resources
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a606024.html
- https://www.drugs.com/cdi/chantix-continuing-month-pak.html
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=826c77fa-d8b2-48df-8028-720b15912d92
- https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/drug-encyclopedia/drug.chantix-continuing-month-box-1-mg-tablet.569444
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-148320/chantix-continuing-month-pak-oral/details
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