Varenicline: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Functions & Usage

What is Varenicline used for?

Varenicline is a drug to help you quit smoking that is used in combination with other smoking cessation programs (eg, educational materials, support groups, counseling). Varenicline works by blocking the action of nicotine in the brain. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of heart and lung disease, as well as cancer.

Discuss the risks and benefits of this drug, as well as other ways to quit smoking (such as nicotine replacement medication), with your doctor.

How do you use Varenicline?

Read the drug's guide and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by the pharmacy, if available, before you get this medication and each time you buy again. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. There are two ways to use Varenicline to help you quit smoking. The first way is to set a date to quit smoking before starting treatment with this medicine. Start taking Varenicline as directed by your doctor, 1 week before your stop date. When you first start taking this medication, take one 0.5 milligram tablet once a day for 3 days, then increase to one 0.5 milligram tablet twice a day for 4 days. The dose is slowly increased to reduce the chance of side effects (such as nausea, unusual dreams). During this first week, it's okay to smoke. Stop smoking on the date of quitting and start taking the dose prescribed by your doctor twice daily for the remainder of the 12 week treatment period.

The second way to use Varenicline is to start taking the medication before you choose a date to quit smoking. Start with a 0.5 milligram tablet and increase the dose as directed by your doctor. Choose a date to quit smoking that is between the 8th and 35th day. Quit smoking on the date you choose. No matter where you take Varenicline, always follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

If this medication is a dosing pack, carefully follow the instructions on the dosing package. There are two types of packaged dosages, starting packs and continuous packs, each containing different strengths of this drug. If this medication comes in a bottle, carefully follow your doctor's instructions for reading prescription labels. If you have questions about how to take this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth after meals and with a full glass of water.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. This method will not improve your condition faster, and may actually increase the risk of serious side effects. Don't take more than 1 milligram twice a day.

Use this remedy regularly for the best benefits. To help you remember, drink it at the same time every day.

Tell your doctor if you continue to smoke after several weeks of treatment.

If you are successful and smoke-free after 12 weeks of treatment, your doctor may recommend another 12-week treatment with Varenicline.

How do I save Varenicline?

Store at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be considered before using the drug Varenicline?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

Exact studies have not been conducted on the relationship between age and the effects of varenicline in children. Safety and efficacy have not been determined.

Elderly

The precise studies carried out to date have not demonstrated a specific geriatric problem that will limit the use of varenicline in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, so it may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving Varenicline.

Is Varenicline safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This medicine is included in the pregnancy risk category C. (A = No risk, B = No risk in some studies, C = Possible risk, D = There is positive evidence of risk, X = Contraindicated, N = unknown)

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of Varenicline?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have mood or behavior changes, confusion, anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations, extreme fear, or if you feel impulsive, restless, aggressive, restless, irritable, depressed, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts of suicidal or self-harming.

Family members or carers should also be aware of changes in your mood and behavior.

Call your doctor if you have any of the following serious side effects:

• Chest pain or pressure sensation, tight feeling in the neck or jaw, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, vomiting, sweating, generally feeling sick
• Feelings of dizziness or shortness of breath
• Numbness or sudden feeling of weakness, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden severe headache, confusion, vision problems, difficulty speaking, or balance problems
• Bruising easily, unusual bleeding, blood in the urine or stool, coughing up blood or vomiting that looks like coffee grounds
• Fever, sore throat, and severe headache, peeling, and red skin rash
• The initial symptom of any type of skin rash, no matter how mild.

While serious side effects may include:

• Nausea (can last for several months)
• Stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, gas
• Weakness, tired feeling
• Dry mouth, bad taste in your mouth
• Headache
• Sleep problems (insomnia) or unusual dreams.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

What medicines can interfere with the drug Varenicline?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Using this medication with the following drugs is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both drugs.

• Bupropion

Can certain foods and drinks interfere with the work of the drug Varenicline?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

Using this medication with the following substances is not usually recommended, but may not be avoided in some cases. When used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use these drugs, or give specific instructions about using these foods.

• Ethanol

What health conditions can interfere with the performance of the drug Varenicline?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Alcohol abuse, or a history of alcohol abuse
• Angina (severe chest pain), history of having experienced angina
• Heart attack or a history of having had a heart attack
• Heart or blood vessel problems
• Stroke, history of having had a stroke - May increase the risk of more serious side effects.
• Depression, have a history of experiencing depression
• Mental problems (eg, psychosis), history of having had mental problems
• Seizures, or a history of having had seizures - Use with caution. It might make things worse.
• Severe kidney disease - Use with caution. The effect may be increased because the drug decay power is slower than the body.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for a doctor's prescription. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Varenicline for adults?

Days 1 to 3: 0.5 mg orally once a day

Days 4 to 7: 0.5 mg orally twice a day

Day 8 to the end of treatment: 1 mg orally twice a day

What is the dosage of Varenicline for children?

Safety and effectiveness have not been determined in pediatric patients (less than 18 years).

In what dosages and preparations is Varenicline available?

0.5 mg tablet

What to do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.