Varenicline is Chantix

Varenicline (trade name Chantix in the USA and Champix in Europe and Canada, manufactured by Pfizer, usually in the form of varenicline tartrate) is a prescription medication used to treat smoking addiction. This medication is the first approved nicotinic receptor partial agonist. In this respect it reduces cravings for and decreases the pleasurable effects of cigarettes and other tobacco products, and through these mechanisms may assist some patients in smoking cessation. In May 2006, it was approved for sale in the United States. On August 1, 2006, Pfizer announced that Chantix was available for sale in the United States, and on September 29, 2006, it was approved for sale in the European Union.


Use and dosing
Varenicline is indicated for (suggested for use in) smoking cessation. It is an alternative to bupropion (trade name Zyban) and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as nicotine patches.

Varenicline is sold as 0.5 mg and 1 mg tablets. Titrating the dose from 0.5 mg every day for 3 days to 0.5 mg twice daily for 4 days to 1 mg twice daily is recommended. The standard maintenance dose is 1 mg twice daily, with variations as permitted by the FDA. The FDA has approved its use for twelve weeks. If smoking cessation has been achieved it may be continued for another twelve weeks.

Varenicline has not been tested in sub-adults (those under 18) or pregnant women yet, and therefore is not recommended for use by these groups. Women currently breastfeeding should also avoid this product, since varenicline may pass into the breast milk, leading to unknown effects on the child.


Marketing
An advertisement for Chantix leads viewers to the site http://mytimetoquit.com . Each page of the site contains statistical and scientific information about smoking, addiction, and health and how they intersect. The site is clearly labeled as being presented by Pfizer. Like all advertisements for new prescription drugs in the USA, information about the drug itself is not part of the television commercial nor the website advertised therein. The site urges users to "talk to your doctor" about Chantix.

When prescribed Chantix, smokers will be offered a chance to participate in a behavioral modification program called the GETQUIT Support Plan at no extra cost. For more information about Chantix and the free GETQUIT program, visit the Chantix website at www.chantix.com

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