Varenicline Tartrate

Generic Name: varenicline tartrate

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Chantix

11 DESCRIPTION CHANTIX tablets contain varenicline (as the tartrate salt), which is a partial nicotinic agonist selective for α 4 β 2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes. Varenicline, as the tartrate salt, is a powder which is a white to off-white to slightly yellow solid with the following chemical name: 7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-6,10-methano-6 H -pyrazino[2,3- h][3]benzazepine, (2 R ,3 R )-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioate (1:1). It is highly soluble in water.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION CHANTIX tablets contain varenicline (as the tartrate salt), which is a partial nicotinic agonist selective for α 4 β 2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes. Varenicline, as the tartrate salt, is a powder which is a white to off-white to slightly yellow solid with the following chemical name: 7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-6,10-methano-6 H -pyrazino[2,3- h][3]benzazepine, (2 R ,3 R )-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioate (1:1). It is highly soluble in water.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE CHANTIX is indicated for use as an aid to smoking-cessation treatment. CHANTIX is a nicotinic receptor partial agonist indicated for use as an aid to smoking-cessation treatment. ( 1 and 2.1 )

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Begin CHANTIX dosing one week before the date set by the patient to stop smoking. Alternatively, the patient can begin CHANTIX dosing and then quit smoking between days 8 and 35 of treatment. ( 2.1 ) • Starting Week: 0.5 mg once daily on days 1–3 and 0.5 mg twice daily on days 4–7. ( 2.1 ) • Continuing Weeks: 1 mg twice daily for a total of 12 weeks. ( 2.1 ) • An additional 12 weeks of treatment is recommended for successful quitters to increase likelihood of long-term abstinence. ( 2.1 ) • Consider a gradual approach to quitting smoking with CHANTIX for patients who are sure that they are not able or willing to quit abruptly.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions were reported in postmarketing experience and are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: • Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events including Suicidality [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Interaction with Alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Accidental Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Cardiovascular Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Somnambulism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Angioedema and Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Serious Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] In the placebo-controlled premarketing studies, the most common adverse events associated with CHANTI...

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Based on varenicline characteristics and clinical experience to date, CHANTIX has no clinically meaningful pharmacokinetic drug interactions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. • Other Smoking-Cessation Therapies: Safety and efficacy in combination with other smoking-cessation therapies has not been established. Coadministration of varenicline and transdermal nicotine resulted in a high rate of discontinuation due to adverse events. ( 7.1 ) • Effect of Smoking Cessation on Other Drugs: Pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of certain drugs (e.g., theophylline, warfarin, insulin) may be altered, necessitating dose adjustment.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events: Postmarketing reports of serious or clinically significant neuropsychiatric adverse events have included changes in mood (including depression and mania), psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, hostility, agitation, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide. Observe patients attempting to quit smoking with CHANTIX for the occurrence of such symptoms and instruct them to discontinue CHANTIX and contact a healthcare provider if they experience such adverse events. ( 5.1 ) • Seizures : New or worsening seizures have been observed in patients taking CHANTIX. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS CHANTIX is contraindicated in patients with a known history of serious hypersensitivity reactions or skin reactions to CHANTIX. History of serious hypersensitivity or skin reactions to CHANTIX. ( 4 )

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data have not suggested an increased risk for major birth defects following exposure to varenicline in pregnancy, compared with women who smoke [see Data ]. Smoking during pregnancy is associated with maternal, fetal, and neonatal risks (see Clinical Considerations ) . In animal studies, varenicline did not result in major malformations but caused decreased fetal weights in rabbits when dosed during organogenesis at exposures equivalent to 50 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD).

Storage

Store at 25ºC (77ºF); excursions permitted to 15ºC to 30ºC (59ºF to 86ºF) (see USP Controlled Room Temperature).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Varenicline Tartrate used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE CHANTIX is indicated for use as an aid to smoking-cessation treatment. CHANTIX is a nicotinic receptor partial agonist indicated for use as an aid to smoking-cessation treatment. ( 1 and 2.1 )

What are the side effects of Varenicline Tartrate?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions were reported in postmarketing experience and are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: • Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events including Suicidality [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Interaction with Alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Accidental Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Cardiovascular Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Somnambulism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Angioedema and Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Serious Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] In the placebo-controlled premarketing studies, the most common adverse events associated with CHANTI...

Can I take Varenicline Tartrate during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data have not suggested an increased risk for major birth defects following exposure to varenicline in pregnancy, compared with women who smoke [see Data ]. Smoking during pregnancy is associated with maternal, fetal, and neonatal risks (see Clinical Considerations ) . In animal studies, varenicline did not result in major malformations but caused decreased fetal weights in rabbits when dosed during organogenesis at exposures equivalent to 50 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD).

What are the important warnings for Varenicline Tartrate?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events: Postmarketing reports of serious or clinically significant neuropsychiatric adverse events have included changes in mood (including depression and mania), psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, hostility, agitation, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide. Observe patients attempting to quit smoking with CHANTIX for the occurrence of such symptoms and instruct them to discontinue CHANTIX and contact a healthcare provider if they experience such adverse events. ( 5.1 ) • Seizures : New or worsening seizures have been observed in patients taking CHANTIX. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS CHANTIX is contraindicated in patients with a known history of serious hypersensitivity reactions or skin reactions to CHANTIX. History of serious hypersensitivity or skin reactions to CHANTIX. ( 4 )

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.