Chantix-Smoking Cessation

There is a new drug on the market used to help people quit smoking, called Chantix. It can reduce withdrawal symptoms caused by quitting smoking. It can also decrease the urge to smoke and decrease nicotine cravings. It is used with a patient support program recommended by your physician.

Most insurance companies cover this drug, and if your insurance company does not cover it, a month supply costs about the same as cigarettes would cost you for an entire month.

Some important information regarding this new drug is as follows:

You should take this drug alone. Never take this drug with any other smoking cessation products such as nicotine patches or chewing gum. Before quitting the drug, be sure to follow up with your prescriber.

This medicine is not for use in children.

Before you start taking this medication or any other medication it is very important to let your prescriber know any other medications you are currently on. For this particular drug, your prescriber needs to know if you have any of the following conditions:
1. Kidney disease
2. Any unusual reaction with this drug, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
3. Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
4. Breast-feeding

When starting this medication, you should first set a date to stop smoking and tell the prescriber. You must start this medication 1 week before your actual quit date. Stick to the plan, and if you need help, contact your prescriber about support groups or other ways to remain a quitter.

Take tablets by mouth after eating. Follow the instructions carefully. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. It is also important to take your doses at regular intervals, and if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up or take extra doses. Do not stop taking the tablets except on your prescriber’s advice.

Drug Interactions:
Be sure to tell your prescriber or health care professional about all medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medications, nutritional supplements, or herbal products, also be sure to tell them if you drink a lot of beverages with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works, and also be sure to check with your doctor before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Side Effects that should be reported to your Doctor include:
1. Difficulty breathing or wheezing
2. Redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including the inside of the mouth
3. Seizures
4. Skin rash, itching, hives
5. Unusual tiredness or weakness
6. Vomiting


Side Effects that are possible and do not require medical attention are:
1. Abdominal Pain
2. Changes in appetite
3. Constipation
4. Difficulty sleeping
5. Drowsiness
6. Dry mouth
7. Flatulence
8. Headache
9. Heartburn or Reflux
10. Nausea
11. Upset Stomach

Things to watch for while taking Chantix:

You may get drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you.
Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient
This medicine will make your mouth dry. Chew sugarless gum, candy and drink plenty of water to help with the dry mouth.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber well before your scheduled surgery date that you are taking Chantix.

Most importantly to be sure to have complete success, check in with you prescriber regularly, so that they can monitor your progress.