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.

Women’s Oral Health and Overall Health


Good oral health is essential to good general health. Specifically for women, a growing body of research has linked gum disease to a variety of health problems that affect women. Because 3 out of 4 adults are affected by periodontal disease, or commonly known as gum disease, at some point in their lives, it is important to understand what triggers the onset of the disease and how to treat it. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that can enter the bloodstream and may be a factor in causing other health complications such as:

· Heart disease
o People with gum disease are more at risk for heart disease and have twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack.
o Heart disease is the number 1 killer for women.
· Stroke
o Studies have shown their may be a relation between oral infections and stroke.
· Diabetes
o People who are diabetic are more likely to have gum disease and may make it more difficult to control their blood sugar.
o Gum disease may also be a risk factor for diabetes, even in healthy individuals.
· Respiratory problems
o Bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can travel to the lungs causing respiratory disease such as pneumonia-especially in people with gum disease.
· Pregnancy
o Pregnant mothers who have gum disease may be more likely to have a baby born too early or too small.
o Gum disease may also trigger increased levels of biological fluids that induce labor.

Because gum disease is usually painless, many women may not even realize they have it until it reaches an advanced state. Your best defense is to brush and floss daily and see your dentist regularly.

Women have special oral health requirements during the unique phases of their life. Changes in hormones during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause exaggerate the way gums react to plaque. So throughout these times, women need to be especially thorough when brushing and flossing every day in order to prevent gum disease.

Other important details that women should know:
Menstruation-some women find their gums swell and bleed prior to their periods, while others experience cold sores or canker sores. These symptoms usually go away once your period starts.
Your dentist may prescribe special cleanings, gum treatment or topical anesthetics to ease any discomfort.
Oral Contraceptives-one of the most common side effects of taking them is inflamed gum tissue.
Tell your dentist if you are taking birth control pills because some medications the dentist may give you, such as antibiotics, can lessen the effect of an oral contraceptive.
Pregnancy-many pregnant women experience pregnancy gingivitis, this is when the plaque builds up on teeth, and irritates the gums. Usually this happens between the second and eighth months. Some symptoms include: red, inflamed and bleeding gums. Prenatal care is extremely important.
Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings during your second trimester to help avoid these problems.
Menopause-oral symptoms include red or inflamed gums, oral pain and discomfort, burning sensations, altered taste sensations and dry mouth from decreased saliva flow.
Your dentist may prescribe saliva substitute to combat dry mouth.
Osteoporosis-studies suggest there is a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Researchers suggest this may eventually lead to tooth loss because the density of bone that supports teeth may be decreased. When combined with gum disease, osteoporosis speeds up the process of bone loss around the teeth.