Chantix (Varenicline) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 26, 2012

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Smoker's Lung: Pathology Photo Essay »

Smokers lung introduction

Cigarette smoking is associated with a wide variety of abnormalities throughout the body that cause not only illness, but also, all too often, death. Indeed, if all deaths from diseases related to smoking (lung disease, heart disease, and cancers of many different organs) were considered, a case could be made for cigarette smoking as the leading cause of death in industrialized countries. Ironically, it is also the most preventable cause of death in our society!

This photo essay will focus on smoker's lung. The term "smoker's lung" refers to the structural and functional abnormalities (diseases) in the lung caused by cigarette smoking. First, the normal structure and function of the lung will be described and illustrated. Then, the structural and functional abnormalities caused by smoking will be described and illustrated.

What is the structure of the normal lung?

We have a right lung and ...

Read the Smoker's Lung: Pathology Photo Essay article »

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Chantix Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking varenicline (Chantix)?

Before using varenicline, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, or a history of mental illness.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether varenicline passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take varenicline (Chantix)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

To improve your chances for successful smoking cessation, set a date to quit smoking. Start taking varenicline one week before your planned quit date.

When you first start taking varenicline, you will take a low dose and then gradually increase your dose over the first several days of treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Take the medicine after eating.

In most cases, varenicline treatment lasts for 12 weeks. Your doctor may recommend a second 12-week course of varenicline to improve the chance that you will quit smoking long-term.

It is important to take varenicline regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your kidney function may need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store varenicline at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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