The Independent Pharmacy
Varenicline Tablets (Generic Champix)

Varenicline Tablets (Generic Champix)

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from £35.99
  • tickClinically proven to help you to stop smoking
  • tickEases nicotine cravings by mimicking its effects
  • tickSimple 12 week course of treatment
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Suitable for age: 18 years +
Suitable for pregnancy?No
Suitable for breastfeeding?No
Maximums per order:
  • Varenicline 1mg Tablets3
  • Varenicline 0.5mg Tablets2
  • Varenicline 0.5mg & 1mg Tablets Starter Pack2
Consultation required?Yes

This treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective.

Generic Treatment?Yes

This is a generic medicine and manufacturer of the treatment supplied may vary from the treatment image above, depending on availability. Please contact us once you've placed your order if you require a specific brand and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Varenicline Tablets (Generic Champix) information

What Is Varenicline and What Is It Used For?

Varenicline helps ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms while you quit smoking. Nicotine from cigarettes binds to receptors in the brain, triggering the release of dopamine, which creates the pleasurable sensation linked to smoking.

Varenicline binds to the same receptors and also releases dopamine, helping to prevent the 'cold turkey' sensation or withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you quit smoking.

Varenicline has been proven to make your chances of quitting smoking for good twice as likely.

Varenicline requires a prescription issued by a medical professional and as such, cannot be bought over the counter. If you would like to buy Varenicline from The Independent Pharmacy, you will be asked to complete an online assessment, which only takes a few minutes.

Varenicline is also sold under the brand name Champix. For a more comprehensive look, read our Champix guide and learn everything you need to know.

Varenicline Dosage

The Varenicline starting dose is 0.5mg, which should then be increased to 1mg.

Starting with the 0.5mg tablets and working up to the 1mg tablets reduces the chances of side effects and increases your chances of stopping smoking.

When using Varenicline you must decide on a ‘Quit date’ where you will give up cigarettes completely. This should normally be between Day 8 and Day 14 of treatment, however, it can be up to five weeks after starting treatment if you feel you are not ready to give up at an earlier date.

The usual amount of Varenicline to take is:

Week 1

Day 1 - 3: Take ONE 0.5mg tablet daily for 3 days.

Day 4 - 7: ONE 0.5mg tablet TWICE daily, one in the morning and one in the evening, for 4 days.

Week 2 - Week 12 

Day 8 until the end of treatment (end of Week 12): ONE 1mg tablet TWICE daily. Start from ONE to TWO weeks before intended quit date.

Varenicline Ingredients

Each Varenicline tablet contains either varenicline 0.5mg or varenicline 1mg as the active ingredient depending on the strength.

Each tablet also contains the following inactive ingredients: Cellulose, Microcrystalline, Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate Anhydrous Croscarmellose Sodium, Silica, Colloidal Anhydrous, Magnesium Stearate.

The coating of Varenicline 0.5mg tablets contains: Hypromellose, Titanium dioxide (E171) Macrogols, Triacetin.

The coating of Varenicline 1mg tablets contains: Hypromellose, Titanium dioxide (E171), Macrogols, Indigo Carmine Aluminium Lake (E132), Triacetin.

Varenicline Side Effects

Like with any medicine, there is a chance that you could suffer from side effects. Although these are rare, we have listed some of the most common below.

It is important that you read all of the side effects and warnings contained with the Patient Information Leaflet contained within the product packaging.

Common side effects (up to 1 in 10 people):

  • Chest infection, inflammation of the sinuses
  • Strange, vivid or abnormal dreams
  • Increased weight, decreased appetite, increased appetite
  • Sleepiness, dizziness, changes in the way things taste
  • Shortness of breath, cough
  • Heartburn, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, feeling bloated, abdominal pain, toothache, indigestion, flatulence, dry mouth
  • Skin rash, itching
  • Joint ache, muscle ache, back pain
  • Chest pain, tiredness
  • Increased or decreased appetite

The above list is not extensive and there can be rarer, and more severe side effects. For all side effects and warnings, please see the patient information leaflet contained within the product packaging.

Varenicline Warnings

Before taking Varenicline, please read the Patient Information Leaflet included with the medication.
You should not take Varenicline if you suffer from epilepsy, seizures, heart or blood vessel problems unless under the supervision of your doctor.

Quitting smoking can affect the levels of various chemicals in your body, which may impact how your medications work. Some medicines that your doctor will need to monitor closely during your smoking cessation include theophylline (for breathing issues), warfarin (to prevent blood clots), and insulin (to treat diabetes).

Varenicline and Alcohol

Consuming alcohol while taking varenicline is thought to increase the risk of developing mood disorders or experiencing behavioural changes, therefore we would not recommend drinking while taking Varenicline. It can also compound the impact of any alcohol you do drink, making you feel more drunk than you really are.

Related Treatments

We stock 7 other treatments for Stop Smoking

Visit our Varenicline Tablets (Generic Champix) page for treatments, advice and FAQs.

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Donald Grant

Authored by

Dr Donald Grant
Donald Grant
MB ChB DRCOG MRCGP Dip.orth.med
3058367
GP & Clinical Advisor

Dr Don Grant is The Independent Pharmacy's original online prescriber and has advanced in his role to become the Clinical Advisor, using his wealth of experience to advise on our clinical polices and prescribing guidelines.

Daniel Hurley

Reviewed by

Daniel Hurley
Daniel Hurley
MPharm IP
2078790
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber

Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.