Varenicline: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Varenicline is a nicotinic receptor partial agonist used as an aid to smoking cessation. It is most commonly prescribed to help adults stop smoking, alongside advice and support. Varenicline requires a prescription in the United Kingdom, and generic versions have been available since 2021-08-11.

Varenicline acts at nicotinic receptors in the brain. These receptors are normally stimulated by nicotine from tobacco smoke. As a partial agonist, varenicline stimulates them partly, which can reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

It also blocks some of the effects nicotine would otherwise produce, so smoking may feel less rewarding. This combination can support a planned attempt to stop smoking.

Varenicline does not remove the need for motivation, planning or practical support. Smoking cessation can still involve nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and underlying psychiatric illness may worsen during a quit attempt, with or without medicine.

Varenicline tablets are indicated as an aid to smoking cessation treatment. They are used by people who want to stop smoking, usually alongside educational materials, counselling and other support. The label describes starting treatment before a planned stop-smoking date, or starting treatment first and stopping smoking later.

A gradual approach may also be considered for people who are not able or willing to stop abruptly. With this approach, smoking is reduced progressively, with the goal of complete abstinence by the end of treatment. Another treatment attempt may be recommended after an unsuccessful attempt or relapse when factors contributing to the earlier attempt have been identified and addressed.

The label lists oral tablets in 0.5 mg and 1 mg strengths, including film-coated tablets. The label lists 0.5 mg once daily on days 1 to 3. The label lists 0.5 mg twice daily on days 4 to 7.

The usual starting dose is 1 mg twice daily from day 8 through the end of treatment, following the one-week titration. The label lists treatment for 12 weeks. The label lists an additional 12 weeks for people who have successfully stopped smoking, and a total of 24 weeks for the gradual quitting approach.

The label lists 0.5 mg once daily as the starting dose for severe renal impairment, with titration to a maximum of 0.5 mg twice daily. The label lists a maximum of 0.5 mg once daily for end-stage renal disease undergoing haemodialysis, if tolerated.

Store at 20°C to 25°C. Excursions are permitted from 15°C to 30°C.

Keep the tablets in their packaging, protected from moisture, and out of the reach of children. Follow the label and pharmacy advice to maintain quality.

A missed dose should not usually be followed by an extra dose. General pharmacy advice is to take the missed dose when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, then continue with the usual schedule.

A pharmacist or prescriber can advise if several doses have been missed, if treatment has been interrupted, or if adverse effects are occurring. Varenicline treatment is intended to support a planned or gradual smoking cessation attempt.

Available data have not suggested an increased risk for major birth defects after varenicline exposure in pregnancy compared with women who smoke, but available studies cannot definitely establish or exclude a varenicline-associated risk. Smoking during pregnancy carries risks for the mother, fetus and newborn.

There are no data on varenicline in human milk, the effects on a breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Anyone who is pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding should discuss varenicline with a doctor or pharmacist.