Varenicline online in the UK to Quit Smoking

Varenicline (generic Champix- brand name used in the EU) is a prescription only treatment it helps you stop smoking. It is a safe and effective medication that works best with counseling and education.

Varenicline (sold as Champix in the EU) is a medication used to help people quit smoking. It was approved by the FDA on May 10, 2006, under the brand name Chantix in the US.

Although Chantix is no longer available, generic varenicline can still be purchased online in the UK.

The 3-month treatment of Varenicline proved to be as effective as NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) and the success rate was higher than the placebo.

However, the treatment length can be extended to 6 months depending on your needs and conditions.

❇️ Unlike other quit-smoking pills, Varenicline works differently, making it perfect for those who have used other quit medicines but are unable to quit smoking. 

❇️ Varenicline tablets may cause difficulty in sleeping or vivid dreams. If these effects bother you, consult your doctor.

❇️ Varenicline tablet also causes nausea as a part of its common side effects. Try to take Varenicline with a glass of water or food to mitigate this effect. 

Varenicline 1 mg/0.5 mg film-coated tablets at a Glance

The specifications of the Varenicline tablet are as follows:

Previous Brand name: Chantix (CHANT-iks)

Popularly known: by the brand name Champix (in UK)

Generic name: Varenicline, Varenicline tartrate

Varenicline Pronunciation: var-EN-i-Kleen

Availability: Prescription only

Drug class: Smoking cessation aid, nicotine receptor partial agonist, cholinergic agonists

Dosage form: oral tablets and nasal spray

Usage: The whole tablet is swallowed

Manufacturer: Pfizer

Varenicline uses: What is the drug Varenicline used for?

The Varenicline tablet reduces nicotine cravings and withdrawal discomforts, helping people quit smoking efficiently. It is available in the form of tablets and nasal spray.

If you want to know its other uses, consult your doctor and take Varenicline as directed to avoid serious effects.

Varenicline mechanism of action: How it works

When you smoke, nicotine in tobacco gets absorbed into your bloodstream via the lungs. After reaching the brain, it causes feelings of pleasure and leads to nicotine addiction.

Varenicline tartrate targets nicotine receptors in your brain, reduces the pleasurable effects of smoking, and alleviates withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings, restlessness, or trouble sleeping. 

It is a partial agonist and stimulates these receptors enough to reduce nicotine withdrawal effects and cravings. Varenicline also blocks nicotine’s ability to fully activate these receptors or bind to these receptors if you smoke. 

The dual action mechanism of Varenicline reduces smoking urge and withdrawal discomfort, making it easier for you to quit.

Compared to NRT (nicotine replacement therapy), where your body remains addicted to nicotine, Varenicline lets you wear off nicotine. It works best when combined with a comprehensive smoking cessation program, i.e., behavioral support. 

When to start Varenicline?

For Varenicline (Champix), you will need a doctor's prescription, and you must use it as directed by the doctor. So, how to use Varenicline? You can use it in 3 ways:

✅ Set a quit date: Select a quit date and take Varenicline one week before your quit date. You can smoke during this time, helping your body adjust to the new medicine.

Make sure to quit smoking on the quit date you have decided. Take Varenicline for 12 weeks. If you have stopped smoking during this, your doctor will suggest you take Varenicline for the next 12 weeks. Or,

✅ Start Varenicline first: Take Varenicline before you decide on your quit date. Once you start taking Varenicline, choose a quit date between 8 and 35 days.

Make sure to quit smoking on the quit date you have decided. Take Varenicline for 12 weeks. If you have stopped smoking during this, your doctor will suggest you take Varenicline for the next 12 weeks. Or,

✅ Gradual reduction: If you do not want to quit smoking suddenly or are not sure that you can quit, start taking Varenicline tablets and quit smoking gradually over 12 weeks of treatment in such a way that:

• Weeks 1-4: Smoke half of your usual number of cigarettes.
• Weeks 5-8: Reduce to a quarter of your usual amount.
• Weeks 9-12: Gradually decrease until you are smoke-free.

In all cases, follow your doctor's guidance for the best results.

Varenicline tablets price in UK

Varenicline cost ranges from £36-£180, depending on your location, insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you choose.

Always consult your doctor before taking Varenicline to ensure safe usage and accurate and pocket-friendly options. Check the prices of Varenicline at Ashcroft Pharmacy for affordable options and convenient delivery.

Varenicline (Champix discontinued) alternative: Other stop-smoking medication options

If Varenicline does not suit you, you can opt for other stop-smoking treatment options such as:

Zyban — Bupropion smoking cessation UK

Zyban (bupropion) helps you quit smoking by reducing cravings for smoking. It is a prescription drug, originally developed as an antidepressant; it alters brain chemistry and reduces nicotine dependence.

It is an effective treatment, particularly when combined with behavioral support or counseling programs. Before using it, consult your doctor to figure out whether Zyban is safe for you.

Cytisine

It is a prescription drug with a 25-day treatment course, helping people quit smoking effectively. Cytisine stop-smoking tablets bind to nicotine receptors in your brain,

offering nicotine cravings reduction and management of withdrawal symptoms. Consult your healthcare provider to determine its safe usage, risks, and dosage guidelines.

NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) — Over-the-counter smoking cessation products UK

NRT offers a controlled dose of nicotine without harmful chemicals found in tobacco, reducing nicotine cravings and alleviating withdrawal symptoms.

It is available in the form of gums, lozenges, patches, inhalators, and nasal sprays. It shows high effectiveness when combined with support or stop-smoking programs. 

E-cigarettes for quitting smoking

E-cigarettes or vapes are best for quitting smoking. In this, a liquid containing vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, nicotine, and flavoring is heated, creating a vapor that is inhaled.

Although it is not risk-free, e-cigarettes are less harmful than smoking and are effective for quitting or reducing smoking.

Buy Varenicline tablets online UK — Best price for Varenicline tablets UK

You can order Varenicline 1 mg or 0.5 mg tablets online from our UK-registered Ashcroft pharmacy. Just fill out our online consultation form and answer a few questions, and our team will determine whether Varenicline is safe for you. Once approved, we will dispatch your medicine to your doorstep with our fast and discreet UK delivery service.

Medically Reviewed by

Resources

Healthcare Professionals (SmPC)

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.100152.pdf

Important indications to take Varenicline safely

• ✅ Varenicline 1 mg or 0.5 mg does not contain nicotine, so it works differently than NRT.
  
  
• ✅ Varenicline tablets are usually taken 2 times a day for 12 or 24 weeks.
  
  
• ✅ Take Varenicline with a glass of water or food to minimize nausea.
  
  
• ✅ While taking Varenicline, if you experience agitation, suicidal thoughts, or depression, stop taking this medication and visit your doctor.
  
  
• ✅ If you are taking Varenicline and get new or worsening symptoms of heart problems such as angina, stroke, heart attack, shortness of breath, or chest pain, seek emergency help.
  
  
• ✅ If you slip between your treatment and start smoking again, continue taking Varenicline and try not to smoke.
  
  
• Stick to your plan and always take Varenicline according to your doctor’s instructions.
  
  
• Do not share your medicine with others, as it will harm them.

What should I do if I forget the dose?

If you miss your dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on a regular schedule. Do not take an extra or double dose to make up for the missed one. 

What should I do if I overdose?

If you take too much Varenicline, you may get unwanted side effects such as severe dizziness, seizures, or trouble breathing. So, in case of an overdose, seek emergency help or visit your doctor immediately. 

Dosage

Varenicline Dosage and Schedule

Varenicline comes in two strengths:

• Varenicline 0.5 mg film-coated white tablets (white tablet)
  
  
• Varenicline 1 mg film-coated tablets (blue tablets)

Take the tablets as prescribed by your doctor. The typical dosage schedule is:

• Day 1–3: 0.5 mg once a day
  
  
• Day 4–7: 0.5 mg twice a day
  
  
• Day 8 until end of treatment: 1 mg twice a day

Your dose may vary, so follow your doctor's instructions. The dose is gradually increased to help your body adjust. Be sure to quit smoking on your planned quit date. If you slip up, keep trying.

Most people use Varenicline for 12 weeks. If successful, your doctor may extend treatment for another 12 weeks to help you stay smoke-free.

Note: Varenicline tablet is NOT recommended for children under 16 years old.

Warnings

Varenicline contraindications: Who should not take Varenicline?

Although Varenicline is safe and well-tolerated, it is not suitable for everyone. You should not take Varenicline if you have the following:

• Active depression
• Psychiatric illness
• Allergy to Varenicline or any other ingredient present in this medicine.
• Severe kidney disease or renal failure
• Epilepsy
• Seizures
• Heart or blood vessel problems
• Are on hemodialysis
• Are alcoholic 
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are less than 18 years old

Varenicline warnings and precautions

While or before taking Varenicline, you must keep in mind the following precautionary measures to minimize the risks. 

Once the Varenicline treatment plan has ended, you may get poor sleep or mood swings. To mitigate this effect, gradually lower the Varenicline dose (from 1 mg to 0.5 mg) before stopping treatment.

If you are taking any other OTC drugs, prescription medicine, herbal remedies, minerals, vitamins, or supplements, consult your doctor before taking Varenicline. 

Varenicline causes a low tolerance to alcohol. So, if you are taking alcoholic beverages, talk to your doctor before taking Varenicline. 

Combining Varenicline with a nicotine patch may cause tiredness, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, upset stomach, or headache. So, always use one quit-smoking treatment at once. 

Varenicline and pregnancy

It is not known whether Varenicline is safe or harmful for pregnant women or unborn babies. So, if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, do not take Varenicline.  

Varenicline and breastfeeding

There is not enough information about whether Varenicline passes into breast milk. So, if you are breastfeeding, do not take Varenicline.

However, if your doctor prescribes you to take Varenicline during breastfeeding, watch for symptoms such as feeding problems or seizures in your baby. 

Varenicline and driving

Varenicline may make you dizzy, drowsy, sleepy, lose consciousness, or have difficulty concentrating. There have been reports of near-miss accidents, injuries, or traffic accidents while taking Varenicline.

So, if you experience these effects, do not drive or operate tools or heavy machinery. 

Varenicline interaction with other medicines

Varenicline may interact with OTC or prescription medications, herbal remedies, minerals, supplements, or vitamins and can cause serious effects. Varenicline can interact with;

• Other stop-smoking medicines, such as NRT, in the form of patches, sprays, tablets, and gums
• Blood thinners such as Warfarin (Jantoven, Coumadin)
• Diabetic drugs such as insulin
• Medicine for breathing problems, such as theophylline
• Alcohol 

So, if you are taking these drugs or any other medicine or products, consult your doctor before taking Varenicline to avoid serious complications. 

Varenicline and foods

Varenicline does not interact with foods or nonalcoholic drinks. However, it can interact with alcohol and affect your ability to tolerate alcohol. If you drink alcohol while taking Varenicline, you may get feelings of:

Unusual aggressive behavior

• Intoxication or increased drunkenness
• Loss of memory about the things that have happened 

How to store and dispose of Varenicline?

You must store Varenicline at room temperature, between 20-25 degrees Celsius or 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover:

• Keep Varenicline away from children and pets' reach
• Store Varenicline in an airtight container away from excess moisture and heat
• Store it in a cool, dry place
• Do not store it in the bathroom
• Do not use Varenicline once its expiration date has passed

Disposal of Varenicline

You must dispose of Varenicline in a way that prevents children, pets, or other people from consuming it.

• Do not flush this medicine down the toilet
• Dispose of Varenicline via the take-back program

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about safe disposal or contact the local garbage or recycling department to learn about the take-back program.

Varenicline vs Champix: Is Varenicline the same as Champix?

The active ingredient in Champix is Varenicline. Champix (Varenicline) is prescribed to help you quit smoking permanently by reducing cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

The only difference between Varenicline and Champix lies in availability and branding. 

Varenicline is sold under the brand name Champix; however, its generic versions have become popular due to supply issues. 

Does Varenicline work better than Champix?

Champix or Varenicline works similarly, acting on nicotine receptors in your brain and blocking the pleasurable effects of smoking.

Whether you use Champix or its generic version, the effectiveness will be the same. However, you must use them as prescribed or directed for optimal results and to avoid serious effects.

Varenicline vs Bupropion: Which is better, Bupropion or Varenicline?

Varenicline and bupropion tablets are effective prescription medicines that help you quit smoking. They work in different ways:

Varenicline targets nicotine receptors in your brain, blocks the rewarding effect of smoking, and reduces cravings. On the other hand, Bupropion alters brain chemicals such as norepinephrine and dopamine, reducing smoking urge.

Varenicline is the first-line choice and is more effective than Bupropion. 

However, both medications are not best for people with any underlying medical condition. So, consult your doctor to figure out the safe and right option for you. 

Varenicline side effects

Like other medications, the Varenicline tablet causes some side effects. However, not everyone gets these effects.

Most Common side effects

The common or possible side effects of Varenicline are:

• Nausea
• Sleep disturbances
• Vivid dreams
• Constipation
• Flatulence
• Mood swings
• Headache
• Throat or nose inflammation 
• Abdominal pain
• Gas 
• Vomiting
•  Bad taste in the mouth
• Heartburn 
• Dry mouth
• Toothache 
• increased or decreased appetite
• Lack of energy
• Back, joint, or muscle pain
• Abnormal menstrual cycles

These effects go away as your body adjusts to the new medicine. If they persist or get worse, consult your doctor. 

Serious side effects

The serious side effects of Varenicline are:

• New or worse heart or blood vessel problems such as heart attack or stroke
• Severe allergic reaction
• Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
• Agitation
• Depression 
• Suicidal thoughts 
• Hoarseness
• Swelling of the throat, tongue, lips, or other parts of the body (angioedema)
• Rash
• Sweating
• Sleepwalking
• Seizures
• Calf pain while walking 
• Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• Blisters in the mouth
• Chest pain
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Slow or difficult speech
• sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body

If you get any of these symptoms, seek emergency help or visit your doctor immediately. 

Varenicline withdrawal symptoms 

While taking Varenicline, many people experience strong withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms go away in a couple of weeks. They may include:

• Depressed mood
• An urge to smoke
• Trouble sleeping
• Frustration
• Irritability 
• Anger 
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling anxious
• Restlessness 
• Increased appetite
• Decreased heart rate
• Weight gain

Varenicline ingredients

The ingredients in Varenicline 1mg or 0.5 mg are:

• ❇️ Active ingredient: Varenicline tartrate
  
  
• ❇️ Inactive ingredients: Maltodextrin, croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose (unspecified), stearic acid, titanium dioxide, hypromellose, talc, FD&C Blue No. 2, Ferric Oxide Yellow.

To ensure uninterrupted delivery during the busy Christmas season, we are now offering the option to place orders early. If your next treatment is due between 12th December and 7th January, we strongly recommend placing your order in advance to avoid potential delays and maintain consistent treatment.

Once your order has been approved by our UK medical team it will be dispatched via Royal mail. All orders are sent using a tracked and signed for service.

Royal Mail 48 (2-5 days) | £3.49

Estimated delivery within 2-3 working days. Excludes bank holidays. Not a guaranteed service.

Free delivery on orders over £50.

Royal Mail 24 (Next working day) | £4.99

Estimated delivery within 1 working day. Excludes bank holidays. Not a guaranteed service.

Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm | £9.95

Order by the 2:00 PM weekday cut-off time for guaranteed delivery by 1:00 PM the next business day.

Orders placed after the cut-off on Friday will be delivered on Tuesday.