NANTES, June 17, 2025
Champix is Back: Helping Smokers Quit
After a brief hiatus due to manufacturing issues, the smoking cessation drug champix, also known as Varenicline, is once again available.The updated formulation promises to help smokers kick the habit.
Here’s a speedy rundown:
- Champix (Varenicline) is back on the market.
- It’s a second-line treatment,useful after nicotine substitutes.
- It works by reducing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Are you looking for a way to quit smoking? Champix, a medication containing varenicline, is back on the market and is designed to help adult smokers quit smoking, especially those highly dependent on nicotine. The medication, which works by targeting the same receptors in the brain as nicotine, is available by prescription.
Who Can Benefit?
Champix is intended for adults seeking to quit smoking and is often considered after nicotine substitutes, such as patches or gum, have been tried. It’s particularly helpful for those heavily addicted to nicotine, as determined by a score of 7 or higher on the Fagerström Test.According to Pr Martinet,a pulmonologist at the Nancy CHU,”relapses are frequent” and Champix offers a solution for those who had previously found success with it.
How Champix Works
The active ingredient in Champix, varenicline tartrate, mimics nicotine’s effect on the brain. It attaches to the same receptors in the nervous system, reducing the pleasurable sensations associated with smoking. This action diminishes the need for nicotine and can alleviate withdrawal symptoms, like irritability and sleep disturbances.
Effectiveness and Usage
In March 2025, the High Authority for Health (HAS) recognized Champix (1 mg) as providing an “important medical service” in aiding smoking cessation.The treatment involves a 12-week course, available only through prescription, with a possible renewal. It’s crucial to stop smoking within the first two weeks of treatment for the best results, otherwise, continuing the medication isn’t advised.
Potential Side effects
Like all medications, Champix may cause side effects, so medical supervision is essential. The moast commonly reported side effects include nausea, insomnia, unusual dreams, and headaches. Constipation and abdominal pain can also occur, but bear in mind these are similar to those of quitting smoking.Recent studies, reassure experts, have not shown any increased risk of serious neuropsychiatric or cardiovascular issues linked to varenicline.
There is no identified over-risk regarding the risk of suicide. However, vigilance remains necesary in patients with psychiatric histories. The medication is not advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for those under 18, without specific studies. It should also be used with care in individuals with kidney problems, according to Pr Martinet.
Dosage Guidelines
Nausea is often the most bothersome side effect. To mitigate this, the dosage is gradually increased. The typical approach starts with 0.5 mg once daily for three days, then 0.5 mg twice daily from days 4 to 7. From day 8, the dosage goes to 1 mg in the morning and evening. the usual treatment duration is 12 weeks. If side effects become too much, the dose can be reduced to 0.5 mg twice daily.
Pr Martinet confirms that varenicline can be used “in complete safety, under medical supervision.”
Important Reminders
Champix assists in quitting smoking but doesn’t replace personal commitment.quitting smoking requires a clear decision, a suitable strategy, and support. As a reminder, a 30-year-old who quits smoking can gain up to ten years of life expectancy, according to pr Martinet.
As of May 20, 2025, the drug’s price was set at €27.70 for a box of 28 tablets and €54.98 for a box of 56 tablets, with 65% reimbursement.
The Varenicline Supply Situation: What Happened?
The return of Champix, containing the active ingredient varenicline, is welcome news for those aiming to quit smoking. But what caused the temporary absence of this important medication? In 2021, Pfizer, the manufacturer of varenicline products, paused supply. This was due to the detection of an impurity, N-nitroso-varenicline, in some batches of the drug [[3]].
The recall was implemented as the level of this impurity exceeded the acceptable daily intake limit, set by regulatory bodies. this was purely a precautionary measure taken by the company to ensure patient safety. The issue of impurities in medications is not uncommon and highlights the rigorous testing and quality control processes inherent in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The pause on varenicline was a result of a manufacturing issue identified by the drug’s producers. This impacted global supply, making it unavailable from 2021 until its recent reintroduction. The recall was based on concerns about an impurity,with doses observed exceeding the limits set by regulatory agencies [[3]].
Ensuring Safety: The Role of Impurity Limits
The guidelines from the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) M7,are crucial for establishing acceptable levels of impurities in pharmaceuticals. These guidelines recommend that impurities should not exceed amounts expected to cause cancer in more than one in 100,000 patients after extended use [[3]]. Manufacturers conduct various tests to meet these strict standards.
Pfizer’s actions underscore the pharmaceutical industry’s commitment to patient safety and adherence to regulatory standards. This is also why Champix is now available to patients in 2025. All the necessary steps have been taken so that the medication meets all relevant standards.
availability and Funding
The good news is that Champix is again available, however, in New Zealand for instance, access is contingent on meeting specific criteria from April 1, 2025 [[1]]. Both starter and standard packs are listed. This facts is critically important for current and prospective users, allowing them to plan accordingly. It also highlights the role of government in ensuring public access to essential medicines.The criteria aren’t yet clear, so consult with your
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