NRA-Varenicline tablets

NRA-Varenicline tablets

This product is manufactured by AA Pharma using the ingredient varenicline.

This product is taken orally.


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orally

Why is it prescribed?

Varenicline is a medication used to help adults quit smoking.

  • You are more likely to quit smoking if you are motivated. Your doctor or pharmacist can help provide support or sources for information to help you quit.
  • Some individuals choose a quite date between 1 and 5 weeks after starting NRA-Varenicline. Others will cut down on smoking gradually over 12 weeks, with the goal of not smoking at 12 weeks.
  • NRA-Varenicline should be taken after eating and with a full glass of water to reduce nausea.
  •  If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is within a few hours of the missed dose. If a longer period of time has elapsed skip the dose and take the next dose at the usual time.
  • Store tablets at room temperature (15-30°C).  Keep out of reach of children.

Alternatives

Other products that have the same ingredient as NRA-Varenicline tablets are •Apo-Varenicline tablets •Mint-Varenicline tablets •

See other products used in the treatment of •nicotine addiction •nicotine withdrawal symptoms •

The recommended dose of NRA-Varenicline in the first week is:

  • Days 1-3: 0.5 mg tablet once daily.
  • Days 4-7: 0.5mg twice daily.

After the first week, take either 0.5 mg twice daily or 1 mg twice daily, whatever has been decided between you and your doctor.

You should take this medication for 12 weeks. If you have not stopped smoking by this time, your doctor may want you to continue it for longer.


Varenicline does not contain nicotine, but it has been shown to affect the nicotine receptor thought to be most related to smoking addiction. Varenicline can affect this receptor in two opposite ways: it acts like a weaker version of nicotine (which would reduce withdrawal symptoms), and also blocks nicotine from getting to the receptor (which would reduce the pleasure of smoking), but the exact way the drug works in people is not known.


Along with its needed effects, varenicline may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. When stopping to smoke, regardless of whether medication is used to help, the following symptoms may occur: depression, short-temperedness, frustration, anger, nervousness, lack of patience, difficulty with concentration, increased appetite and weight gain. Possible unwanted effects of taking varenicline are mild to moderate and usually occur in the first weeks of treatment. They include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • trouble sleeping
  • headache
  • abnormal dreams
  • constipation
  • gas


Rarely:

  • Allergic reaction such as redness, itching or swelling of the skin, hives, burning, stinging, or any other skin problems, swelling of the neck area, or any difficulty with breathing, not present before using varenicline.

Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, aggression, depressed mood, and suicidal thoughts or actions while taking this medication. These psychiatric symptoms have occurred in people with previous mental health issues, as well as in those with no previous history. Some people had these symptoms when they started the medication, others developed them later. Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of developing these symptoms.
If you, your family, or caregiver notice agitation, hostility, depression or changes in behavior or thinking that are not typical for you, or you develop any of the following symptoms, stop taking this medication and call your healthcare provider right away:

  • thoughts about suicide or dying, or attempts to commit suicide
  • new or worse depression, anxiety or panic attacks
  • feeling very agitated or restless
  • acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
  • acting on dangerous impulses
  • an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
  • abnormal thoughts or sensations
  • seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations)
  • feeling people are against you (paranoia)
  • feeling confused
  • other unusual changes in behavior

  • The effects of changes in the body resulting from stopping smoking, with or without treatment with varenicline may alter the way other drugs work. Tell your doctor if you are taking insulin, asthma medications (eg. theophylline), blood thinners (eg. warfarin). The dose of these medications may need to be adjusted once you are smoke free. Tell the doctor if you are taking any other prescription or non prescription medications. A lower dose may need to be used if you have kidney problems.
  • Varenicline may affect your mental alertness or physical coordination. Do not engage in potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a car or operating dangerous machines until you are sure of the affect of varenicline on mental alertness or physical coordination.
  • The safety and benefits of taking varenicline with other products for stopping smoking (eg. patches, gum, inhaler) have not been studied. Therefore, it is not recommended to take varencline with these products. Using these products with varenicline is not likely to increase your chance of stopping smoking and may increase side effects.
  • Use is not recommended in the following situations::
    • allergy to varenicline or any component of the preparation
    • when also taking nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches, gum or inhaler. The combination may result in increased side effects.
  • Caution is recommended in the following situations:
    • when taking insulin
    • when taking some asthma medications
    • when taking some blood thinners
    • kidney problems
    • history of seizures
    • heart disease

Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding: The use of this medication is not recommended if pregnant or breastfeeding.