Champix (Varenicline)

Champix is a branded stop smoking treatment available in the UK. We also offer a generic, non-branded version of Varenicline that contains the same active ingredient and works in the same way as Champix.

Generic medications, such as Varenicline, are approved and licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), meaning they have been verified as identical in quality, strength, stability, and efficacy as their branded equivalents, such as Champix.

Champix targets and stimulates nicotine receptors in the brain, mimicking the effects of nicotine, but at a lower intensity.

This reduces the brain's desire for nicotine, preventing cravings and helping to minimise the withdrawal symptoms from quitting smoking.

Champix also blocks the pleasurable effects of nicotine, making smoking less enjoyable for those who might relapse.

Champix and Varenicline are medically identical, as they contain the same active ingredient and produce the same effects. This means they are equally effective at helping individuals to quit smoking.

The only difference between these smoking cessation treatments is that Varenicline is a generic version of Champix. This means it contains the same active ingredient, is as effective as Champix, and is also available for a lower price.

Both are approved as stop-smoking treatments in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and can be bought by completing our free online consultation to determine your eligibility for smoking cessation treatment.

Several clinical studies found that Varenicline, the generic version of Champix, is more effective than other smoking cessation treatments such as bupropion (also known by its brand name Zyban), cytisine, and nicotine replacement treatments (NRTs).

The efficacy of a 12-week course of Varenicline has also been found to surpass that of a placebo, with the probability of quitting smoking quadrupling at the end of treatment compared to a placebo.

One study found that Varenicline produces a smoking abstinence rate of 53% after three months of quitting smoking among men and 46% among women when compared to bupropion and nicotine replacement treatments.

Individuals who are eligible to take Varenicline are recommended to commence treatment 1 to 2 weeks before the date they have set to quit smoking.

The full treatment course consists of the following treatment dosages and timings.

Individuals who successfully stop smoking after the full 12-week course of treatment should take a follow-up course, which consists of taking two 1.0mg light blue-coloured tablets per day. The follow-up course lasts for an additional 12 weeks, taking the total treatment time to 24 weeks.

Champix (Varenicline) tablets should be taken at the same time every day, with or without food. Additional doses should not be taken, even if a dose is missed.

If you are unsure how to use Champix (Varenicline), contact our pharmacy team for advice.

It can take at least 12 weeks to stop smoking with Champix, which constitutes a full course of treatment. Individuals who quit smoking after this period are recommended to take a follow-up course to help prevent relapses.

Stopping Champix can trigger nicotine cravings and mild withdrawal symptoms in some individuals, as well as some side effects, such as sleep pattern changes.

With that said, many people successfully quit smoking after stopping Champix treatment, and the side effects are generally limited.

Champix helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, but it does not guarantee that a person will remain smoke-free after the 24 weeks of treatment (full course plus follow-up course).

Individuals who relapse after this period are recommended to stop taking Champix (Varenicline) and contact our pharmacy team to discuss alternative options.

It is not advisable to smoke while taking Champix. While the medication makes smoking less pleasurable by reducing the enjoyment felt from nicotine, a relapse is still possible if an individual smokes while taking Champix.

Willpower is a significant factor in whether an individual permanently quits smoking using Champix (Varenicline). This is why it’s important to start treatment 1 to 2 weeks before the quit smoking date to let its pleasure-reducing effects start working.

Champix is a non-addictive stop smoking treatment, as it does not contain any nicotine. In contrast, nicotine replacement treatments contain nicotine, making it more likely to relapse while taking them.

Chantix is a branded alternative to Champix (Varenicline), which contains the same active ingredient, varenicline tartrate.

Chantix, Champix and Varenicline are all medically identical to one another, meaning they produce the same effects.

Champix (Varenicline) is a prescription-only medication. This means it cannot be purchased over the counter.

Individuals who wish to quit smoking can complete our online consultation for smoking cessation treatment, after which they may be able to buy Champix or Varenicline (generic Champix) if they’re eligible.