How should I take CHANTIX?

• There are 3 ways that you can use CHANTIX to help you quit smoking. Talk to your healthcare provider about the following 3 ways to use CHANTIX:
  • Choose a quit date when you will stop smoking. Start taking CHANTIX 1 week (7 days) before your quit date. Take CHANTIX for 12 weeks.
    OR
  • Start taking CHANTIX before you choose a quit date. Pick a date to quit smoking that is between days 8 and 35 of treatment. Take CHANTIX for 12 weeks.
    OR
  • If you are sure that you are not able or willing to quit smoking right away, start taking CHANTIX and reduce smoking during the first 12 weeks of treatment, as follows:

Weeks 1 through 4

Reduce your smoking to reach one-half of your starting daily number of cigarettes.

Example: If you usually smoke 20 cigarettes each day, reduce your smoking to 10 cigarettes each day during weeks 1 through 4.

Weeks 5 through 8

Reduce your smoking to reach one-quarter of your starting daily number of cigarettes.

Example: If you usually smoked 20 cigarettes each day, reduce your smoking to 5 cigarettes each day during weeks 5 through 8.

Weeks 9 through 12

Keep reducing your smoking until you are no longer smoking (you reach zero cigarettes each day).

 

Aim to quit by the end of the 12th week of treatment, or sooner if you feel ready. Continue to take CHANTIX for another 12 weeks, for a total of 24 weeks of treatment.

Starting CHANTIX before your quit date gives CHANTIX time to build up in your body. You can keep smoking during this time. Take CHANTIX exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

• CHANTIX comes as a white tablet (0.5 mg) and a blue tablet (1 mg). You start with the white tablet and then usually go to the blue tablet. See the chart below for dosing instructions for adults.

Day 1 to Day 3

• White tablet (0.5 mg)
• Take 1 tablet each day

Day 4 to Day 7

• White tablet (0.5 mg)
• Take 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening

Day 8 to end of treatment

• Blue tablet (1 mg)
• Take 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening

• Make sure that you try to stop smoking on your quit date. If you slip-up and smoke, try again. Some people need to take CHANTIX for a few weeks for CHANTIX to work best.
• Most people will take CHANTIX for up to 12 weeks. If you have completely quit smoking by 12 weeks, your healthcare provider may prescribe CHANTIX for another 12 weeks to help you stay cigarette-free.
• Take CHANTIX after eating and with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
• This dosing schedule may not be right for everyone. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are having side effects such as nausea, strange dreams, or sleep problems. Your healthcare provider may want to reduce your dose.
• If you miss a dose of CHANTIX, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Just take your next dose at your regular time.