Champix (Varenicline)

Champix is a branded stop smoking treatment that was discontinued in 2023.

Champix is now available as Varenicline, a generic medication that is medically identical to Champix, as it contains the same active ingredient and works in the same way.

Generic treatments, such as Varenicline, are made by manufacturers who have been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for providing a product that offers the same quality, strength, stability and effectiveness as branded treatments such as Champix.

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

This reduces the brain's desire for nicotine, preventing cravings and subsequently 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 during their attempt to quit smoking.

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 the fact that Champix is no longer available in the UK, while Varenicline is a generic version of Champix that is approved in the UK and can be bought by completing our free online consultation for smoking cessation treatment to determine treatment eligibility.

According to several studies, Varenicline, the generic and UK-approved 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.

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.

Varenicline has also been found to be a safer stop-smoking treatment when compared to alternatives such as bupropion, a medication that can cause seizures.

Individuals who are eligible to take Varenicline are recommended to commence treatment 1-2 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 1mg 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), consult a pharmacist or GP.

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 prevent a relapse.

Stopping Champix (Varenicline) can trigger nicotine cravings and mild withdrawal symptoms in some individuals, as well as some side effects such as different sleep patterns.

With that said, many people successfully quit smoking after stopping Champix (Varenicline) treatment and side effects are limited.

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

Individuals who relapse after this period are recommended to cease taking Champix (Varenicline) and consult a pharmacist or GP about alternative options.

It is not advisable to smoke while taking Champix (Varenicline). While the medication reduces the enjoyment of nicotine to make smoking less pleasurable, a relapse is still possible if an individual smokes while taking Champix.

Willpower is a significant factor affecting the probability of quitting smoking using Champix (Varenicline), which is why it is important to set a quit-smoking date 1-2 weeks before starting treatment.

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, which means they produce the same effects. However, Varenicline is the only stop smoking treatment available in the UK, while Chantix and Champix have both been discontinued in the UK.

Champix cannot be bought over the counter or on a prescription, as it has been discontinued for sale in the UK.

Individuals who wish to quit smoking can complete our online consultation for smoking cessation treatment, after which they may be able to buy Varenicline (generic Champix), which is available for sale in the UK.