149. Treatment Recommendations: Medications-Varenicline (continued)
Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update
Dosage | Start varenicline one week before the quit date at 0.5 mg once daily for 3 days followed by 0.5 mg twice daily for 4 days followed by 1 mg twice daily for 3 months. Varenicline is approved for a maintenance indication for up to 6 months. Note: patient should be instructed to quit smoking on day 8 when dosage is increased to 1 mg twice daily. |
Availability | Prescription only |
Prescribing instructions | Stopping smoking prior to quit date-Recognize that some patients may lose their desire to smoke prior to their quit date, or will spontaneously reduce the amount they smoke. Dosing information -To reduce nausea, take on a full stomach. To reduce insomnia, take second pill at supper rather than bedtime. |
Costa | 1 mg box of 56 = $131.00 (about 30 day supply) |
a Cost data were established by averaging the retail price of the medication at national chain pharmacies in Atlanta, GA, Los Angeles, CA, Milwaukee, WI, Sunnyside, NY and listed on-line during January 2008 and may not reflect discounts available to health plans and others.