varenicline .5 mg Tablet, Film Coated, 56-count
Other active recalls for Varenicline Tartrate (different manufacturers) — 3 · tap to view
🆔 Identity & classification
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🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Partial Cholinergic Nicotinic Agonist class.
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🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Varenicline is used along with education and counseling to help people stop smoking. Varenicline is in a class of medications called smoking cessation aids. It works by blocking the pleasant effects of nicotine (from smoking) on the brain.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- They both contain varenicline, but they are completely different products used for completely different things. Chantix and the generic tablets are taken by mouth to help you quit...
- What's the difference between Chantix (or the generic tablets) and Tyrvaya? Are they the same thing?
- Nausea is the most common side effect, and it affects a real number of people, but the good news is it's usually mild to moderate and often improves as your body adjusts. Starting...
- Nausea sounds rough — is it going to be bad the whole time I'm on the tablets?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
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💊 What it looks like
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🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
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UNII L11K75P92J
A mineral salt made from calcium and phosphate. It acts as a filler and binder in tablets to add bulk and help hold the medicine together in solid form.
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UNII M28OL1HH48
Croscarmellose sodium is a plant-based substance derived from cellulose. It acts as a disintegrant, helping tablets and capsules break down quickly in the digestive system so the medicine can be absorbed.
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UNII R75537T0T4
Hypromellose 2910 is a plant-derived thickening agent made from cellulose. It serves as a binder that holds tablet ingredients together, a film-coating for pills, and a viscosity controller in liquids.
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UNII 70097M6I30
Magnesium stearate is a salt made from magnesium and stearic acid, a fatty substance. It's used in tablets and capsules as a lubricant and glidant to help ingredients flow smoothly during manufacturing and prevent sticking.
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UNII OP1R32D61U
Microcrystalline cellulose is a purified form of cellulose, a natural fiber from plant sources. It acts as a binder and filler in tablets and capsules, helping hold ingredients together and give the medicine its shape and size.
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UNII 3WJQ0SDW1A
Polyethylene glycol is a synthetic liquid or solid polymer used in medicines as a solvent, lubricant, and humectant. It helps dissolve active ingredients, reduces friction during manufacturing, and retains moisture in the final product.
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UNII ETJ7Z6XBU4
Silicon dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral used as a glidant and anti-caking agent. It helps powder ingredients flow smoothly and prevents clumping during manufacturing and storage.
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UNII 15FIX9V2JP
Titanium dioxide is a bright white mineral powder commonly used as a colorant and opacifying agent. It makes pills and tablets white or lighter in color and helps make coatings non-transparent.
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UNII XHX3C3X673
Triacetin is a clear, oily liquid made from glycerin and acetic acid. It works as a plasticizer and solvent in medicines, helping soften coatings and improve how liquids mix together in formulations.
9 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
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ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per each | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs. | |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data. | |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $1.45 | $81.30 / 56 tablets |
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🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| varenicline .5 mg 00904-7413-35 | Major | 56 tablets | $0.336 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline .5 mg 27241-0173-56 | Ajanta | 56 tablets | $0.336 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline .5 mg 31722-0678-56 | Camber | 56 tablets | $0.336 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline .5 mg 33342-0489-19 | Macleods | 56 tablets | $0.336 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| varenicline tartrate .5 mg 43598-0907-56 | Dr. | 56 tablets | $0.336 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline .5 mg 49884-0155-76 | Par | 56 tablets | $0.336 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline .5 mg 59651-0417-56 | Aurobindo | 56 tablets | $0.336 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline .5 mg 60505-3613-05 | Apotex | 56 tablets | $0.336 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| varenicline .5 mg 67877-0743-95 | Ascend | 56 tablets | $0.336 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| varenicline tartrate .5 mg 68462-0893-56 | Glenmark | 56 tablets | $0.336 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline .5 mg 70710-1613-06 | Zydus | 56 tablets | $0.336 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline .5 mg 70748-0127-49 | Lupin | 56 tablets | $0.336 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline tartrate .5 mg 71921-0308-56 | Florida | 56 tablets | $0.336 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline .5 mg 72603-0476-01 | NorthStar | 56 tablets | $0.336 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline Tartrate .5 mg/561 69315-0402-56 | Leading | 56 tablets | $0.337 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Chantix .5 mg 00069-0468-56 | Pfizer | 56 tablets | $7.852 | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Varenicline .5 mg 10135-0808-56 | Marlex | 56 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Varenicline tartrate .5 mg 14445-0153-56 | Indoco | 56 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| varenicline .5 mgthis 42291-0927-56 | AvKARE | 56 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| varenicline tartrate .5 mg 42571-0459-82 | Micro | 56 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Varenicline .5 mg 50090-6447-00 | A-S | 56 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| varenicline .5 mg 50090-7135-00 | A-S | 56 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Varenicline tartrate .5 mg 50090-7996-00 | A-S | 56 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Varenicline .5 mg 51407-0755-56 | Golden | 56 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Varenicline .5 mg 60290-0077-01 | Umedica | 56 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Varenicline .5 mg 70518-4647-00 | REMEDYREPACK | 1 tablet | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Varenicline .5 mg 70771-1773-06 | Zydus | 56 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Varenicline .5 mg 72162-2218-02 | Bryant | 56 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| varenicline .5 mg 75834-0334-28 | Nivagen | 56 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Varenicline Tartrate .5 mg/561 85742-0015-15 | Kanchan | 56 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Age at onset
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
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📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42291-0927-56 You're viewing this | 56 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (42291-927-56) | 2023-09-14 | Active |
🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage
What data is (and isn’t) available for this NDC — tap to expand
| NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) | ✓ Available |
| Labeler | ✓ Available |
| Product & package description | ✓ Available |
| Marketing category & status | ✓ Available |
| Active ingredient / dosage form / route | ✓ Available |
| FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) | ✓ Available |
| Package photos | ✓ Available |
| Inactive ingredients (structured) | ✓ Available |
| NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) | — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey. |
| Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data | ✓ Available |
| HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk | — Not published for this NDC Most self-administered / retail products have no J-code — that is normal. |
| Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) | — Not published for this NDC CMS reports utilization only for NDCs with Medicaid claims above its privacy threshold. |
Questions about this listing
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Is the NDC printed on the package the same as the 11-digit billing NDC?
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📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Varenicline tablet is indicated for use as an aid to smoking cessation treatment. Varenicline tablet is a nicotinic receptor partial agonist indicated for use as an aid to smoking cessation treatment. ( 1 and 2.1 )
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Begin varenicline tablets dosing one week before the date set by the patient to stop smoking. Alternatively, the patient can begin varenicline tablets dosing and then quit smoking between days 8 and 35 of treatment. ( 2.1 ) Starting Week: 0.5 mg once daily on days 1 to 3 and 0.5 mg twice daily on days 4 to 7.
( 2.1 ) Continuing Weeks: 1 mg twice daily for a total of 12 weeks. ( 2.1 ) An additional 12 weeks of treatment is recommended for successful quitters to increase likelihood of long-term abstinence. ( 2.1 ) Consider a gradual approach to quitting smoking with varenicline tablets for patients who are sure that they are not able or willing to quit abruptly.
Patients should begin varenicline tablet dosing and reduce smoking by 50% from baseline within the first four weeks, by an additional 50% in the next four weeks, and continue reducing with the goal of reaching complete abstinence by 12 weeks. Continue treatment for an additional 12 weeks, for a total of 24 weeks. ( 2.1 ) Severe Renal Impairment (estimated creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min): Begin with 0.5 mg once daily and titrate to 0.5 mg twice daily.
For patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis, a maximum of 0.5 mg daily may be given if tolerated. ( 2.2 ) Consider dose reduction for patients who cannot tolerate adverse effects. ( 2.1 ) Another attempt at treatment is recommended for those who fail to stop smoking or relapse when factors contributing to the failed attempt have been addressed.
( 2.1 ) Provide patients with appropriate educational materials and counseling to support the quit attempt. ( 2.1 )
2.1Usual Dosage for Adults Smoking cessation therapies are more likely to succeed for patients who are motivated to stop smoking and who are provided additional advice and support. Provide patients with appropriate educational materials and counseling to support the quit attempt. The patient should set a date to stop smoking.
Begin varenicline tablets dosing one week before this date. Alternatively, the patient can begin varenicline tablets dosing and then quit smoking between days 8 and 35 of treatment. Varenicline tablets should be taken orally after eating and with a full glass of water.
The recommended dose of varenicline tablet is 1 mg twice daily following a 1-week titration as follows: Days 1 to 3: 0.5 mg once daily Days 4 to 7: 0.5 mg twice daily Day 8 to end of treatment: 1 mg twice daily Patients should be treated with varenicline tablets for 12 weeks. For patients who have successfully stopped smoking at the end of 12 weeks, an additional course of 12 weeks treatment with varenicline tablet is recommended to further increase the likelihood of long-term abstinence. For patients who are sure that they are not able or willing to quit abruptly, consider a gradual approach to quitting smoking with varenicline tablets.
Patients should begin varenicline tablets dosing and reduce smoking by 50% from baseline within the first four weeks, by an additional 50% in the next four weeks, and continue reducing with the goal of reaching complete abstinence by 12 weeks. Continue varenicline tablets treatment for an additional 12 weeks, for a total of 24 weeks of treatment. Encourage patients to attempt quitting sooner if they feel ready [ see Clinical Studies ( 14.5 )].
Patients who are motivated to quit, and who did not succeed in stopping smoking during prior varenicline tablets therapy for reasons other than intolerability due to adverse events or who relapsed after treatment, should be encouraged to make another attempt with varenicline tablets once factors contributing to the failed attempt have been identified and addressed. Consider a temporary or permanent dose reduction in patients who cannot tolerate the adverse effects of varenicline tablets.
2.2Dosage in Special Populations Patients with Impaired Renal Function No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. For pati…
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Capsular, biconvex tablets: 0.5 mg (white to off-white, debossed with "VC" on one side and "0.5" on the other side) and 1 mg (light blue, debossed with "VC" on one side and "1" on the other side). Tablets: 0.5 mg and 1 mg
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Varenicline tablet is contraindicated in patients with a known history of serious hypersensitivity reactions or skin reactions to varenicline tablets. History of serious hypersensitivity or skin reactions to varenicline tablets.
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events: Postmarketing reports of serious or clinically significant neuropsychiatric adverse events have included changes in mood (including depression and mania), psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, hostility, agitation, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide. Observe patients attempting to quit smoking with varenicline tablets for the occurrence of such symptoms and instruct them to discontinue varenicline tablets and contact a healthcare provider if they experience such adverse events.
( 5.1 ) Seizures: New or worsening seizures have been observed in patients taking varenicline tablets. Varenicline tablets should be used cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or other factors that can lower the seizure threshold. ( 5.2 ) Interaction with Alcohol: Increased effects of alcohol have been reported.
Instruct patients to reduce the amount of alcohol they consume until they know whether varenicline tablets affects them. ( 5.3 ) Accidental Injury: Accidental injuries (e.g., traffic accidents) have been reported. Instruct patients to use caution driving or operating machinery until they know how varenicline tablets may affect them.
( 5.4 ) Cardiovascular Events: Patients with underlying cardiovascular (CV) disease may be at increased risk of CV events; however, these concerns must be balanced with the health benefits of smoking cessation. Instruct patients to notify their healthcare providers of new or worsening CV symptoms and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke. ( 5.5 and 6.1 ) Somnambulism: Cases of somnambulism have been reported in patients taking varenicline tablets.
Some cases described harmful behavior to self, others, or property. Instruct patients to discontinue varenicline tablets and notify their healthcare provider if they experience somnambulism. ( 5.6 and 6.2 ) Angioedema and Hypersensitivity Reactions: Such reactions, including angioedema, infrequently life-threatening, have been reported.
Instruct patients to discontinue varenicline tablets and immediately seek medical care if symptoms occur. ( 5.7 and 6.2 ) Serious Skin Reactions: Rare, potentially life-threatening skin reactions have been reported. Instruct patients to discontinue varenicline tablets and contact a healthcare provider immediately at first appearance of skin rash with mucosal lesions.
( 5.8 and 6.2 ) Nausea: Nausea is the most common adverse reaction (up to 30% incidence rate). Dose reduction may be helpful. ( 5.9 )
5.1Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events including Suicidality Serious neuropsychiatric adverse events have been reported in patients being treated with varenicline tablets [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )]. These postmarketing reports have included changes in mood (including depression and mania), psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, hostility, agitation, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide. Some patients who stopped smoking may have been experiencing symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, including depressed mood.
Depression, rarely including suicidal ideation, has been reported in smokers undergoing a smoking cessation attempt without medication. However, some of these adverse events occurred in patients taking varenicline tablets who continued to smoke. Neuropsychiatric adverse events occurred in patients without and with pre-existing psychiatric disease; some patients experienced worsening of their psychiatric illnesses.
Some neuropsychiatric adverse events, including unusual and sometimes aggressive behavior directed to oneself or others, may have been worsened by concomitant use of alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )]. Observe patients for the occurrence of neuropsychiatric adverse e…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions were reported in postmarketing experience and are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events including Suicidality [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Interaction with Alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Accidental Injury [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Cardiovascular Events [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Somnambulism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Angioedema and Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Serious Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] In the placebo-controlled premarketing studies, the most common adverse events associated with varenicline tablets (>5% and twice the rate seen in placebo-treated patients) were nausea, abnormal (vivid, unusual, or strange) dreams, constipation, flatulence, and vomiting.
The treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse events in patients dosed with 1 mg twice daily was 12% for varenicline tablets, compared to 10% for placebo in studies of three months’ treatment. In this group, the discontinuation rates that are higher than placebo for the most common adverse events in varenicline tablets -treated patients were as follows: nausea (3% vs. 0.5% for placebo), insomnia (1.2% vs.
1.1% for placebo), and abnormal dreams (0.3% vs. 0.2% for placebo). Smoking cessation, with or without treatment, is associated with nicotine withdrawal symptoms and has also been associated with the exacerbation of underlying psychiatric illness.
Most common adverse reactions (>5% and twice the rate seen in placebo-treated patients) were nausea, abnormal (e.g., vivid, unusual, or strange) dreams, constipation, flatulence, and vomiting. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AvKARE at 1-855-361-3993 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
6.1Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the adverse reactions rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. During the premarketing development of varenicline tablets, over 4500 subjects were exposed to varenicline tablets, with over 450 treated for at least 24 weeks and approximately 100 for a year. Most study participants were treated for 12 weeks or less.
The most common adverse event associated with varenicline tablets treatment is nausea, occurring in 30% of patients treated at the recommended dose, compared with 10% in patients taking a comparable placebo regimen [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )]. Table 1 shows the adverse events for varenicline tablets and placebo in the 12- week fixed dose premarketing studies with titration in the first week [Studies 2 (titrated arm only), 4, and 5]. Adverse events were categorized using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA, Version 7.1).
MedDRA High Level Group Terms (HLGT) reported in ≥5% of patients in the varenicline tablets 1 mg twice daily dose group, and more commonly than in the placebo group, are listed, along with subordinate Preferred Terms (PT) reported in ≥1% of varenicline tablets patients (and at least 0.5% more frequent than placebo). Closely related Preferred Terms such as 'Insomnia', 'Initial insomnia', 'Middle insomnia', 'Early morning awakening' were grouped, but individual patients reporting two or more grouped events are only counted once.
Table 1. Common Treatment Emergent AEs (%) in the Fixed-Dose, Placebo-Controlled Studies (HLGTs >5% of Patients in the 1 mg BID Varenicline tablets Group and More Commonly than Placebo and PT ≥1% in the 1 mg BID Varenicline tablets Group, and 1 mg BID Varenicline tablets at Least 0.5% More than Placebo) SYSTEM ORGAN CLASS High Level Group Term Preferred Term Varenicline Tablets 0.5 mg BID N=129 Va…
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Based on varenicline characteristics and clinical experience to date, varenicline tablets has no clinically meaningful pharmacokinetic drug interactions [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. • Other Smoking Cessation Therapies: Safety and efficacy in combination with other smoking cessation therapies has not been established. Coadministration of varenicline and transdermal nicotine resulted in a high rate of discontinuation due to adverse events. ( 7.1 ) • Effect of Smoking Cessation on Other Drugs: Pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of certain drugs (e.g., theophylline, warfarin, insulin) may be altered, necessitating dose adjustment.
( 7.2 )
7.1Use with Other Drugs for Smoking Cessation Safety and efficacy of varenicline tablets in combination with other smoking cessation therapies have not been studied. Bupropion Varenicline (1 mg twice daily) did not alter the steady-state pharmacokinetics of bupropion (150 mg twice daily) in 46 smokers. The safety of the combination of bupropion and varenicline has not been established.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) Although co-administration of varenicline (1 mg twice daily) and transdermal nicotine (21 mg/day) for up to 12 days did not affect nicotine pharmacokinetics, the incidence of nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness, dyspepsia, and fatigue was greater for the combination than for NRT alone. In this study, eight of twenty-two (36%) patients treated with the combination of varenicline and NRT prematurely discontinued treatment due to adverse events, compared to 1 of 17 (6%) of patients treated with NRT and placebo.
7.2Effect of Smoking Cessation on Other Drugs Physiological changes resulting from smoking cessation, with or without treatment with varenicline tablets, may alter the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of certain drugs (e.g., theophylline, warfarin, insulin) for which dosage adjustment may be necessary.
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data have not suggested an increased risk for major birth defects following exposure to varenicline in pregnancy, compared with women who smoke [see Data]. Smoking during pregnancy is associated with maternal, fetal, and neonatal risks (see Clinical Considerations). In animal studies, varenicline did not result in major malformations but caused decreased fetal weights in rabbits when dosed during organogenesis at exposures equivalent to 50 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD).
Additionally, administration of varenicline to pregnant rats during organogenesis through lactation produced developmental toxicity in offspring at maternal exposures equivalent to 36 times human exposure at the MRHD [see Data]. The estimated background risk of oral clefts is increased by approximately 30% in infants of women who smoke during pregnancy, compared to pregnant women who do not smoke. The background risk of other major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown.
In the US general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Smoking during pregnancy causes increased risks of orofacial clefts, premature rupture of membranes, placenta previa, placental abruption, ectopic pregnancy, fetal growth restriction and low birth weight, stillbirth, preterm delivery and shortened gestation, neonatal death, sudden infant death syndrome and reduction of lung function in infants.
It is not known whether quitting smoking with varenicline tablets during pregnancy reduces these risks. Data Human Data A population-based observational cohort study using the national registers of Denmark and Sweden compared pregnancy and birth outcomes among women exposed to varenicline (N=335, includes 317 first trimester exposed) with women who smoked during pregnancy (N=78,412) and with non-smoking pregnant women (N=806,438). The prevalence of major malformations, the primary outcome, was similar in all groups, including between smoking and non-smoking groups.
The prevalence of adverse perinatal outcomes in the varenicline-exposed cohort was not greater than in the cohort of women who smoked, and differed somewhat between the three cohorts. The prevalences of the primary and secondary outcomes are shown in Table 6. Table 6.
Summary of Primary and Secondary Outcomes for Three Birth Cohorts Outcome Varenicline Cohort (n=335) Smoking Cohort (n=78,412) Non-Smoking Cohort (n=806,438) Major congenital malformation* 12 / 334 (3.6%) 3,382 / 78,028 (4.3%) 33,950 /804,020 (4.2%) Stillbirth 1 (0.3%) 384 (0.5%) 2,418 (0.3%) Small for gestational age 42 (12.5%) 13,433 (17.1%) 73,135 (9.1%) Preterm birth 25 (7.5%) 6,173 (7.9%) 46,732 (5.8%) Premature rupture of membranes 12 (3.6%) 4,246 (5.4%) 30,641 (3.8%) Sudden infant death syndrome** 0/307 (0.0%) 51/71,720 (0.1%) 58/755,939 (<0.1%) *Included only live births in the cohorts.
Prevalence among first trimester varenicline-exposed pregnancies (11/317 [3.5%]). **There was a lag in death data in Denmark, so the cohorts were smaller. The study limitations include the inability to capture malformations in pregnancies that do not result in a live birth, and possible misclassification of outcome and of exposure to varenicline or to smoking. Other small epidemiological studies of pregnant women exposed to varenicline did not identify an association with major malformations, consistent with the Danish and Swedish observational cohort study.
Methodological limitations of these studies include small samples and lack of adequate controls. Overall, available studies cannot definitely establish or exclude any varenicline-associated risk during pregnancy. Animal Data Pregnant rats and rabbits received varenicline succinate during organogenesis at or…
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data have not suggested an increased risk for major birth defects following exposure to varenicline in pregnancy, compared with women who smoke [see Data]. Smoking during pregnancy is associated with maternal, fetal, and neonatal risks (see Clinical Considerations). In animal studies, varenicline did not result in major malformations but caused decreased fetal weights in rabbits when dosed during organogenesis at exposures equivalent to 50 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD).
Additionally, administration of varenicline to pregnant rats during organogenesis through lactation produced developmental toxicity in offspring at maternal exposures equivalent to 36 times human exposure at the MRHD [see Data]. The estimated background risk of oral clefts is increased by approximately 30% in infants of women who smoke during pregnancy, compared to pregnant women who do not smoke. The background risk of other major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown.
In the US general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Smoking during pregnancy causes increased risks of orofacial clefts, premature rupture of membranes, placenta previa, placental abruption, ectopic pregnancy, fetal growth restriction and low birth weight, stillbirth, preterm delivery and shortened gestation, neonatal death, sudden infant death syndrome and reduction of lung function in infants.
It is not known whether quitting smoking with varenicline tablets during pregnancy reduces these risks. Data Human Data A population-based observational cohort study using the national registers of Denmark and Sweden compared pregnancy and birth outcomes among women exposed to varenicline (N=335, includes 317 first trimester exposed) with women who smoked during pregnancy (N=78,412) and with non-smoking pregnant women (N=806,438). The prevalence of major malformations, the primary outcome, was similar in all groups, including between smoking and non-smoking groups.
The prevalence of adverse perinatal outcomes in the varenicline-exposed cohort was not greater than in the cohort of women who smoked, and differed somewhat between the three cohorts. The prevalences of the primary and secondary outcomes are shown in Table 6. Table 6.
Summary of Primary and Secondary Outcomes for Three Birth Cohorts Outcome Varenicline Cohort (n=335) Smoking Cohort (n=78,412) Non-Smoking Cohort (n=806,438) Major congenital malformation* 12 / 334 (3.6%) 3,382 / 78,028 (4.3%) 33,950 /804,020 (4.2%) Stillbirth 1 (0.3%) 384 (0.5%) 2,418 (0.3%) Small for gestational age 42 (12.5%) 13,433 (17.1%) 73,135 (9.1%) Preterm birth 25 (7.5%) 6,173 (7.9%) 46,732 (5.8%) Premature rupture of membranes 12 (3.6%) 4,246 (5.4%) 30,641 (3.8%) Sudden infant death syndrome** 0/307 (0.0%) 51/71,720 (0.1%) 58/755,939 (<0.1%) *Included only live births in the cohorts.
Prevalence among first trimester varenicline-exposed pregnancies (11/317 [3.5%]). **There was a lag in death data in Denmark, so the cohorts were smaller. The study limitations include the inability to capture malformations in pregnancies that do not result in a live birth, and possible misclassification of outcome and of exposure to varenicline or to smoking. Other small epidemiological studies of pregnant women exposed to varenicline did not identify an association with major malformations, consistent with the Danish and Swedish observational cohort study.
Methodological limitations of these studies include small samples and lack of adequate controls. Overall, available studies cannot definitely establish or exclude any varenicline-associated risk during pregnancy. Animal Data Pregnant rats and rabbits received varenicline succinate during organogenesis at oral doses up to 15 and 30 mg/kg…
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use Varenicline tablets is not recommended for use in pediatric patients 16 years of age or younger because its efficacy in this population was not demonstrated. Single and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of varenicline have been investigated in pediatric patients aged 12 to 17 years old (inclusive) and were approximately dose- proportional over the 0.5 mg to 2 mg daily dose range studied. Steady-state systemic exposure in adolescent patients of bodyweight >55 kg, as assessed by AUC (0-24), was comparable to that noted for the same doses in the adult population.
When 0.5 mg BID was given, steady-state daily exposure of varenicline was, on average, higher (by approximately 40%) in adolescent patients with bodyweight ≤ 55 kg compared to that noted in the adult population. The efficacy and safety of varenicline was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 312 patients aged 12 to 19 years, who smoked an average of at least 5 cigarettes per day during the 30 days prior to recruitment, had a score of at least 4 on the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence scale, and at least one previous failed quit attempt.
Patients were stratified by age (12 to 16 years of age, n = 216 and 17 to 19 years of age, n = 96) and by body weight (≤55 kg and >55 kg). Patients were randomized to one of two doses of varenicline, adjusted by weight to provide plasma levels in the efficacious range (based on adult studies) and placebo. Patients received treatment for 12 weeks, followed by a non-treatment period of 40 weeks, along with age-appropriate counseling throughout the study.
Results from this study showed that varenicline, at either dose studied, did not improve continuous abstinence rates at weeks 9 through 12 of treatment compared with placebo in subjects 12 to 19 years of age. The varenicline safety profile in this study was consistent with that observed in adult studies.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric Use A combined single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that the pharmacokinetics of 1 mg varenicline given once daily or twice daily to 16 healthy elderly male and female smokers (aged 65 to 75 years) for 7 consecutive days was similar to that of younger subjects. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Varenicline is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )]. No dosage adjustment is recommended for elderly patients.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
10 OVERDOSAGE In case of overdose, standard supportive measures should be instituted as required. Varenicline has been shown to be dialyzed in patients with end-stage renal disease [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )], however, there is no experience in dialysis following overdose.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action Varenicline binds with high affinity and selectivity at α4β2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The efficacy of varenicline tablets in smoking cessation is believed to be the result of varenicline’s activity at α4β2 sub-type of the nicotinic receptor where its binding produces agonist activity, while simultaneously preventing nicotine binding to these receptors. Electrophysiology studies in vitro and neurochemical studies in vivo have shown that varenicline binds to α4β2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and stimulates receptor-mediated activity, but at a significantly lower level than nicotine.
Varenicline blocks the ability of nicotine to activate α4β2 receptors and thus to stimulate the central nervous mesolimbic dopamine system, believed to be the neuronal mechanism underlying reinforcement and reward experienced upon smoking. Varenicline is highly selective and binds more potently to α4β2 receptors than to other common nicotinic receptors (>500-fold α3β4, >3,500-fold α7, >20,000-fold α1βγδ), or to non- nicotinic receptors and transporters (>2,000-fold). Varenicline also binds with moderate affinity (Ki = 350 nM) to the 5-HT3 receptor.
12.3Pharmacokinetics Absorption Maximum plasma concentrations of varenicline occur typically within 3 to 4 hours after oral administration. Following administration of multiple oral doses of varenicline, steady-state conditions were reached within 4 days. Over the recommended dosing range, varenicline exhibits linear pharmacokinetics after single or repeated doses.
In a mass balance study, absorption of varenicline was virtually complete after oral administration and systemic availability was ~90%. Food Effect Oral bioavailability of varenicline is unaffected by food or time-of-day dosing. Distribution Plasma protein binding of varenicline is low (≤20%) and independent of both age and renal function.
Elimination The elimination half-life of varenicline is approximately 24 hours. Metabolism Varenicline undergoes minimal metabolism, with 92% excreted unchanged in the urine. Excretion Renal elimination of varenicline is primarily through glomerular filtration along with active tubular secretion possibly via the organic cation transporter, OCT2.
Specific Populations There are no clinically meaningful differences in varenicline pharmacokinetics due to age, race, gender, smoking status, or use of concomitant medications, as demonstrated in specific pharmacokinetic studies and in population pharmacokinetic analyses. Age: Geriatric Patients A combined single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that the pharmacokinetics of 1 mg varenicline given once daily or twice daily to 16 healthy elderly male and female smokers (aged 65-75 years) for 7 consecutive days was similar to that of younger subjects.
Age: Pediatric Patients Varenicline tablets is not recommended for use in pediatric patients 16 years of age or younger because its efficacy in this population was not demonstrated [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )]. Renal Impairment Varenicline pharmacokinetics were unchanged in subjects with mild renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance >50 mL/min and ≤80 mL/min). In subjects with moderate renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance ≥30 mL/min and ≤50 mL/min), varenicline exposure increased 1.5-fold compared with subjects with normal renal function (estimated creatinine clearance >80 mL/min).
In subjects with severe renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance <30 mL/min), varenicline exposure was increased 2.1-fold. In subjects with end-stage-renal disease (ESRD) undergoing a three-hour session of hemodialysis for three days a week, varenicline exposure was increased 2.7-fold following 0.5 mg once daily administration for 12 days. The plasma C max and AUC of varenicline noted in this setting were similar to those of healthy subjects receiving 1 mg twice daily [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2…
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action Varenicline binds with high affinity and selectivity at α4β2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The efficacy of varenicline tablets in smoking cessation is believed to be the result of varenicline’s activity at α4β2 sub-type of the nicotinic receptor where its binding produces agonist activity, while simultaneously preventing nicotine binding to these receptors. Electrophysiology studies in vitro and neurochemical studies in vivo have shown that varenicline binds to α4β2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and stimulates receptor-mediated activity, but at a significantly lower level than nicotine.
Varenicline blocks the ability of nicotine to activate α4β2 receptors and thus to stimulate the central nervous mesolimbic dopamine system, believed to be the neuronal mechanism underlying reinforcement and reward experienced upon smoking. Varenicline is highly selective and binds more potently to α4β2 receptors than to other common nicotinic receptors (>500-fold α3β4, >3,500-fold α7, >20,000-fold α1βγδ), or to non- nicotinic receptors and transporters (>2,000-fold). Varenicline also binds with moderate affinity (Ki = 350 nM) to the 5-HT3 receptor.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Varenicline tablets is supplied for oral administration in two strengths: a 0.5 mg capsular biconvex, white to off-white, film-coated tablet debossed with "VC" on one side and "0.5" on the other side and a 1 mg capsular biconvex, light blue film-coated tablet debossed with "VC" on one side and "1" on the other side. Varenicline tablets is supplied in the following package configurations: Description NDC Packs Starting 4-week card: 0.5 mg x 11 tablets and 1 mg x 42 tablets NDC 42291-929-53 Starting Month Box: 0.5 mg x 11 tablets and 1 mg x 42 tablets NDC 42291-929-53 Bottles 0.5 mg - bottle of 56 NDC 42291-927-56 1 mg - bottle of 56 NDC 42291-928-56 Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15 to 30ºC (59 and 86ºF) (see USP Controlled Room Temperature).
Protect from light.
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION Varenicline tablets contain varenicline (as the tartrate salt), which is a partial nicotinic agonist selective for α 4 β 2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes. Varenicline, as the tartrate salt, is a powder which is a white to off-white to slightly yellow solid with the following chemical name: 7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-6,10-methano- 6H-pyrazino[2,3- h][3]benzazepine, (2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioate (1:1). It is highly soluble in water.
Varenicline tartrate has a molecular weight of 361.35 Daltons, and a molecular formula of C 13 H 13 N 3 • C 4 H 6 O 6 . The chemical structure is: Varenicline tablets is supplied for oral administration in two strengths: a 0.5 mg capsular biconvex, white to off-white, film-coated tablet debossed with "VC" on one side and "0.5" on the other side and a 1 mg capsular biconvex, light blue film-coated tablet debossed with "VC" on one side and "1" on the other side. Each 0.5 mg varenicline tablet contains 0.85 mg of varenicline tartrate equivalent to 0.5 mg of varenicline free base; each 1 mg varenicline tablet contains 1.71 mg of varenicline tartrate equivalent to 1 mg of varenicline free base.
The following inactive ingredients are included in the tablets: croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, stearic acid, titanium dioxide, triacetin. Additionally, FD & C blue # 1, FD & C blue #2, talc, yellow iron oxide are present in 1 mg strength. var01
💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION See FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide) Initiate Treatment and Continue to Attempt to Quit if Lapse Instruct patients to set a date to quit smoking and to initiate varenicline tablets treatment one week before the quit date. Alternatively, the patient can begin varenicline tablets dosing and then set a date to quit smoking between days 8 and 35 of treatment. Encourage patients to continue to attempt to quit if they have early lapses after quit day [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )].
For patients who are sure that they are not able or willing to quit abruptly, a gradual approach to quitting smoking with varenicline tablets may be considered. Patients should begin varenicline tablets dosing and reduce smoking during the first 12 weeks of treatment, then quit by the end of that period and continue treatment for an additional 12 weeks for a total of 24 weeks [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )]. Encourage patients who are motivated to quit and who did not succeed in stopping smoking during prior varenicline tablets therapy for reasons other than intolerability due to adverse events, or who relapsed after treatment to make another attempt with varenicline tablets once factors contributing to the failed attempt have been identified and addressed [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 ), Clinical Studies ( 14.6 )].
How to Take Advise patients that varenicline tablets should be taken orally after eating, and with a full glass of water [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )]. Starting Week Dosage Instruct patients on how to titrate varenicline tablets, beginning at a dose of 0.5 mg/day. Explain that one 0.5 mg tablet should be taken daily for the first three days, and that for the next four days, one 0.5 mg tablet should be taken in the morning and one 0.5 mg tablet should be taken in the evening [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )].
Continuing Weeks Dosage Advise patients that, after the first seven days, the dose should be increased to one 1 mg tablet in the morning and one 1 mg tablet in the evening [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )]. Dosage Adjustment for Varenicline Tablets or Other Drugs Inform patients that nausea and insomnia are side effects of varenicline tablets and are usually transient; however, advise patients that if they are persistently troubled by these symptoms, they should notify the prescribing physician so that a dose reduction can be considered.
Inform patients that some drugs may require dose adjustment after quitting smoking [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )]. Counseling and Support Provide patients with educational materials and necessary counseling to support an attempt at quitting smoking [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )]. Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events Inform patients that some patients have experienced changes in mood (including depression and mania), psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, hostility, agitation, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation and suicide when attempting to quit smoking while taking varenicline tablets.
Instruct patients to discontinue varenicline tablets and contact a healthcare professional if they experience such symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )]. History of Psychiatric Illness Encourage patients to reveal any history of psychiatric illness prior to initiating treatment. Nicotine Withdrawal Inform patients that quitting smoking, with or without varenicline tablets, may be associated with nicotine withdrawal symptoms (including depression or agitation) or exacerbation of pre-existing psychiatric illness.
Seizures Encourage patients to report any history of seizures or other factors that can lower seizure threshold. Instruct patients to discontinue varenicline tablets and contact a healthcare provider immediately if they experience a seizure while on treatment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Interaction with Alco…