Varenicline Kit — NDC 72603-478-01 (Billing 72603-0478-01)
This is a package of Varenicline Kit from NorthStar RxLLC, marketed since Sep 2024 and currently FDA-listed; retail pharmacies pay about $0.3972 per unit (NADAC). It is this product's only package size.
Other active recalls for Varenicline Tartrate (different manufacturers) — 3 · tap to view
Identity & classification
Regulatory identifiers FDA, NLM and CMS codes for this package
Drug-database identifiers Medi-Span GPI and First Databank GCN / HICL / AHFS classification
- GSN (GCN sequence number): 060898
- GCN: 27048
- GPI-14 (Medi-Span): 6210008020B720
- HICL (First Databank): 033766
- AHFS class code: 12:02.00.00
- RxCUI (RxNorm): 636671
Where does this data come from?
- FDA openFDA NDC Directory · synced Oct 1, 2026
- FDA label on DailyMed · label index refreshed Oct 1, 2026
- RxNorm (NLM RxNav) · catalog refreshed Oct 1, 2026
- Medi-Span GPI (licensed)
- First Databank (licensed) · refreshed Oct 1, 2026
RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Partial Cholinergic Nicotinic Agonist class.
Where does this data come from?
- RxClass (NLM) · catalog refreshed Oct 1, 2026
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 ↗- The tablets, including Chantix, help you quit smoking. Tyrvaya is a varenicline nasal spray used for dry eye disease. They are different products with different uses.
- You take them by mouth, starting at a lower dose in the first week and then twice daily. You usually begin about a week before your quit date, and treatment lasts 12 weeks. Food do...
- Nausea is the most common, and it often eases. Vivid dreams, trouble sleeping, constipation, gas, vomiting and headache can also happen. If nausea is hard to handle, talk to your p...
- Stop the tablets and call right away if you feel agitated or depressed, have unusual changes in behavior or thinking, or have thoughts of suicide. Also stop and get help for seizur...
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Where does this data come from?
- MedlinePlus (NLM) · refreshed Oct 1, 2026
- FDA label on DailyMed · label index refreshed Oct 1, 2026
Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
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 ea | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $0.397 | — |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $1.43 | — |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $1.45 | — |
Where does this data come from?
- CMS NADAC weekly file · file of Sep 30, 2026
- CMS ASP pricing files · refreshed Sep 20, 2026
- CMS Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data · through Q4 2025
- CMS Part D plan pricing files · refreshed Sep 24, 2026
- VA National Acquisition Center price file
Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Marketing end | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72603-0478-01 You're viewing this Main listing | 1 KIT in 1 CARTON * 11 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK * 42 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK | 2024-09-23 | — | Active |
Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varenicline 00904-7415-16 | Major | 11 tablets | $0.397 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline 31722-0690-31 | Camber | 11 tablets | $0.397 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline 67877-0745-54 | Ascend | 11 tablets | $0.397 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline tartrate 42571-0475-84 | Micro | 11 tablets | $0.397 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline 27241-0187-57 | Ajanta | 11 tablets | $0.397 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| varenicline tartrate 43598-0023-53 | Dr. | 11 tablets | $0.397 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline 49884-0944-99 | Par | 11 tablets | $0.397 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline Tartrate 70748-0125-13 | Lupin | 1 kit | $0.397 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| varenicline tartrate 68462-0895-04 | Glenmark | 11 tablets | $0.397 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline 71921-0307-51 | Florida | 11 tablets | $0.397 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Vareniclinethis 72603-0478-01 | NorthStar | 11 tablets | $0.397 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Varenicline Tartrate 69315-0404-57 | Leading | 11 tablets | $0.515 | AB | Availability likely | +30% |
| Chantix 00069-0471-03 | Pfizer | 11 tablets | $3.401 | AB | Discontinued | +756% |
| Chantix 63187-0618-53 | Proficient | 11 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Varenicline 14445-0155-01 | Indoco | 11 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| varenicline tartrate 43598-0022-56 | Dr. | 56 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Varenicline 42291-0929-53 | AvKARE | 11 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Varenicline Tartrate 85742-0017-17 | Kanchan | 11 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
- FDA openFDA NDC Directory · synced Oct 1, 2026
- FDA Orange Book · refreshed Sep 3, 2026
- CMS NADAC weekly file · file of Sep 30, 2026
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?
- FDA Orange Book · refreshed Sep 3, 2026
What it looks like
Where does this data come from?
- FDA label on DailyMed · label index refreshed Oct 1, 2026
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.
Where does this data come from?
IACT rows and label-wide narrative are kept separate; availability and product-level specificity depend on the submitted label.- FDA label on DailyMed · label index refreshed Oct 1, 2026
- FDA openFDA NDC Directory · synced Oct 1, 2026
Inactive ingredient FAQ
Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Can inactive ingredients matter?
Manufacturer & labeler
Where does this data come from?
- FDA openFDA NDC Directory · synced Oct 1, 2026
- Drugs@FDA
Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Varenicline tablets are indicated for use as an aid to smoking cessation treatment. Varenicline tablets are 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 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 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 tablets 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 – 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 tablets are 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… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Varenicline tablets 0.5 mg: Pink, capsular, biconvex, film coated tablets debossed with "H" on one side and "V23" on the other side. Varenicline tablets 1 mg: Yellow, capsular, biconvex, film coated tablets debossed with "H" on one side and "V24" on the other side. Tablets: 0.5 mg and 1 mg (3)
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Varenicline tablets are 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. ( 4 )
⚠️ 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 for the occurrence of such symptoms and instruct them to discontinue varenicline 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. Varenicline 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 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 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.
Some cases described harmful behavior to self, others, or property. Instruct patients to discontinue varenicline 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 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 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 [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 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 events. Advise patients and caregivers that the patient should stop taking vare… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]
🤒 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 (>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, 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-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 NorthStar Rx LLC at 1-800-206-7821 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, over 4500 subjects were exposed to varenicline, 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 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 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 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 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 Group and More Commonly than Placebo and PT ≥1% in the 1 mg BID Varenicline Group, and 1 mg BID Varenicline at Least 0.5% More than Placebo) SYSTEM ORGAN CLASS High Level Group Term Preferred Term Varenicline 0.5 mg BID N=129 Varenicline 1 mg BID N=821 Placebo N=805 GASTROINTESTINAL (GI) GI Signs and Symptoms Nausea 1… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Based on varenicline characteristics and clinical experience to date, varenicline 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 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, 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 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 dose… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]
🤰 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 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/day, r… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use Varenicline 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 to 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 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 3-4 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 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 Cmax 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 ), Use in Specific P… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action Varenicline binds with high affinity and selectivity at α4β2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The efficacy of varenicline 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 are supplied for oral administration in two strengths and are supplied in the following package configurations: Varenicline tablets 0.5 mg: Pink, capsular, biconvex, film coated tablets debossed with "H" on one side and "V23" on the other side. Bottle of 56 Tablets NDC 72603-476-01 Starting Month Box: 0.5 mg x 11 tablets and 1 mg x 42 tablets NDC 72603-478-01 Varenicline tablets 1 mg: Yellow, capsular, biconvex, film coated tablets debossed with "H" on one side and "V24" on the other side.
Bottle of 56 Tablets NDC 72603-477-01 Store at 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF); excursions permitted to 15º to 30ºC (59º to 86ºF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📋 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 an off-white to light brown powder 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 soluble in water.
Varenicline tartrate has a molecular weight of 361.35 Daltons, and a molecular formula of C 17 H 19 N 3 O 6 . The chemical structure is: Varenicline tablets are supplied for oral administration in two strengths: a 0.5 mg pink, capsular, biconvex, film coated tablets debossed with "H" on one side and "V23" on the other side and a 1 mg yellow, capsular, biconvex, film coated tablets debossed with "H" on one side and "V24" on the other side. Each 0.5 mg varenicline tablet contains 0.855 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: anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid. The film coating contains hypromellose, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide and triacetin. vareniclinestructure
💬 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 Alc… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]
🧬 Pharmacokinetics ▾
12.3Pharmacokinetics Absorption Maximum plasma concentrations of varenicline occur typically within 3-4 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 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 Cmax 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 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )].
Additionally, in subjects with ESRD, varenicline was efficiently removed by hemodialysis [see Overdosage ( 10 )]. Hepatic Impairment Due to the absence of significant hepatic metabolism, varenicline pharmacokinetics should be unaffected in patients with hepatic impairment. Drug-Drug Interactions In vitro studies demonstrated that varenicline does not inhibit the following cytochrome P450 enzymes (IC50 >6400 ng/mL): 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4/5.
Also, in human hepatocytes in vitro , varenicline does not induce the cytochrome P450 enzymes 1A2 and 3A4. In vitro studies demonstrated that varenicline does not inhibit human renal transport proteins at therapeutic concentrations. Therefore, drugs that are cleared by renal secretion (e.g., metformin [see below] ) are unlikely to be affected by varenicline.
In vitro studies demonstrated the active renal secretion of varenicline is mediated by the human organic cation transporter OCT2. Co-administration with inhibitors of OCT2 (e.g., cimeditine [see below] ) may not necessitate a dose adjustment of varenicline as the increase in systemic exposure to varenicline is not expected to be clinically meaningful. Furthermor… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]
🔬 Clinical Studies ▾
14 CLINICAL STUDIES The efficacy of varenicline in smoking cessation was demonstrated in six clinical trials in which a total of 3659 chronic cigarette smokers (≥10 cigarettes per day) were treated with varenicline. In all clinical studies, abstinence from smoking was determined by patient self-report and verified by measurement of exhaled carbon monoxide (CO≤10 ppm) at weekly visits. Among the varenicline-treated patients enrolled in these studies, the completion rate was 65%.
Except for the dose-ranging study (Study 1) and the maintenance of abstinence study (Study 6), patients were treated for 12 weeks and then were followed for 40 weeks post-treatment. Most patients enrolled in these trials were white (79-96%). All studies enrolled almost equal numbers of men and women.
The average age of patients in these studies was 43 years. Patients on average had smoked about 21 cigarettes per day for an average of approximately 25 years. Patients set a date to stop smoking (target quit date) with dosing starting 1 week before this date.
Seven additional studies evaluated the efficacy of varenicline in patients with cardiovascular disease, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [see Clinical Studies ( 14.7 )], in patients instructed to select their quit date within days 8 and 35 of treatment [see Clinical Studies ( 14.4 )], patients with major depressive disorder [see Clinical Studies ( 14.9 )], patients who had made a previous attempt to quit smoking with varenicline, and either did not succeed in quitting or relapsed after treatment [see Clinical Studies ( 14.6 )], in patients without or with a history of psychiatric disorder enrolled in a postmarketing neuropsychiatric safety outcome trial [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Clinical Studies ( 14.10 )], and in patients who were not able or willing to quit abruptly and were instructed to quit gradually [see Clinical studies ( 14.5 )].
In all studies, patients were provided with an educational booklet on smoking cessation and received up to 10 minutes of smoking cessation counseling at each weekly treatment visit according to Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality guidelines.
14.1Initiation of Abstinence Study 1 This was a six-week dose-ranging study comparing varenicline to placebo. This study provided initial evidence that varenicline at a total dose of 1 mg per day or 2 mg per day was effective as an aid to smoking cessation. Study 2 This study of 627 patients compared varenicline 1 mg per day and 2 mg per day with placebo.
Patients were treated for 12 weeks (including one-week titration) and then were followed for 40 weeks post-treatment. Varenicline was given in two divided doses daily. Each dose of varenicline was given in two different regimens, with and without initial dose-titration, to explore the effect of different dosing regimens on tolerability.
For the titrated groups, dosage was titrated up over the course of one week, with full dosage achieved starting with the second week of dosing. The titrated and nontitrated groups were pooled for efficacy analysis. Forty-five percent of patients receiving varenicline 1 mg per day (0.5 mg twice daily) and 51% of patients receiving 2 mg per day (1 mg twice daily) had CO-confirmed continuous abstinence during weeks 9 through 12 compared to 12% of patients in the placebo group (Figure 1).
In addition, 31% of the 1 mg per day group and 31% of the 2 mg per day group were continuously abstinent from one week after TQD through the end of treatment as compared to 8% of the placebo group. Study 3 This flexible-dosing study of 312 patients examined the effect of a patient-directed dosing strategy of varenicline or placebo. After an initial one-week titration to a dose of 0.5 mg twice daily, patients could adjust their dosage as often as they wished between 0.5 mg once daily to 1 mg twice daily per day.
Sixty-nine percent of patients titrated to the maximum allowable dose at any time during the study. For 44% of pati… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]
🔒 Drug Abuse and Dependence ▾
9 DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE
9.1Controlled Substance Varenicline is not a controlled substance.
9.3Dependence Humans Fewer than 1 out of 1,000 patients reported euphoria in clinical trials with varenicline. At higher doses (greater than 2 mg), varenicline produced more frequent reports of gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting. There is no evidence of dose-escalation to maintain therapeutic effects in clinical studies, which suggests that tolerance does not develop.
Abrupt discontinuation of varenicline was associated with an increase in irritability and sleep disturbances in up to 3% of patients. This suggests that, in some patients, varenicline may produce mild physical dependence which is not associated with addiction. In a human laboratory abuse liability study, a single oral dose of 1 mg varenicline did not produce any significant positive or negative subjective responses in smokers.
In non-smokers, 1 mg varenicline produced an increase in some positive subjective effects, but this was accompanied by an increase in negative adverse effects, especially nausea. A single oral dose of 3 mg varenicline uniformly produced unpleasant subjective responses in both smokers and non-smokers. Animals Studies in rodents have shown that varenicline produces behavioral responses similar to those produced by nicotine.
In rats trained to discriminate nicotine from saline, varenicline produced full generalization to the nicotine cue. In self-administration studies, the degree to which varenicline substitutes for nicotine is dependent upon the requirement of the task. Rats trained to self-administer nicotine under easy conditions continued to self-administer varenicline to a degree comparable to that of nicotine; however in a more demanding task, rats self-administered varenicline to a lesser extent than nicotine.
Varenicline pretreatment also reduced nicotine self-administration.
🔒 Controlled Substance ▾
9.1Controlled Substance Varenicline is not a controlled substance.
🧪 Nonclinical Toxicology ▾
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
13.1Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Carcinogenesis Lifetime carcinogenicity studies were performed in CD-1 mice and Sprague-Dawley rats. There was no evidence of a carcinogenic effect in mice administered varenicline by oral gavage for 2 years at doses up to 20 mg/kg/day (47 times the maximum recommended human daily (MRHD) exposure based on AUC). Rats were administered varenicline (1, 5, and 15 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage for 2 years.
In male rats (n = 65 per sex per dose group), incidences of hibernoma (tumor of the brown fat) were increased at the mid dose (1 tumor, 5 mg/kg/day, 23 times the MRHD exposure based on AUC) and maximum dose (2 tumors, 15 mg/kg/day, 67 times the MRHD exposure based on AUC). The clinical relevance of this finding to humans has not been established. There was no evidence of carcinogenicity in female rats.
Mutagenesis Varenicline was not genotoxic, with or without metabolic activation, in the following assays: Ames bacterial mutation assay; mammalian CHO/HGPRT assay; and tests for cytogenetic aberrations in vivo in rat bone marrow and in vitro in human lymphocytes. Impairment of Fertility There was no evidence of impairment of fertility in either male or female Sprague-Dawley rats administered varenicline succinate up to 15 mg/kg/day (67 and 36 times, respectively, the MRHD exposure based on AUC at 1 mg twice daily). Maternal toxicity, characterized by a decrease in body weight gain, was observed at 15 mg/kg/day.
However, a decrease in fertility was noted in the offspring of pregnant rats who were administered varenicline succinate at an oral dose of 15 mg/kg/day. This decrease in fertility in the offspring of treated female rats was not evident at an oral dose of 3 mg/kg/day (9 times the MRHD exposure based on AUC at 1 mg twice daily).
📄 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility ▾
13.1Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Carcinogenesis Lifetime carcinogenicity studies were performed in CD-1 mice and Sprague-Dawley rats. There was no evidence of a carcinogenic effect in mice administered varenicline by oral gavage for 2 years at doses up to 20 mg/kg/day (47 times the maximum recommended human daily (MRHD) exposure based on AUC). Rats were administered varenicline (1, 5, and 15 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage for 2 years.
In male rats (n = 65 per sex per dose group), incidences of hibernoma (tumor of the brown fat) were increased at the mid dose (1 tumor, 5 mg/kg/day, 23 times the MRHD exposure based on AUC) and maximum dose (2 tumors, 15 mg/kg/day, 67 times the MRHD exposure based on AUC). The clinical relevance of this finding to humans has not been established. There was no evidence of carcinogenicity in female rats.
Mutagenesis Varenicline was not genotoxic, with or without metabolic activation, in the following assays: Ames bacterial mutation assay; mammalian CHO/HGPRT assay; and tests for cytogenetic aberrations in vivo in rat bone marrow and in vitro in human lymphocytes. Impairment of Fertility There was no evidence of impairment of fertility in either male or female Sprague-Dawley rats administered varenicline succinate up to 15 mg/kg/day (67 and 36 times, respectively, the MRHD exposure based on AUC at 1 mg twice daily). Maternal toxicity, characterized by a decrease in body weight gain, was observed at 15 mg/kg/day.
However, a decrease in fertility was noted in the offspring of pregnant rats who were administered varenicline succinate at an oral dose of 15 mg/kg/day. This decrease in fertility in the offspring of treated female rats was not evident at an oral dose of 3 mg/kg/day (9 times the MRHD exposure based on AUC at 1 mg twice daily).
📄 Package Label / Principal Display Panel ▾
PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL Varenicline Tablets-0.5 mg Bottle Label Varenicline Tablets-1 mg Bottle Label Varenicline Tablets- 0.5 mg/1 mg Starting Blister Card Varenicline Tablets-0.5 mg/1 mg Starting Month Box vareniclinetab05mglabel vareniclinetab1mglabel vareniclinetab05mgand1mgblistercard vareniclinetab05mgand1mgmonthbox
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