Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Brand name: Champix TM

Active ingredients: varenicline

What it is used for

Champix is indicated as an aid for smoking cessation in adults over the age of 18 years

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Oral. This medicine is taken by mouth.

  • Store below 30 degrees Celsius
  • Shelf lifetime is 2 Years.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

Capsular biconvex, light-blue film-coated tablet, debossed "Pfizer" on one side, "CHX 1.0" on the other

Do I need a prescription?

This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.

Is this medicine subsidised?

This medicine was verified as being available on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) on March 1, 2024. To learn more about this subsidy, visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

For the active ingredient varenicline

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

Back to top back to top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Champix - NPS MedicineWise

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Champix

Read more on NPS MedicineWise website

Episode 32: Champix / Varenicline recall

Kara Joyce: Hi everyone, and welcome to the NPS MedicineWise podcast

Read more on NPS MedicineWise website

Varenicline (Champix) | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Safety advisory – risks of psychiatric symptoms and potential interaction with alcohol

Read more on TGA – Therapeutic Goods Administration website

MYTHBUSTING: Quitting smoking is expensive

We know that smoking is expensive, but what about quitting? Quitting products like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and quitting medication are more affordable than you might think.

Read more on Quit website

How Quitline can help you get back on track

Our friendly Quit Specialists can help you to solve this slip up and quit smoking for good.

Read more on Quit website

I want to help my loved one to quit

Your partner or your friend smokes. Are you finding it difficult to approach them about it? Here is some advice depending on whether you're a smoker, an ex-smoker or a never-smoker.

Read more on Quit website

Top strategies to cope with withdrawals

Read up on Quit's top tips to manage all kinds of withdrawals, such as poor concentration and cravings.

Read more on Quit website

Pharmacotherapies - Alcohol and Other Drugs Knowledge Centre

Pharmacotherapies Pharmacotherapies are drugs (medicines) which are used to reduce the harmful effects from alcohol and other drug use [34324][23505]

Read more on Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet website

How to quit when you're pregnant or breastfeeding

Tips on quitting when your pregnant, from first trimester to post delivery.

Read more on Quit website

7 things you didn’t know about quitting

Read more on Quit website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.