How many pills are in the Chantix (varenicline) 12-week starter pack?

Number of Pills in Chantix (Varenicline) 12-Week Starter Pack

The Chantix (varenicline) 12-week starter pack contains a total of 53 tablets, which includes both the initial titration period and the standard maintenance dosing.

Dosing Schedule in the Starter Pack

• The starter pack is designed to support the recommended dosing regimen that begins 1-2 weeks prior to the quit date 1
• Days 1-3: 0.5 mg once daily (3 tablets) 1
• Days 4-7: 0.5 mg twice daily (8 tablets) 1
• Weeks 2-12: 1 mg twice daily (42 tablets) 1

Administration Details

• The initial titration period (first week) uses lower doses to minimize side effects, particularly nausea which is common with varenicline 2
• The maintenance dose of 1 mg twice daily continues for the remainder of the 12-week treatment period 1
• Pills should be taken with food and a full glass of water to minimize gastrointestinal side effects 2

Treatment Duration Considerations

• The standard treatment duration is 12 weeks as recommended by clinical guidelines 1
• For patients who successfully quit smoking during the initial 12 weeks, an additional 12-week course may be prescribed to increase the likelihood of long-term abstinence 2
• This additional 12-week course would require a separate prescription, not included in the starter pack 2

Follow-Up Schedule

• Assessment of smoking status and medication side effects should be performed within 2-3 weeks of starting therapy 1
• Additional follow-up is recommended at 12 weeks and at the end of therapy if treatment extends beyond 12 weeks 1
• Common side effects to monitor include nausea (occurs in 30-40% of users), abnormal dreams, insomnia, and headache 2, 3

Effectiveness of the 12-Week Regimen

• The 12-week varenicline regimen has been shown to be significantly more effective than placebo and bupropion for smoking cessation 4
• Continuous abstinence rates at weeks 9-12 range from 43.9% to 65.4% with the standard 12-week varenicline regimen 3