If you have not taken Champix before, you need to use the starter pack first. This will help you gradually increase the dose to the recommended daily amount of 1mg twice a day. The starter pack contains enough tablets for the first 4 weeks of treatment.
A usual course of treatment of Champix is 12 weeks. This can be extended for another 12 weeks if you have been successful in the first 12 weeks. Chapmix has been shown to help 44% of people quit smoking after a full 12 week course.
The starter pack tablets are laid out exactly how you need to take them:
Day 1 to 3 - Take one 0.5mg white Champix tablet.
Day 4 to 7 - Take one 0.5mg white Champix tablet twice a day (morning and night)
Day 8 onwards - Take one 1mg blue Champix tablet twice daily (morning and night)
Up to day 8 you can continue to smoke when you want to, however after day 8 you need to decide on a day to stop smoking. This can be up to 5 weeks after day 8 if need be.
At the end of treatment when you have successfully stopped smoking, to reduce the chance of starting again it may be necessary to reduce or taper down the treatment to ensure you stay cigarette free.