If you’ve seriously tried to quit smoking and failed, the challenge may have just become easier. Smoking cessation treatment Champix is now FULLY FUNDED in certain cases, and if you’ve tried to quit a couple of times or more using other smoking cessation treatments, you could be eligible.

Only a smoker knows how difficult it is to quit. Going the distance is a real problem when the people around you are smoking and cravings remain strong.
That’s because smoking can be more than a habit – it’s an addiction that also affects your mood. Withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings and irritability can eat away at your willpower and make quitting too hard to manage.

Champix is a prescription medicine that can help reduce cravings and withdrawl symptoms, reducing your need to smoke again.

And the great news is, it’s now fully funded for those who have seriously tried to quit before.

A DIFFERENT WAY TO STOP SMOKING
Champix can help you break the smoking addiction by tackling both the cravings and enjoyment of smoking.

By reducing withdrawal symptoms, nicotine-free Champix can increase your chance of successfully quitting.


HOW CHAMPIX WORKS



When you smoke, nicotine binds to receptors in the brain, which
triggers the release of a feel-good chemical called dopamine.
As nicotine levels drop after a cigarette is smoked, craving and
withdrawal symptoms occur, prompting you to have another cigarette.




Champix binds to the same receptors in the brain, also triggering
the release of dopamine. But with Champix, a lesser amount is
released over a longer period of time.
That means you might experience fewer cravings and withdrawal
symptoms in the absence of nicotine.




If you do have a cigarette while on Champix, nicotine won’t bind
to receptors in the brain, and you might not experience the same
feelings of satisfaction and reward as you did before.

GO THE DISTANCE
Champix must be taken for 12 weeks, as that’s how long it typically takes for withdrawal symptoms to pass.

If you’re ready to stop smoking, ask your doctor about Champix. You may
be eligible to have the entire 12-week course funded.

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Champix is a Prescription Medicine that helps adults over 18 years to stop smoking.  Normal doctor’s & pharmacy fees apply. Do not take if you are under 18 years or are allergic to varenicline or any ingredients in Champix Tablets. Tell your doctor if you have ever had depression, other mental health problems, kidney problems, have a history of repeated fits, are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Some people have had serious changes in behaviour, mood or thinking including self-harm or harming others.  If you or your family notice changes in your behaviour or mood, stop taking Champix and see your doctor. Some people have had serious allergic reactions to Champix that can be life threatening. If you get swelling of the face, mouth, throat or a skin rash stop taking Champix and see your doctor immediately. Other possible side-effects include nausea, headache, difficulty in sleeping, abnormal dreams, dizziness, constipation, flatulence, dry mouth and changes in taste. If you have side-effects see your doctor.  Always read the label and use strictly as directed. Consult your doctor to see if Champix is right for you. Contains varenicline 0.5mg & 1mg.  Further information on Champix is available from www.medsafe.govt.nz or Pfizer New Zealand Ltd, Auckland, www.pfizer.co.nz. Phone 0800 736 363. TAPS CH2850 R&A010211A

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