Weekly Dose: Champix's effectiveness is questionable and safety record is concerning
- Written by Ross MacKenzie, Lecturer in Health Studies, Macquarie University
Champix was developed by drug company Pfizer as a smoking cessation treatment in 1997. Its active ingredient, varenicline, can block the effects of nicotine and reduce craving. It was approved for use in Australia in 2007.
It’s commonly prescribed in Australia, but there are concerns about potentially serious side effects. In September 2017, the Queensland coroner found Champix contributed to the death of a 22-year-old man who had died by suicide.
Authors: Ross MacKenzie, Lecturer in Health Studies, Macquarie University