Help to Quit Smoking from Prescriptions Direct

Prescriptions Direct provides an opportunity to obtain an effective treatment for smoking cessation without a trip to the surgery.

Boots Prescriptions Direct allows eligible customers to access Champix (varenicline) through an online consultation. People using this service are more than three times as likely to be successful in stopping smoking than people who try to quit on their own.

It is important to note that this treatment alone will not stop you smoking; willpower and determination to stop are still a key part.

Click here to find out more about Boots Prescriptions Direct.

How does Champix work?

Champix blocks the pleasant effects of nicotine in the body by working on the same part of the brain as nicotine. This helps to reduce cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms when you stop smoking, which may make it easier to break a nicotine addiction and stop smoking.

How do I take Champix?

The usual course of treatment for Champix is 12 weeks. You will need to start taking it one week before your set quit date so that your body can get used to the treatment.

One 0.5mg Champix tablet should be taken on the first three days, then one 0.5mg tablet twice a day: once in the morning, once in the evening at about the same time every day on days four to seven. You should then take one 1mg tablet twice a day for 11 weeks.

Your dose can be reduced if you experience adverse effects that you cannot tolerate, but the strength of your tablets cannot be changed after your first repeat supply.

Possible side effects

Champix can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Reported side effects include headaches, difficulty sleeping, abnormal dreams and nausea. Other possible side effects include dry mouth, tiredness, vomiting and stomach discomfort. Less common side effects include feeling weak or unwell, mood swings and disturbed vision.

Repeat orders

Customers will be allowed to purchase multiple packs of Champix to cover 12 weeks of treatment. If treatment has been successful but you feel a longer period of time will help you to stay quit then you may be able to continue treatment for a further 12 weeks.

How much is the service?

Prices will vary depending on quantity ordered. For example, a one-month's supply of Champix 0.5mg will cost £89.40, and a two-month's supply will cost £171.30.

To purchase Champix, get started here.

Read more on the Patient Information Leaflet.

Is Champix the only option?

Champix is currently the only treatment for smoking cessation available through Boots Prescriptions Direct. However, there are other treatments available, including:

• Zyban (bupropion)
• Nicotine replacement therapy, which is available in many forms including gum, patches and lozenges, which can be purchased without prescription, including from Boots stores and on Boots.com.
• A Stop Smoking Service offering nicotine replacement therapy, which is available in most Boots Pharmacies.

You can read more about smoking cessation on Boots WebMD.com.

Click here to read the Prescriptions Direct Patient Guide.