1. Varenicline (Champix) Information Pack
Version 2 : March 2018

2. Varenicline (Champix) Smoking Cessation Flow Chart
The Pharmacist must complete the PGD + NES training MCQ2
Pharmacist prescribes treatment with Varenicline, where clinically
appropriate and criteria are met listed in the PGD Pro Forma
Inform GP using template letter for their records.
Titrating Dose: Quit Date is set in the first two weeks
Day 1-3 = 500 micrograms once daily
Day 4-7 = 500 micrograms twice daily
Day 8-14 = 1mg twice daily
Maintenance dose post titration is 1mg twice daily for 12 weeks
Week = 1mg twice daily
Patient attends weekly and a CO monitor reading is taken at each visit
Note: Patients who cannot tolerate the adverse effects of Varenicline may have the dose lowered temporarily or permanently to 500 micrograms twice daily for the 12 week duration.
Note: Option to dose taper at week 10 with aim of stopping varenicline after 12 weeks of treatment a 14 day starter pack can be supplied for the last two weeks of treatment. Ensure the patient has clear instructions to take the tablets in the starter pack in reverse .
Note: Carbon Monoxide (CO) Testing Patients must have their CO tested on a weekly basis to confirm they have stopped smoking. If the patient is still smoking, at week 3-4, they should be informed that treatment with Varenicline would have to be stopped if they continue to smoke. Supply Varenicline 1mg if required and make arrangements to see the patient the following week (week 4). If patient is still smoking, treatment with Varenicline should be stopped.

3. LJF Smoking Cessation Flow Chart

4. Stop Smoking Service Contact details
Primary Care Stop Smoking services
West Lothian;
Midlothian ;
East Lothian;
North Edinburgh ;
South Edinburgh;
Young People;
Cannabis Worker;
Mental Health;
Smoke line;

5. Useful Websites
Smoking Cessation Information NHS Lothian Community Pharmacy Local Website
Information pack/ Downloads /Letters/Initial Data Capture and Tracker Sheet/Certificates
ing.aspx
Smoking Cessation Service Revised Specification (PHS)
smoking-cessation-specification.pdf
Patient Group Direction (PGD) Varenicline for NHS Lothian
ot.nhs.uk/Services/Pharmacies/CommunityPharmacy/Documents/PGD%20259v2%20-
%20Varenicline%20%20500%20micrograms%20and%201mg%20Tablets%20%28Champix%
29%20%20Community%20Pharmacy%20%282%29.pdf
 Information on Smoking Cessation Specification Community Pharmacy Scotland
health-service/phs-smoking-cessation-service/
Flow Chart and Formulary specification Lothian Joint Formulary (LJF)
Health Promotion Resource Centre  
NHS Lothian Community Pharmacy Smoking Cessation Service,
Lead Pharmacist ; Giovanna Di Tano
Pharmacy office:
address:

6. Online training courses for all Pharmacy staff
Online training courses for all Pharmacy staff (NES)
Raising the Issue
The Pharmacy Model
MCQ1
MCQ2 /Varenicline and PGD Training (NES)