Varenicline tablets (Champix) to support smoking cessation has been relisted on the pharmaceutical schedule (as of 1 April 2025). This medicine has been unavailable since 2021 due to manufacturing impurities which have now been rectified.
To receive this medicine funded, the prescriber will need to apply for a special authority number for the patient. The patient needs to meet set criteria to be eligible for this number including - The patient is part of, or is about to enrol in, a comprehensive support and counselling smoking cessation programme, which includes prescriber or nurse monitoring.
Champix is a three-month course, which is collected from the pharmacy monthly. There is a Champix starter pack followed by two repeats of Champix (1mg) 56 tablets.
Patients and their families should be advised to stop taking Champix and call your doctor straight away if you or those around you notice changes in behaviour, thinking, or mood that are not typical for you, or you develop suicidal thoughts or actions.
These are rare but serious side effects. It is not known whether these mood changes are related to Champix or due to the effects of stopping smoking.
Although Pfizer now have stock in Aotearoa NZ, there might be a slight delay as the stock reaches the wholesalers and then pharmacies.
For further information visit our website the Pharmac website.
If you have any queries, please contact Pharmac.
Waikato people are quitting smoking in higher numbers than just about anywhere else in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the statistics are particularly positive for Māori and pregnant women in the region.
Read moreEffective immediately, Pathlab phlebotomists are not able to provide instructions or facilities for the collection of rectal swabs, STI swabs or STI urine specimen, or genital swabs.
Read moreThe once and for all stop smoking service is available to anyone who resides in Waikato who smokes and wants help to quit can access free face to face behavioural support to stop smoking. Patients can access free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) from the service.
View detailsThis manual has been created as a resource for general practices to aid in the delivery of effective smoking cessation services. The resource will help you evaluate your current practice and identify any changes that could be made to improve your smoking cessation service and ultimately reduce the number of smokers at your practice.