Nicost 0.5 mg (Varenicline Salicylate)

Adult dosage

After dose titration over 1 week, administer 1 mg twice daily. Days 1–3: 0.5 mg once daily Days 4–7: 0.5 mg twice daily Day 8 until end of treatment: 1 mg twice daily For patients who cannot tolerate the adverse reactions of this medicine, the dose may be reduced temporarily or permanently. The treatment period with this medicine is 12 weeks. For patients who successfully quit smoking with the first 12 weeks of treatment, it is recommended that this medicine be administered for an additional 12 weeks. For patients who cannot or do not wish to stop smoking abruptly, consider gradually stopping smoking while taking this medicine. Reduce the amount smoked by 50% from the pretreatment level within the first 4 weeks after starting this medicine, and by a further 50% within the next 4 weeks. Continue to reduce smoking so that complete abstinence can be achieved by week 12. Administer this medicine for an additional 12 weeks for a total treatment period of 24 weeks. No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild (estimated creatinine clearance > 50 mL/min and ≤ 80 mL/min) to moderate (estimated creatinine clearance ≥ 30 mL/min and ≤ 50 mL/min) renal impairment. In patients with severe renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min), the recommended starting dose of varenicline is 0.5 mg once daily. If needed, the maximum dose is 0.5 mg twice daily. In patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis, if well tolerated, a maximum dose of 0.5 mg once daily may be administered. No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with hepatic impairment.

Children's dosage

Use is not recommended in patients under 18 years of age because the safety and efficacy of this medicine have not been established in children.

This medication is used to aid in smoking cessation and requires caution regarding neuropsychiatric symptoms and suicidal tendencies. Serious mental symptoms such as depression, anxiety, aggression, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts may occur during the course of taking this medication; therefore, if symptoms arise, the medication should be discontinued immediately and a doctor should be consulted. This medication should not be used in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should carefully consider the potential impact on the fetus or baby when taking this medication and consult a doctor if necessary. Common side effects during the course of taking this medication may include nausea, headache, insomnia, abnormal dreams, etc.; if these symptoms are severe or persistent, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Care should be taken since drowsiness or dizziness may occur during activities requiring alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Older patients with impaired renal function may require dosage adjustments and should follow a doctor's instructions. This medication generally has low interactions with other medications, although alcohol consumption may increase the risk of side effects and should be avoided if possible. Physiological changes from smoking cessation may alter the effects of other medications, so inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking. Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established; therefore, it is not recommended for patients under the age of 18. If seizures occur while taking this medication, it should be discontinued immediately and the medical staff should be informed. If serious allergic reactions such as skin rashes or angioedema appear, discontinue the medication immediately and seek emergency care. Patients with cardiovascular disease should be carefully monitored as symptoms may worsen with the use of this medication, and any new symptoms should be reported to a doctor immediately. This medication should be stored out of reach of children and is safest when kept in its original container.

• Suicidal ideation
• suicidal behavior
• suicide
• changes in behavior or thoughts
• depression
• mania
• mood changes
• psychosis
• aggressive behavior
• hallucinations

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container to protect it from air or moisture, and it is best to store it at room temperature between 1°C and 30°C. Storing it this way maintains the medication's efficacy and ensures safe use.

Appearance

Biconvex rectangular film-coated tablets that are white or grayish-white

Package unit

11 tablets (11 tablets/PTP X 1)