Bicotin 0.5 mg (Varenicline Salicylate)

Adult dose

Usual adult dosage: Patients should set a quit date and start taking this medication 1 week before that date. Alternatively, they may begin quitting smoking between days 8 and 35 after starting this medication. This medication should be taken after meals with plenty of water. The recommended dosage is as follows: after titration over 1 week, take 1 mg twice daily. Days 1–3: 0.5 mg once daily Days 4–7: 0.5 mg twice daily Day 8–end of treatment: 1 mg twice daily For patients who cannot tolerate adverse reactions to this medication, the dose may be reduced temporarily or permanently. The treatment period is 12 weeks. For patients who successfully quit smoking with the initial 12 weeks of treatment, an additional 12 weeks of treatment with this medication is recommended to increase the likelihood of long-term abstinence. For patients who cannot or do not wish to stop smoking abruptly, gradual smoking cessation while taking this medication should be considered. Smoking should be reduced by 50% from the pretreatment level within the first 4 weeks after starting treatment and by an additional 50% within the next 4 weeks, with continued reductions so that complete smoking cessation is achieved by week 12. Continue this medication for an additional 12 weeks for a total treatment period of 24 weeks. Encourage patients to stop smoking sooner if they feel ready. Patients who do not quit smoking during the initial 12 weeks of treatment, or who resume smoking after treatment, should review the factors contributing to failure before trying again. However, there are no data demonstrating the efficacy of an additional 12 weeks of treatment in patients who failed to quit during the initial 12 weeks of treatment or resumed smoking after treatment. Patients with renal impairment: No dosage adjustment is required 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 receiving hemodialysis, if the medication is well tolerated, a maximum dose of 0.5 mg once daily may be administered. Elderly patients and patients with hepatic impairment: No dosage adjustment is required in patients with hepatic impairment. Since renal function is more likely to be reduced in elderly patients, use caution when selecting the dose; monitoring renal function may be useful.

Child dose

Under 18 years of age: Use is not recommended.

This medication is used to assist in quitting smoking, and caution is necessary as neuropsychiatric symptoms or suicidal tendencies may occur during treatment. Patients should discontinue use and consult a doctor immediately if they experience any mental changes such as depression, anxiety, hallucinations, or aggressive behavior. Patients with hypersensitivity to this medication or a history of allergies should avoid it. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should make careful decisions regarding the use of this medication and consult a doctor during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Initial use may commonly cause symptoms such as nausea, headache, insomnia, and abnormal dreams, but most are mild and transient. Some cardiovascular-related adverse reactions have been reported in patients with cardiovascular diseases; patients should inform a doctor immediately if symptoms worsen. Caution is advised when engaging in hazardous activities such as driving or operating machinery, as this medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Alcohol consumption may exacerbate the side effects of this medication, so it is advisable to avoid or minimize alcohol while taking it. Dosing may need adjustment depending on renal function, so patients with kidney disease should consult a doctor. In case of overdose, seek medical attention immediately for appropriate treatment. This medication is not recommended for children, and caution is required for the elderly based on kidney function. Storage should be in a place out of reach of children, in its original container to maintain quality.

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

This medication may be sensitive to air or moisture, so it should be stored in a sealed container. The recommended storage temperature is between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius. This will help maintain the medication's efficacy and safety over time.

Appearance

White or grayish-white, bilaterally convex, elongated film-coated tablets

Package unit

11 tablets (11 tablets/Blister X 1)