Varni
Varni Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Varni binds with high affinity and selectivity at α4β2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholinereceptors. The efficacy of Varni in smoking cessation is believed to be the result of varenicline's activity at α4β2 sub-type of the nicotinic receptor where its binding produces agonist activity, while simultaneously preventing nicotine binding to these receptors.Electrophysiology studies in vitro and neurochemical studies in vivo have shown that varenicline binds to α4β2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and stimulates receptor-mediated activity, but at a significantly lower level than nicotine. Varni blocks the ability of nicotine to activate α4β2 receptors and thus to stimulate the central nervous mesolimbic dopamine system, believed to be the neuronal mechanism underlying reinforcement and reward experienced upon smoking. Varni is highly selective and binds more potently to α4β2 receptors than to other common nicotinic receptors ( >500-fold α3β4, >3,500fold α7, >20,000-fold α1βγδ), or to non-nicotinic receptors and transporters (> 2,000-fold). Varni also binds with moderate affinity (Ki = 350 nM) to the 5-HT3 receptor.
Varni is a partial nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, designed to partially activate this system while displacing nicotine at its sites of action in the brain.
| Trade Name | Varni |
| Availability | Prescription only |
| Generic | Varenicline |
| Varenicline Other Names | Vareniclina, Varenicline, Vareniclinum |
| Related Drugs | Xiidra, bupropion, cyclosporine ophthalmic, Chantix, Restasis, nicotine, Systane, Artificial Tears, Zyban, Nicoderm CQ |
| Weight | 0.5mg |
| Type | Tablet |
| Formula | C13H13N3 |
| Weight | Average: 211.268 Monoisotopic: 211.110947431 |
| Protein binding | Less than 20%. |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational |
| Therapeutic Class | Drugs used in substance dependence |
| Manufacturer | Monicopharma Limited |
| Available Country | Bangladesh |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
How Varni works
Varni is an alpha-4 beta-2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist. The drug shows high selectivity for this receptor subclass, relative to other nicotinic receptors (>500-fold alpha-3 beta-4, >3500-fold alpha-7, >20,000-fold alpha-1 beta gamma delta) or non-nicotinic receptors and transporters (>2000-fold). The drug competitively inhibits the ability of nicotine to bind to and activate the alpha-4 beta-2 receptor. The drug exerts mild agonistic activity at this site, though at a level much lower than nicotine; it is presumed that this activation eases withdrawal symptoms.
Dosage
Varni dosage
Smoking cessation therapies are more likely to succeed for patients who are motivated to stop smoking and who are provided additional advice and support. Provide patients with appropriate educational materials and counseling to support the quit attempt.The patient should set a date to stop smoking. Begin Varni dosing one week before this date. Alternatively, the patient can begin Varni dosing and then quit smoking between days 8 and 35 of treatment.The recommended dose of Varni is 1 mg twice daily following a 1-week titration as follows:
- 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
Patients should be treated with Varni for 12 weeks. For patients who have successfully stopped smoking at the end of 12 weeks, an additional course of 12 weeks treatment with Varni is recommended to further increase the likelihood of long-termabstinence.For patients who are sure that they are not able or willing to quit abruptly, consider a gradual approach to quitting smoking with Varni. Patients should begin Varni dosing and reduce smoking by 50% from baseline within the first four weeks, by an additional 50% in the next four weeks, and continue reducing with the goal of reaching complete abstinence by 12 weeks. Continue Varni treatment for an additional 12 weeks, for a total of 24 weeks of treatment. Encourage patients to attempt quitting sooner if they feel readyPatients who are motivated to quit, and who did not succeed in stopping smoking during prior Varni therapy for reasons other than intolerability due to adverse events or who relapsed after treatment, should be encouraged to make another attempt with Varni once factors contributing to the failed attempt have been identified and addressed.Consider a temporary or permanent dose reduction in patients who cannot tolerate the adverse effects of Varni.
Varni should be taken orally after eating and with a full glass of water.
Side Effects
Nasopharyngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, increased wt, decreased &/or increased appetite, abnormal dreams, insomnia, headache, somnolence, dizziness, dysgeusia, dyspnea, cough, nausea, GERD, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal distension & pain, toothache, dyspepsia, flatulence, dry mouth, rash, pruritus, arthralgia, myalgia, back pain, chest pain, fatigue, abnormal liver function test.
Precaution
Discontinue use if changes in behavior or thinking, agitation or depressed mood, anxiety, psychosis, mood swings, aggressive behavior, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal ideation & behavior. Concomitant use in patients attempting to quit smoking. Patients with history of seizures or other conditions that potentially lower seizure threshold. Report if patients had history of psychiatric illness prior to initiation. Hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema, swelling of the face, mouth (tongue, lips, gums), neck (throat & larynx) & extremities. Severe cutaneous reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome & erythema multiforme (rare). Special Precautions for Disposal and Other Handling: No special requirements for disposal.
Interaction
May increase intoxicating effects of alcohol.
Food Interaction
- Avoid excessive or chronic alcohol consumption. Varni may increase the effects of alcohol; therefore, reduce consumption of alcohol when starting varenicline.
[Moderate] GENERALLY AVOID: Varni may enhance the effects of alcohol as well as alter the way an individual reacts to alcohol.
During postmarketing use, some patients have reported experiencing increased intoxicating effects of alcohol while taking varenicline.
In addition, some reported cases of neuropsychiatric events, including unusual and sometimes aggressive behavior directed toward oneself or others, may have been worsened by concomitant use of alcohol.
These events were often accompanied by amnesia.
Patients should immediately stop taking varenicline and contact their physician if they develop agitation, hostility, aggressive behavior, depressed mood, or changes in behavior or thinking that are not typical for them, or if they develop suicidal ideation or behavior.
MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised to limit their consumption of alcohol until they know whether varenicline affects their tolerance for alcohol, and to exercise caution driving or operating machinery until they know how quitting smoking and
Varni Disease Interaction
Major: neuropsychiatric eventsModerate: alcoholism, CV disease, renal impairment, seizures
Half Life
The elimination half-life of varenicline is approximately 24 hours
Elimination Route
Varni undergoes minimal metabolism, with 92% excreted unchanged in the urine. Renal elimination of varenicline is primarily through glomerular filtration along with active tubular secretion possibly via the organic cation transporter, OCT2.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Use in Pregnancy: Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Varni should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus
Use in Lactation: It is unknown whether varenicline is excreted in human breast milk. Animal studies suggest that varenicline is excreted in breast milk. A decision on whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue therapy with varenicline should be made taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding to the child and the benefit of varenicline therapy to the woman
Contraindication
Known hypersensitivity to varenicline or to any of the excipients in the product (microcrystalline cellulose, dibasic calcium phosphate, anhydrous, croscarmellose sodium, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, Opadry Blue/White and Opadry Clear).
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Varni
Varni contains Varenicline see full prescribing information from innovator Varni Monograph, Varni MSDS, Varni FDA label
FAQ
What is Varni used for?
Varni is used along with education and counseling to help people stop smoking. It works by blocking the pleasant effects of nicotine (from smoking) on the brain.
What are the common side effects of Varni?
Varni may cause side effects include:
- nausea
- constipation
- diarrhea
- gas
- abdominal pain
- vomiting
- heartburn
- bad taste in the mouth
- dry mouth
- increased or decreased appetite
- toothache
- trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- unusual dreams or nightmares
- headache
- lack of energy
- back, joint, or muscle pain
- abnormal menstrual cycles
How long can you take Varni?
Most people take Varni for 12 weeks.
Is Varni safe during pregnany?
Given the uncertainty about the safety of Varni and bupropion during pregnancy, these therapies are not recommended in pregnant women.
Is Varni safe during breastfeeding?
Varni might interfere with normal infant lung development and recommends against its use in nursing mothers.Because no information is available on the use of brans during breastfeeding, an alternate drug is preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Can you drink alcohol while taking Varni?
Varni can alter people's reaction when drinking alcohol, potentially causing a lowered tolerance, blackouts, and aggressive behavior.
Can I smoke on Varni?
It is okay to smoke during this time. Stop smoking on the quit date. Take the dose prescribed by your doctor twice a day for the rest of the treatment period (usually 12 weeks). Another way to use Varni is to start taking the drug before you choose a date to quit smoking.
Can I take Varni forever?
You should take Varni for the full 12 or 24 weeks (3 or 6 months), depending on the quit approach you and your healthcare provider decide is right for you.
Does Varni make I tired?
Varni may make you feel sleepy, dizzy, or have trouble concentrating, making it hard to drive or perform other activities safely.
Does Varni cause weight gain?
Varni can cause notoriously weird, vivid dreams, and is believed by many to have darker psychiatric effects.
What are the long term effects of taking Varni?
depression, mania, psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, hostility, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide in patients attempting to quit smoking while taking Varni.
Can Varni raise your blood pressure?
Nicotine patches and the stop-smoking pills can potentially increase blood pressure.
Is Varni addictive?
May produce mild physical dependence which is not associated with addiction.
How many people died from taking Varni?
Anti-smoking drug Varni linked to more than 500 suicides.
Is Varni bad for my heart?
Varni has been linked to an increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.
What is the best time of day to take Varni?
Varni should always be taken after eating, with a full glass of water. During the first week of taking Varni your dose will gradually increase.
How long should Varni be taken?
You should take Varni for the full 12 or 24 weeks (3 or 6 months), depending on the quit approach you and your healthcare provider decide is right for you.
What is the success rate of Varni?
Varni users were 60% more successful at quitting smoking at 1 year.
Can I drive after taking Varni?
Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery until you feel safe again. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down until you feel better.
How long does it take for Varni to build up in your system?
During the first week of taking Varni, you will slowly increase the dose over 7 days to give it time to build up in your body.
