Varenicline tablets (Champix) relisted and available

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.