How to Properly Store and Dispose of Varenicline

Varenicline is a prescription medication used to help people quit smoking. It goes by the brand name Chantix in the U.S. and works by reducing nicotine cravings and blocking the pleasurable effects of smoking. But like many prescription drugs, how you store and get rid of it matters-especially if you have kids, pets, or other medications in the house. Improper storage can make it less effective. Improper disposal can harm the environment or end up in the wrong hands. Here’s exactly how to handle it safely.

How to Store Varenicline Correctly

Varenicline tablets should be kept at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Don’t leave them in the bathroom, even if it’s convenient. Humidity from showers and sinks can break down the medication over time. Same goes for the car dashboard in summer-heat above 86°F (30°C) can cause the active ingredient to degrade.

Keep the bottle tightly closed. The original packaging isn’t just for branding-it’s designed to protect the tablets from light and moisture. If you transfer pills to a pill organizer, make sure it’s clean, dry, and labeled clearly. But don’t store them long-term in the organizer. Stick to the original bottle for storage beyond a few days.

Always keep varenicline out of reach of children and pets. A single accidental dose can be dangerous. Kids don’t need to see it. Pets don’t need to chew it. Store it in a locked cabinet, a high shelf, or a medicine lockbox. The CDC says over 60,000 children under age 6 end up in emergency rooms each year from accidental medication ingestion. Varenicline is no exception.

What to Do If You Stop Taking Varenicline

Many people finish their 12-week course and stop taking varenicline without thinking twice. But leftover pills don’t just vanish. If you quit smoking early, or your doctor changed your plan, you might have unused tablets. Don’t save them for "next time." Varenicline isn’t meant to be reused. Its effectiveness drops after the expiration date, and your body’s needs change over time.

Even if the pills look fine, don’t share them. What worked for you might cause nausea, vivid dreams, or mood changes in someone else. The FDA has issued warnings about varenicline’s potential to trigger depression, agitation, or suicidal thoughts in some users. That risk doesn’t disappear just because you tolerated it well.

How to Dispose of Varenicline Safely

The safest way to get rid of unused varenicline is through a drug take-back program. These are run by pharmacies, hospitals, or local law enforcement. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) holds National Prescription Drug Take Back Days twice a year. You can also find permanent drop boxes at pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, or local police stations.

To find a drop-off location near you, visit the DEA’s website or call your local pharmacy. Most take-back programs accept varenicline tablets without any special prep. Just bring the bottle or pills in a sealed bag. No need to remove labels-pharmacies handle that.

If there’s no take-back option nearby, the FDA says you can dispose of varenicline at home. Here’s how:

1. Take the tablets out of the original bottle.
2. Mix them with something unappetizing-used coffee grounds, cat litter, or dirt.
3. Put the mixture in a sealed plastic bag or container.
4. Throw it in your household trash.

Don’t flush varenicline down the toilet unless the label says to. Most medications don’t need flushing, and varenicline isn’t one of them. Flushing can contaminate water supplies. The EPA estimates that 10% of pharmaceuticals in U.S. waterways come from flushing.

Why You Shouldn’t Just Toss It in the Trash

Throwing pills straight into the trash is tempting, but risky. Trash collectors, scavengers, or pets could find them. There are documented cases of teens finding old prescriptions in family medicine cabinets and using them recreationally. Pets have been poisoned by eating leftover nicotine replacement products-varenicline acts similarly in the body.

Even if you think your trash is secure, recycling trucks and landfill workers handle it without gloves. Varenicline doesn’t break down quickly in landfills. It can leach into soil and groundwater over time. Proper disposal isn’t just about safety-it’s about environmental responsibility.

What to Do With the Empty Bottle

After you’ve removed all tablets, you can recycle the plastic bottle. Remove the cap (it’s usually made of a different plastic) and rinse the bottle out. Check your local recycling rules-some areas accept prescription bottles, others don’t. If recycling isn’t an option, toss the clean bottle in the trash.

Don’t reuse the bottle for other meds. Even after cleaning, residue can remain. Cross-contamination can cause dangerous mix-ups, especially for people taking multiple prescriptions.

What Happens If You Accidentally Take an Old Dose

If you or someone else accidentally takes a varenicline tablet that’s been sitting around for months or years, don’t panic-but don’t ignore it either. The drug might be less effective, but it’s still active. Watch for side effects: nausea, trouble sleeping, vivid dreams, dizziness, or changes in mood.

If the person is a child, call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222. For adults, contact your doctor. Even if no symptoms show up, it’s worth checking in. Varenicline’s effects can be delayed, especially in older adults or those with liver issues.

How Long Does Varenicline Last?

Varenicline typically has a shelf life of two to three years from the manufacturing date. The expiration date on the bottle is the last day the manufacturer guarantees full potency and safety. After that, it doesn’t suddenly turn toxic-but it may not work as well.

Don’t rely on how the pills look. If they’re discolored, cracked, or smell odd, throw them away. Even if they’re within the expiration window, if they’ve been exposed to heat or moisture, their effectiveness is questionable.

When to Talk to Your Pharmacist

If you’re unsure how to store or dispose of your varenicline, ask your pharmacist. They’re trained in medication safety and can give you printed disposal instructions. Many pharmacies offer free disposal bags or mail-back envelopes for unused meds.

Pharmacists also keep track of your prescription history. If you’re considering restarting varenicline after stopping, they can warn you about risks based on your medical record. They’re your best resource for personalized advice-not Google, not friends, not old bottle labels.

Final Reminder: This Isn’t Just About Pills

Properly storing and disposing of varenicline isn’t a chore-it’s part of quitting smoking for good. It protects your family, your community, and your health. Every pill you dispose of safely is one less chance for harm. Every bottle stored right is one less risk of accidental overdose.

When you take the time to do this right, you’re not just following rules. You’re showing respect-for your body, for others, and for the effort it took to quit smoking in the first place.