Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking varenicline

Varenicline and pregnancy

Varenicline is not recommended if you’re pregnant. This is because there is little safety information on its use in pregnancy. Nicotine replacement products, such as nicotine patches and gum, can be used during pregnancy.

Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, some birth defects, premature birth, low birth weight, and some pregnancy complications. If you smoke, then it's important to get help to try to stop. Speak to your doctor, community midwife or pharmacist who will be able to help you.

Find out more about smoking during pregnancy and how to stop.

Varenicline and breastfeeding

Varenicline is not usually recommended if you’re breastfeeding. This is because it’s thought to pass to your baby through breast milk. There’s no information about how much passes through or if it causes side effects.

It’s best to use other treatments to help you stop smoking, if possible. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first to help you decide.

If you’re breastfeeding it’s important to stop smoking for your baby’s health as well as your own.

Find out more about breastfeeding and smoking.

Varenicline and fertility

There's no good evidence that varenicline affects fertility in either men or women.