Nearly three months after it has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, Pfizer's smoking cessation drug, Chantix, is now available in US pharmacies.

Chantix (varenicline) works by binding to nicotine-receptors in the brain, thus blocking inhaled nicotine. The drug, at 1 mg twice a day, is available with prescription, and may not be covered by most HMO policies. According to this report, the average wholesale price of the drug is $3.20 per day, which works out to about $269 for the 12-week treatment regimen.

Patients prescribed with Chantix may also participate in a behavioral modification program developed by Pfizer, called GETQUIT™ Support Plan, at no additional cost.

More details from Pfizer's press release.