Pfizer’s anti-smoking drug, Chantix, has been linked to thousands of reports of severe adverse reactions, including suicidal behavior, that are currently being investigated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Canadian health agencies. Here are the facts on the drug, the adverse reactions, the litigation and what you should do if you’ve been injured.
Chantix: What is it?
Chantix, also known as varenicline, is an anti-smoking drug which, according to its website, www.chantix.com, “attaches to key nicotine receptors in the brain and blocks nicotine.” Manufactured by Pfizer, it was approved in May of 2006. It is estimated that over 7 million people have taken Chantix and that sales of the drug have resulted in yearly sales of nearly $1 billion for Pfizer.
Adverse reactions
Studies have shown various adverse reactions to Chantix. A study from consumer advocate group, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, has linked Chantix use to accidents and falls, blackouts, potentially lethal heart rhythm disturbances, heart attacks, seizures, diabetes and various psychiatric disturbances.
The latter seems to be the most common side effect. The FDA has received 227 reports of suicide or suicide attempts, 397 reports of possible psychosis and 525 reports of hostility or aggression from May 2006 through December 2007. Those numbers include 28 actual suicides, 41 reports of homicidal thoughts, 60 cases of paranoia and 55 reports of hallucinations. In addition, Health Canada announced in February 2009 that it had received more than 800 complaints from Canadian users who reported mood swings, depression or suicidal thoughts.
Although the FDA has not forced a recall of the drug, it has issued statements about the drug warning of its varied side effects in 2007 and 2008.
Product liability litigation
Numerous product liability lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer alleging its failure to adequately research Chantix before it was released into the marketplace and for not providing warnings to patients taking the drug.
If you’ve been injured due to Chantix use, see your doctor and consider contacting an experienced products liability attorney whose practice focuses in drug litigation to discuss your situation and evaluate your options.
