New Warning Labels Required For Anti-smoking Drug Chantix

Chantix patients in Canada have been informed by Canadian health officials about

the possibility of serious side effects associated with the medication. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the smoking cessation drug to several psychiatric episodes in patients as far back as February 2008.

In the United States, more than 400 episodes of irrational behavior, depression, suicidal tendencies and ideation have been reported among Chantix patients as well as at least 98 suicide-related deaths associated with the drug since 2009. The drug is still on the market. Nicotine-replacement have not been linked with similar statistics, according to the FDA.

Chantix and its sister drug Zyban were ordered by the FDA in July 2009 to carry an additional warning label cautioning patients of the potential risk of hazardous side effects. In lieu of a recall, the warning label is the harshest caution the FDA can issue. Furthermore, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration removed the drug from a list of medications considered safe for pilots and air traffic controllers after reports linked it to loss of consciousness.

CBC News of Canada reported that Health Canada has received approximately 818 Champix side effects complaints, including 520 that involved psychiatric episodes. CBC News has reported that "Health Canada has been slower to act, posting a warning on its website months after the FDA issued its warnings."

Smoking-Aid Dangers Reported

Chantix, also Varenicline tartrate from Pfizer, was released in May 2006 and has since been prescribed to more than 3 million American smokers attempting to secede from smoking. According to Pfizer, the company that manufactures the drug, Chantix attaches "nicotine receptors in the brain" thus preventing nicotine from stimulating them. Although the drug does not use nicotine, it has been linked to the following side effects:

- nausea

- changes in dreaming

- constipation

- gas

- vomiting

- depressive behavior

- increased risk of suicide

Individuals who have been subject to the Chantix side effects should consider discussing these dangers with a medical professional and an experienced pharmaceutical attorney who can provide free legal advice as to the development of a Champix class action lawsuit, which may earn a victim monetary compensation for all of the damages endured by the Chantix side effects. However, consulting a possible lawsuit with a Chantix lawyer could prompt additional labels for the drug, which ultimately would benefit other patients who have or who are considering taking the drug.

by: Katie Kelley

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