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Chantix

Chantix, the smoking cessation drug marketed by the pharmaceutical leader Pfizer, has been used by more than five million patients since its 2006 launch. Many people who smoke cigarettes, cigars or a pipe would like to stop, and it can be very difficult to do so. Chantix® (generic name, varenicline) is one of the only two prescription nicotine-dependence products on the U.S. market (the other is Zyban [bupropion]).

The Serious Potential Side Effects of Chantix
Unfortunately, Chantix is suspected of having very serious — sometimes life-threatening — side effects, including:

  • severe mood swings
  • depression
  • agitation, aggression
  • nervousness
  • impaired driving skills
  • suicidal ideation (when a person thinks about committing suicide)
  • suicidal behavior

The FDA Requires a Strict Warning
In January 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required a more severe warning on the Chantix label noting these side effects, which had all been reported among Chantix users. In 2007, for instance, Chantix was in the news when a Texas musician was shot after he kicked down his neighbor’s door while on Chantix. The FDA launched an investigation into claims that Chantix use was causing aggression and mood disorders.

Since the FDA’s requirement for a strict warning about Chantix risks, sales of Chantix dropped by 35%. The sales of Chantix were initially a huge success for Pfizer, amounting to more than $880 million in worldwide sales in 2007.

Does Chantix Work?
Chantix is taken once a day at first, then twice a day, for a total of 12 weeks. The patient is instructed to start taking Chantix for one week before actually quitting smoking, and to continue the 12-week course whether or not he/she is successful at quitting completely.

Although Pfizer states that “studies show that 44% [of Chantix users] reached their quitting goal at the end of 12 weeks,” the percentage who were smoke-free a year later ranged from 14% to 23% in clinical trials.

If You’ve Been Harmed by Chantix
If Chantix treatment has harmed you or a member of your family, you may be eligible for a legal remedy, including financial compensation. Find out more when you contact a Chantix plaintiffs’ law firm today.

Contact a Chantix Recall Lawyer

More Chantix Resources