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Consumer Alert: Chantix Patients Report Dangerous Side-Effects

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Spring 2012 Update
The Chantix Multi-District Litigation (MDL) first bellweather trial is schdule for October 2012.  Read more.

Spring 2011 Update
In July 2009, the FDA required the Chantix manufacturer Pfizer to place a "black box warning" - the strictest warning avialable - regarding these problems on the label. Read more.

February 2010 Update
On February 2, 2010, U.S. District Court Judge Inge Prytz Johnson appointed partner Tara D. Sutton to the Plaintiffs' Executive Committee in the Chantix Multi-District Litigation.  Read more.

Copyright 2009.  All rights reserved. 

January 30, 2009 - Chantix, chemical name varenicline, is a drug sold by Pfizer to patients who wish to quit smoking.  The drug works by affecting dopamine, nicotinic and other chemical transmitters in the brain.  The rationale of Chanitx is that by activating these transmitters, a smoker's craving for nicotine, and the pleasure a smoker perceives from nicotine, will be reduced.[1]  

Patients taking Chantix have suffered dangerous and serious adverse side-effects.  These side effects include agitation, depression, onset of psychiatric illness such as psychosis, mania, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and hallucinations.[2]  Chantix may lead to the recurrence of old psychiatric illness.[3]  Some patients have attempted or committed suicide.[4]Chantix patients have reported serious accidents, including car accidents, while on the drug.  In early 2008 and mid 2008, FDA issued an alerts about some of these serious adverse side-effects. [5]  While the rate at which these side-effects occur is not yet known, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices has reported that, by the end of 2007, Chantix accounted for more reports of serious drug adverse events in the United States than any other drug.[6]  

Pfizer has been slowly admitting that these Chantix side effects occur.  In November 2007, the Chantix label was updated to mention in a "post-marketing experience" section that Pfizer had received reports of depression, agitation, changes in behavior and suicide in patients taking Chantix.  In January 2008, Pfizer added more information to the label about potential risks of suicidal behavior, depression and other side effects. [7]

Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. is investigating potential claims on behalf of Chantix patients.  If you wish to speak to us about a potential claim or an injury caused by Chantix,  please call Kathy Neuman, R.N., B.S.N. at 1-800-553-9910 or contact her via email at contact us.  

      

[1] JW Coe, PR Brooks, et al. Varenicline: An a4b2 Nicotinic Receptor Partial Agonist for Smoking Cessation. Journal of Medical Chemistry. 2005;48:3474-3477.
[2] R Freedman. Exacerbation of Schizophrenia by Varenicline. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2007 Aug;164(8):1269; I Kohen, N Kremen. Varenicline-Induced Manic Episode in a Patient with Bipolar Disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2007 Aug;164(8):1269-70; AE Morstad, EC Kutscher, et al. Hypomania with Agitation Associated with Varenicline Use in Bipolar II Disorder. The Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2008 Feb;42:288-289.
[3] MK Popkin, Exacerbation of Recurrent Depression as a Result of Treatment With Varenicline. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2008 Jun;165(6):774."Copyright 2009.  All rights reserved.
[4]  www.ismp.org/docs/varenclineStudy.asp
[5] www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/varenicline/default.htm
[6] www.ismp.org/docs/varenclineStudy.asp
[7] Physcians' Desk Reference , 2008 Supplements A-B

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The articles on our Web site include some of the publications and papers authored by our attorneys, both before and after they joined our firm. The content of these articles should not be taken as legal advice or as an expression of the views of the firm, its attorneys or any of its clients. We hope the articles spur discussion in the legal community with insight into the experience of the authors. We expressly reserve the right in the future to become wiser or simply change our mind.

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