Missouri Chantix Attorneys
Chantix
Chantix is a smoking cessation medication, manufactured by Pfizer, that has been linked to psychiatric problems. Chantix and a similar drug, Zyban, have been linked to serious mental health events including changes in behavior, depressed mood, hostility, and suicidal thoughts. Given the seriousness of these side effects, in July 2009, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) mandated that a Black Box Warning be added to the label of Chantix and Zyban warning of the risk of mental health problems.
Chantix was approved by the FDA in 2006. Chantix works by blocking nicotine receptors, thereby reducing cravings for and decreases the pleasurable effects of cigarettes and other tobacco products. Chantix was the first such nicotine receptor partial agonist approved by the FDA and is an alternative to other smoking cessation drugs and nicotine replacement therapy. Although wildly popular, not long after it was introduced to the market, Chantix patients reported that they had experienced unexpected side effects, including erratic behavior, suicidal thoughts and depression, while taking the drug. In November 2007, the FDA announced that it was going to begin a safety review in light of these reports.
In 2008, Pfizer did attempt to add safety information regarding suicidal thoughts and other psychiatric problems to the warnings and precautions section of the Chantix prescribing information, or labeling. However, the FDA was not satisfied with these minimal changes. In July 2009, the FDA announced it had mandated a Black Box warning for the labeling of Chantix and Zyban requiring the manufacturer to highlight the risk of serious mental health events including changes in behavior, depressed mood, hostility, and suicidal thoughts when taking these drugs.
In many cases, the FDA said the behavioral changes were noticed shortly after starting the medication and ended when the medication was stopped. However, some people continued to have symptoms after stopping the medication.
At Page Law, our St. Louis pharmaceutical liability attorneys believe in holding pharmaceutical companies responsible for the injuries and losses their drugs inflict on users and their families. If you are suffering from serious Chantix side effects or lost a loved one due to Chantix's severe mind altering side effects, contact the skilled Missouri Chantix lawyers at Page Law for a free consultation.
