Chantix
CHANTIX SUICIDE LAWSUITS
Chantix is a smoking cessation drug manufactured by Pfizer that was launched onto the open market in August of 2006. In November of 2007, the FDA announced that a number of patients taking Chantix either committed suicide or attempted suicide. In February of 2008, Pfizer included a stronger warning on Chantix packaging that it may cause suicidal ideation. Since then, The FAA prohibited pilots and air traffic controllers from using Chantix, and commercial bus drivers and interstate truckers cannot receive their certifications if they are using Chantix.
HOW CHANTIX WORKS
The root drug for Chantix is called Varenicline. Pfizer manufactures Varenicline from a plant root known as Cytosine. Chanitx affects dopamine levels in the brain very similar to how anti-depressants work. Chantix targets receptors in the brain which control the pleasure and cravings associated with addictions. Chantix will block nicotine from attaching to these receptors, and in essence attach itself causing the brain to release less dopamine. This causes a less intense feeling of pleasure associated with the craving for nicotine.
THE CHANTIX PROBLEM
When the FDA reported numerous adverse effects of Chantix use, Pfizer started conducting studies. However, Pfizer excluded alcoholics and patients that had a history of depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or any neural psychological condition from these Chantix studies. In essence, Pfizer excluded patients who were most vulnerable to having suicidal thoughts from participating in the studies to determine adverse effects of Chantix use. Chanix may worsen pre-existing psychiatric illness or cause a recurrence of past issues.
LAWSUITS
The FDA has reported hundreds of cases in which Chantix has caused either suicide or suicidal thoughts. Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer Inc., the manufacturer of Chanitx, claiming that Pfizer failed to properly and adequately warn the users of Chantix about these adverse effects. Individual lawsuits are being filed nationwide, most recently in New York. Thirty Seven(37) lawsuits filed in Federal District Courts nationwide have been consolidated into Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in the northern district of Alabama.
If you, or someone you know has been injured or suffered as a result of using Chantix, contact the McCray Law Firm today.