Chantix Side Effects Increase Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke: Study
New research suggests that side effects of Chantix could significantly increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular events; echoing concerns raised by the FDA last month.
Pfizer’s smoking cessation drug Chantix may raise the chances of suffering a cardiovascular event by 72%, according to a study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, which was published this week in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Researchers mined a number of databases for double-blind, randomized controlled trials for people who took Chantix and were later found to have suffered a cardiovascular event, including heart attacks. They found that those who took Chantix were substantially more likely to suffer heart problems than those who took a placebo, and two of the co-authors suggested that the findings were strong enough that the FDA should consider a Chantix recall due to the risk of heart attack and stroke.
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Learn MoreThe study comes just three weeks after the FDA issued a drug safety communication about the risk of heart problems from Chantix, warning that the smoking cessation drug might increase the risk of certain cardiovascular events, including the risk of heart attack, among individuals who had cardiovascular disease. However, the latest study suggests that those without a history of heart disease may also face a significant risk.
Pfizer has issued a statement questioning the authors’ results and saying that the number of actual events was too small to lead to their conclusions.
The risk of a heart attack or stroke from Chantix is just the latest in a number of serious side effects associated with the popular drug. Warnings about the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening psychological side effects of Chantix, which may increase the risk of suicide, suicide attempts or unusual violent behavior, were added to a black box on the medications label two years ago.
Chantix (varenicline) was approved in the United States by the FDA in 2006 as a prescription medication to help people quit smoking. The drug works by reducing the positive feelings that come from cigarettes, blocking the receptors in the brain commonly stimulated by nicotine. However, the impact of the drug on the brain has resulted in a number of reports from users who experienced sudden, unusually aggressive behavior, thoughts of self-harm and suicide. Growing concerns over the drug have led to an ongoing investigation in the U.S. and Canada and France has decided not to subsidize its use, effectively killing its presence on the French market.
The prescription medication designed to help people stop smoking already holds the dubious title of being the drug associated with the most FDA adverse event reports of any prescription medication in the United States, including powerful painkillers and other drugs used to treat more serious conditions. More patients and doctors call or write the agency to complain about Chantix health problems than any other drug currently on the market by a wide margin.
A number of Chantix lawsuits have been filed in courts throughout the United States on behalf of individuals who have died or suffered serious injuries as a result of a suicide or unusual behavior allegedly caused by Chantix. In recent weeks, some lawyers have begun reviewing the potential for Chantix heart lawsuits as well.
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6 Comments
RickFebruary 3, 2013 at 2:56 am
I had been a smoker for more than thirty five years. Had quit temporarily with the help of nicotine patches, but not until the use of Chantix did I stop smoking and have been a non smoker for over seven years now.It is a miracle drug that has allow me to live a healthier and better life. When I first started taking the drug, I did have some very vivid dreams, but with a time adjustment when I wa[Show More]I had been a smoker for more than thirty five years. Had quit temporarily with the help of nicotine patches, but not until the use of Chantix did I stop smoking and have been a non smoker for over seven years now.It is a miracle drug that has allow me to live a healthier and better life. When I first started taking the drug, I did have some very vivid dreams, but with a time adjustment when I was taking the drug that was no longer a problem. Thank you Chantix.
jeanetteFebruary 1, 2013 at 12:03 am
I took chantix for one month and suffered the most realistic nightmares, I actually had a hard time knowing the difference between what was real and what wasn't. Saw relatives stabbing each other, tried to later get my grandkids out of the house with my daughter and son in law, reported them to the child protective services depart., got my daughter to quit her job with my threats. She was so scare[Show More]I took chantix for one month and suffered the most realistic nightmares, I actually had a hard time knowing the difference between what was real and what wasn't. Saw relatives stabbing each other, tried to later get my grandkids out of the house with my daughter and son in law, reported them to the child protective services depart., got my daughter to quit her job with my threats. She was so scared they banned me from seeing my grandkids, and that was six years ago. I lost all credibility with my family. I have little reason to think things will ever be the same. I need to be evaluated for heart problems, I undestand. I am devasted, embarrassed and humiliated. I also had serious thoughts of suicide, depression and so many awful life changing issues it upsets me to even write about it, but people need to know. These drug companies are murderers, in my opinion. I was told because I didn't go to the Dr immedicately, I didn't have much of a case. I do have others I told, and an email shortly thereafter to a co. soliciliting for something, with documented comments such as these, from 2008. I find this hard to believe that my case is not as valid as some. I have the script record, Dr notes from the day It was prescribed to me, and so on. I ended up losing everything and lived out of my car at the age of 58. Now 63. If this isn't a crime then I don't know what it. My little grandkids will never forget this, and will have to live with this forever ! I almost can't bare the thought of this. They should be repsonsible !
KimberlynnDecember 6, 2012 at 10:03 pm
I took Chantix for 2 weeks and ended up having chest pains so terribly that I was certain that I was having a heart attack - severe pressure in the center of my chest, front to back, that went up my neck and into my mouth. It lasted for approximately 10 minutes, and when I went to the ER I was told that the chest X-Ray showed swelling. I am now under the care of a Cardiologist.
Tim KittsOctober 19, 2011 at 5:08 pm
I took Chantix and it cost me my job of 27 years.
gailJuly 13, 2011 at 3:42 am
I took Chantix for almost 90 days three years ago, I had to stop taking them, my patience was short and I was also angry beyond my controll, my children, who always begged me to quit smoking, was now begging me to start smoking again because my attitude was so bad. I had gone to work one night and something happened that would normally not bother me, but this night I was out of controll, I could [Show More]I took Chantix for almost 90 days three years ago, I had to stop taking them, my patience was short and I was also angry beyond my controll, my children, who always begged me to quit smoking, was now begging me to start smoking again because my attitude was so bad. I had gone to work one night and something happened that would normally not bother me, but this night I was out of controll, I could have lost my job. Thank God for favor! I quit chantix that next day.
OrbieJuly 7, 2011 at 12:04 am
I took 90 days of Chantix ending in March, My wife and I have noticed a change in my behavior. I have been getting ( verbal ) violent which is totally out of my normal self. I am fine most of the time, But once in a while (about 4 or 5 times a week) I notice I become very angry for no reason. My temper has become very short and I have no patience. I am 63 years old, And I hope I do not have to li[Show More]I took 90 days of Chantix ending in March, My wife and I have noticed a change in my behavior. I have been getting ( verbal ) violent which is totally out of my normal self. I am fine most of the time, But once in a while (about 4 or 5 times a week) I notice I become very angry for no reason. My temper has become very short and I have no patience. I am 63 years old, And I hope I do not have to live the rest of my life like this.