Chantix Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Cancer-Causing Impurity

Pfizer faces a class action lawsuit over Chantix recalls filed in recent months, which alleges the presence of toxic impurities makes the smoking cessation drug an unacceptable risk of cancer for users.

The complaint (PDF) was filed by Rosalyn Harris in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on August 12, seeking class action status to pursue damages for all consumers who purchased recalled Chantix pills.

Chantix (varenicline) was introduced by Pfizer in 2006, as a prescription medication designed to help people quit smoking. However, the manufacturer halted Chantix distribution in June, when it was discovered pills may contain dangerous levels of a chemical byproduct, known as nitrosamines, which may increase the risk of cancer.

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Pfizer announced a Chantix recall in the U.S. a month later, and has since expanded the warnings to include additional lots of the medication that may contain N-nitroso-varenciline and other carcinogenic impurities.

Harris, of New Jersey, indicates she purchased several packs of Chantix which were later included in the recall, saying Pfizer represented Chantix as a safe and effective means, free from defects, to help her stop smoking.

“Ms. Harris relied on these representations and warranties in deciding to purchase Chantix from Defendant, and these representations and warranties were part of the basis of the bargain, in that she would not have purchased Chantix from Defendant on the same terms if she had known that it was not, in fact, properly manufactured and free from defects,” her lawsuit states.

Over the last few years, several drugs, such as Zantac, valsartan and metformin, have faced similar recalls, primarily to do the presence of a nitrosamine known as N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

Pfizer indicates it has received no reports of adverse events linked to this recall.

Harris’s lawsuit presents claims of breach of warranty, violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, unjust enrichment, and fraud. She seeks both compensatory and punitive damages for herself and other class members.


196 Comments


Vincent
I have seen two doctors and they dont seem to think that the side effects are not serious allergic reaction–trouble breathing, swelling in your face or neck; or a serious skin reaction–blisters , peeling skin rash. varenicline side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling). Varenicline may cause serious side effects. Stop using varenicline and call your doctor at once if you have: a seizure (convulsions); thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself; strange dreams, sleepwalking, trouble sleeping; new or worsening mental health problems–mood or behavior changes, depression, agitation, hostility, aggression; heart attack symptoms–chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating; o stroke symptoms–sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), slurred speech, problems with vision or balance. Common side effects of varenicline may include: nausea (may persist for several months), vomiting; constipation, gas; sleep problems (insomnia); or unusual dreams. Please Check this out Thanks Vincent Ofczarzak

Rob
I was taking chantix for about 4 months. It definitely helped with cutting down drastically and eventually stopped. But at the age of 55 I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, shortly after I stopped taking it. My doctor said it’s very unusual for someone my age and the good health I’m in to have this cancer. I cant help but think chantix brought this about, especially after reading the comments here.

Dale
Took Chantix four different times since it first came on the market. Last September I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Had a stem cell transplant last April and my cancer came back.

Cassandra
My mama took this in 2018 for about 3 months and quit bc of the dreams. July 2019 diagnosed stage 4 lung cancer. I knew it was bc of Pfizer

Nikki
Took Chantix for about a year and a half, ending early 2018. Developed lung cancer and had surgery June 2022.

Dave
I’ve taken chantix 3 different times and the 3rd time I stop smoking for over a year now. But I did get prostate cancer and cought it early enough to have it cut out and not have cancer free.

Greg
I took Chantix twice failing to remain off ciggies the 1st time but had stopped for 4 months the 2nd but started again when my son died back in 2017. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and beat it in 2021 and not sure if Chantix was the cause or if it’s just so prevalent in men my age (70). Everyone talked about nightmares but I had such beautiful dreams even speaking to my mom who’s been in heaven since 1983. I’d take it again if it comes back on the market for I’ve gone from a pack to 2 packs a day since retiring from work.

April
I took Chantix in January 2007. I had to stop taking it after only a few weeks because of horrible nightmares. The good news is that it worked. The bad news: In 2008, I was diagnosed and went into emergency surgeries for a rare appendiceal cancer. I’ve always thought Chantix might be responsible for that.

Patricia
My sister and I took chantix. Both developed breast cancer please add me to lawsuit I will pass information to my sister to sign on

Jeri
My Husband died of cancer he took chantix for 3 months . A tumor in his colon.

Diane
I developed maligant iver cancer in December 2021 after taking Chantix in 2021.

Connie
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 2018, used chantix to quit smoking from January 2019 to March 2019, quit smoking with no problems then in November of 2021 am diagnosed with stage 3 liver cancer and bone cancer, 3 years ago my liver and bones were clear of any cancer, now my liver is almost completely covered with cancer and have bone cancer in my shoulders, thoracic and lumbar areas and in pelvic area, and small lesion on parotid, am expected to have no more then 5 years to live, just heard about the chantix recall and am wondering if I have a case to compensate for my suffering when I thought that chantix was safe and really helped me to quit smoking

Lisa
I took chintax and baby it did me bad I am mad as hell cause I lost my gun license cause I was put in the hospital and I want my gun license back and the 3rd percent have my gun. It made me do some strange stuff, bad dream or I was awake, I thought I was rich, I thought ect . I have a big story too tell. If someone body can help me get my gun license back I will be happy can someone reach out too me. I all most lost my kids but I did loose my job and other things. I want my record clean from the hospital cause I am not crazy. I was just trying too stop smoking cigarettes. O when I touch something my hand will feel like it’s burning.

Laya
I was taking chantix in 2017 to 2021 when they we called it they gave me bad nightmares help me quit smoking sometimes and I always thought about hurting myself

Sharon
My husband,Jacob Erlenbach, took Chantix for several months and his personality changed for the worse. He was rude and irritable to us, his family, and especially to me as I was his caretaker. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was hospitalized forvavwhile and underwent chemo for months. Unfortunately, it was inoperable and he passed away in December of 2011.

Tammie
I lost my husband to deliver cancer February 2020. Prior to his death he had been taking Chantix metformin and Zantac. When diagnosed he was given only two months to live.

Stephen
I took chantix for 5 months and I had really bad dreams and thoughts of suicide

Marc
I used Chantix for 3 months to the day, and quit smoking 7 days after the Rx was stopped. After about 1 year I complained to the doctor about being short of breath and wondering how it could be worsening after I quit smoking. Doctor investigated and suggested it was due to low blood cell count and tried treating it. It didn’t help me and in April 2018, 11 years after I had quit smoking, I was diagnosed with late 3rd stage lung cancer and given a “less than” 10% chance of survival. On January 31, 2020 I was informed that the cancer was in remission and here I am now with one lung damaged by the treatments to the point of supplying only 9% of my air/oxygen intake. I just heard about the Chantix recalls today while getting propane tanks refilled. I’m disappointed on several levels. I’m disappointed that I started smoking. Now I’m disappointed that I might have used a Rx that exposed me to a carcinogenic. I was disappointed with my doctor for not having me get imaging that might have caught my cancer earlier. It turned out that the tumor was described as “large” by the medical staff and so large that it pressed on my heart so surgery to remove the tumor was out. I think that the tumor had been growing for many years before it was diagnosed. And it was diagnosed when doctor checked my vitals and told me to go directly to the ER because of irregular heartbeat. That’s when the tumor was discovered and diagnosed. Is there any way that I can be compensated for my pain and suffering? For 18 months, I was prepared to die. I had no expectations of survival.

Karri
Took Chantix on & off different years..2011, 2015, 2019. I would like to see if I qualify.

Stephen Sullivan
I was prescribed Chantix in a quit smoking program at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago about two years ago. I had horrible nightmares and depression, but I continued taking it to quit my cigar habit. Ten months later I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in my salivary gland. Northwestern experts stated that my cancer was not due to smoking. It was more likely due to ‘Bad luck’. You make the call.

Cedric
I use Chantix for about 4 months from 2020 to 2021 I’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer

Courtney
I took Chantix shortly after it came on the market in 2011 and ended up in the hospital for mental health issues. In 2021 I was diagnosed with a 11cm adrenal gland cyst that was removed at Christmas as well as my adrenal gland. Please add me to this class action suit.

Jered
I took Chantix, was able to quit smoking. Had some weird dreams and that was about it, just recently diagnosed with Malignant papillary carcinoma. Wtf

Terri
Wow I took it for a week a few years ago, I never connected the insane moods it caused me to go through, then they started putting warnings out , that it can cause these , now I could say all my bowel issues maybe related.. I also had an emergency appendectomy , with no family history.. in my early 60’s..

Mary
My husband and I took it.i did for a month he did longer

Mary
My husband used chantz for 2 months or little more .Has not developed cancer . I hope not.But coukd he still it’s been 15 years since he took it and quit smoking.

Yordanys
I took chantix on and off in 2021 for a total of 3-4. Months, i developed bad bowel movements, this april i have a colonoscopy scheduled due to my bad stomach problems, can i get some info on this please, the anxiety has been alot to deal with.

Jason
I acquired renal cell carcinoma after chantix.

Walter
Good morning. I took Chantix when it first came out. Back in June of 2021 I was diagnosed with mouth cancer HPV negative at the age of 41. I took Chantix for 6-7 months. I’d like more information on the lawsuit to see if I qualify.

Janice
After using Chantix to quit smoking I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and with colon cancer in 2021. Genetic testing report said both were environmental, as in not genetic. If there is a ongoing class action suit, count me in

Gene
I would like to join in class action suit against Chantix . Cancer, depression, aggressive behavior towards wife. All connected to drug use. Thank you

Karl
My wife died from cancer after taking Chantix.

Joseph
I was told it would help me quit smoking I was not told it was going to give me cancer

Melissa
my husband took chantix for a year and years later he was diagnosed with lymphoma

Lori
I was on Chantix for several times. Many years ago. And then in the last few years, took Chantix for over 9 months. Got diagnosed with cancer afterwards at age 39, just last year.

Rick
Haven’t heard from you guys. Still have empty boxes from 19,20,&21 All symptoms apply here!! Please let me know. TIME IS RUNNING OUT

Frank
how to you get added to the class action law suit?

gary
I have Lymphoma because of this drug. Shame on them for selling it! Now I am paying the price!

Robert
I received a letter from the Pharmacy saying the prescription of Chantix I have is being recalled. Then I received letter from the makers of Chantix to return the remaining amount of my prescription in prepaid envelope.

Walter
Walgreens sent me letter telling me stop taking Chantix you have bad lot number

Ellen
I would like to be added to this suit. I was on it off and on for two yrs and was just diagnosed with breast cancer

Michelle
I been on Chantix for over a year and would like to be added in a claim to pursue in a class action lawsuit.

John
I have been off and on chantix for about 10 years now until it was recalled. I’ve been prescribed dozens of bottles. I would like to be part of the suit.

Teresa
I have been on Chantix for over 18 months now. I need to be added o. To this class action suit

thomas
I purchased the one month starter pak and came down with thyroid cancer afterwards. also my wife came down with stage 3b breast cancer some time after consuming chantix. we are definately concerned about this!

Mary
I used chantix in 2009. I have focal asymmetries that may turn into cancer.

Martin
I took Chantix for two years not knowing that it was only to be taken for a couple of months. I started losing weight for no apparent reason after I stopped and doctors could not figure out why. Finally by accident I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the Fall of 2020 and am on chemo. There is no history of cancer in my family and would not be surprised if Chantix was the cause.

Sophia
Been taking this for a couple of years.

Sophia
Was talking this for a year or to.

Kourtney
I was prescribed the chantix kit and would like to know if my situation would be viewed as well.

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