Chantix Side Effects Could Net Patients Settlements

The smoking cessation drug Chantix has been called by some experts the most dangerous brand-name drug on the market based on reports of side effects related to the medication including mood swings, blackouts, and depression. More than 1,200 Chantix lawsuits are currently consolidated in federal courts, and it is becoming more likely that drugmaker Pfizer will try to reach settlements with some of the plaintiffs in Chantix litigation. The multidistrict litigation case is taking place in Alabama, overseen by Judge Inge Prytz Johnson.

Mood swings, aggressive behavior, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, violence, and depression have all been reported as side effects of Chantix. The drug was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2006, given an expedited approval time due to the effectiveness in clinical trials. It would be beneficial to Pfizer to settle with plaintiffs because if cases reach court publicity, then expensive jury verdicts could potentially damage the company. It seems as though the company did not test their product adequately on patients with a history of mental instability.

Settlements are ideal for defendants because they are confidential, and the amount and conditions need not be released, as they would be in a court trial. For this reason, it is unknown how much Chantix settlements would be, or even if any have yet taken place. However, variables such as how permanent and severe side effects are will likely have an effect on the settlement amount. The most valuable Chantix lawsuits will likely be those given to families who have filed wrongful death lawsuits due to Chantix-related suicides.

Trials have not yet commenced in Chantix multidistrict litigation. The first bellwether trials could take place as early as late summer 2012.