Heart Disease Added to List of Chantix Side Effects by FDA

The popular smoking cessation drug Chantix may dramatically increase the risk of serious heart problems, according to a medical study led by a Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine researcher. The findings of the study, released Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, describe a 72 percent greater risk of “serious adverse cardiovascular events,” such as heart attacks, for users of Chantix. However, the New York Times reported Monday that the study differed from past ones, because it excluded those with cardiovascular disease, to give a better picture of which heart problems the drug could cause in otherwise healthy people trying to quit smoking. In a statement posted on its website, Pfizer expressed concerns about the reliability of the study, including the way the data was analyzed. Individuals across the country are filing Chantix lawsuits to ensure proper representation.

The risk of a heart attack or stroke from Chantix is just the latest in a number of serious Chantix 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. Reports of suicide and erratic behavior have been associated with the use of Chantix. In November of 2007 the FDA issued a statement that they are reviewing the possible Chantix suicide side effects and that there have been over 100 reports received of suicidal thoughts and severe behavior changes within a few weeks of taking the drug.

In June of this year, the Food and Drug Administration issued an additional safety warning that said Chantix “may be associated with a small, increased risk of certain cardiovascular adverse events in patients who have cardiovascular disease.” While authors of the new report acknowledge that Chantix “increases the chances of a successful quit attempt by twofold compared with unassisted smoking cessation,” they urged medical professionals to follow up with further safety trials regarding the drug. Currently, the Chantix, designed to help people quit a dangerous habit, holds the title of being the drug associated with the most FDA adverse event reports of any prescription medication in the United States. Victims suffering from the adverse effects of Chantix should contact an experienced Chantix lawyer immediately.