Chantix Lawyers Discouraged by FDA Announcement?

The Food and Drug Administration has recently conducted two studies attempting to link the smoking cessation drug Chantix with psychological side effects that have been associated with the medication. However, both of these studies seem to have come up with nothing. Although this might discourage some plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits against Chantix drugmaker Pfizer, because they think that this might put an end to their lawsuits. Chantix personal injury lawyers dealing with these cases are feeling the pressure as well. However, there are some flaws in the Food and Drug Administration’s research that some people may have overlooked.

The Food and Drug Administration only conducted studies on Chantix patients who were hospitalized for depression and other possible psychological Chantix side effects. However, there may be a number of patients who are feeling the symptoms of the Chantix side effects, but do not want to get help or are not feeling them seriously enough to warrant hospitalization. In addition, some of the most serious allegations against Pfizer are Chantix suicide and Chantix attempted suicide—most of which occurred when the patient’s depression

was unnoticed and untreated by those around him or her and sometimes the patient themselves. In addition, the studies were not broad enough to be able to include rarer Chantix side effects, meaning a number of side effects cases likely slipped through the cracks.

The Food and Drug Administration seem to acknowledge that their studies were not perfect—they issued a statement online saying that “Healthcare professionals should [still] advise patients and caregivers that the patient should immediately stop taking Chantix and contact a healthcare professional if agitation, hostility, depressed mood, or changes in behavior or thinking that are not typical for the patient are observed.” This is a virtual acknowledgement of the fact that their study was not all-encompassing or completely accurate, and leaves a margin of error for the administration.

Chantix patients who may have experienced psychological side effects from the drug may still want to contact a personal injury lawyer in order to explore their legal options. It is important to do this as quickly as possible so patients do not get barred by the statute of limitations in their state.