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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Quit-Smoking Drug Linked to Heart Trouble, Dizziness

FAA bans pilots and air controllers from using Chantix after report

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(Newser) – Pfizer smoking-cessation drug Chantix has been linked to nearly a thousand serious incidents in the last quarter of 2007, the Wall Street Journal reports. A report from a drug safety group found that some users of the drug—already linked to depression and suicide—suffered heart trouble, diabetes, or accidents caused by dizziness and confusion.

The FAA immediately banned pilots and air-traffic controllers from using Chantix and the study's author called for the FDA to update the popular drug's warning label. Pfizer spokesmen said that the current warning already listed the events, classifying them as "rare." The drug company noted that  5.5 million Americans have used the drug.

Pfizer's anti-smoking drug Chantix has been used by millions since its launch in 2006, but sales slipped afer reports of serious psychiatric side effects.
Pfizer's anti-smoking drug Chantix has been used by millions since its launch in 2006, but sales slipped afer reports of serious psychiatric side effects.   (innewscenterhd)
Chantix, which works by blocking the parts of the brain that get pleasure from nicotine, has been one of Pfizer's top sellers.
Chantix, which works by blocking the parts of the brain that get pleasure from nicotine, has been one of Pfizer's top sellers.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
A new report from a drug safety group has linked Chantix to a large number of serious incidents.
A new report from a drug safety group has linked Chantix to a large number of serious incidents.   ((c) justj0000lie)
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The report on Chantix in full
Institute for Safe Medication Practices

FAA bans Chantix for pilots, controllers
Los Angeles Times


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FDA • drug safety • Pfizer • pharmaceutical • smoking cessation • side effects • medication • Chantix

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