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FDA May Strengthen Chantix Label

Anti-smoking drug linked to more seizures, accidents

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Oct 22, 2008 5:25 PM CDT

(Newser) – The FDA may beef up its warning for the anti-smoking drug Chantix after an increase in the number of serious incidents linked to the drug, the Wall Street Journal reports. A drug-safety group tallied 1,001 reports of patients suffering seizures, blackouts, and loss of motor control—some while driving—in three months. The figure is more than the combined total of incidents linked to the top 10 prescription drugs.

Pfizer says it will “stand by the efficacy and safety” of Chantix. It claims the reports are “unverifiable and lack sufficient medical information to draw any conclusions," and that nicotine withdrawal could be the culprit instead. The FDA already is reviewing Chantix for links to depression and suicidal behavior. Once nearing $1 billion in annual sales, Chantix sales stopped short of $100 million last quarter.

Margaret Bastian says she had problems with the drug Chantix. (AP Photo/David Duprey)

Chantix promised a pleasure pathway for quitters, but has been linked to depression and serious injuries. (Flickr)

Pfizer dismisses the report and says it will "stand by the efficacy and safety profile of Chantix." (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

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FDA May Strengthen Chantix Label

Anti-smoking drug linked to more seizures, accidents

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FDA: Chickens Contain Arsenic

Maker of arsenic-laced food to suspend sales

Drug Labels List an Average 70 Side Effects

Pharmaceutical companies trying to protect themselves from litigation

Pfizer CEO Jeffrey Kindler Replaced in Surprise Move

Unexpected move likely ouster: analysts

Disgraced Doctors Land at Big Pharma

Hundreds of pitchmen found to have blemished records

Big Pharma Flouts Laws on Off-Label Uses

Billions in fines don't stop illegal promotion

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FDA May Strengthen Chantix Label

Anti-smoking drug linked to more seizures, accidents

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

FDA • drug companies • Pfizer • smoking cessation • side effects • Chantix

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

FDA: Chickens Contain Arsenic

Maker of arsenic-laced food to suspend sales

Drug Labels List an Average 70 Side Effects

Pharmaceutical companies trying to protect themselves from litigation

Pfizer CEO Jeffrey Kindler Replaced in Surprise Move

Unexpected move likely ouster: analysts

Disgraced Doctors Land at Big Pharma

Hundreds of pitchmen found to have blemished records

Big Pharma Flouts Laws on Off-Label Uses

Billions in fines don't stop illegal promotion

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?