Parker Waichman LLP

Chantix Promoted By US Government in Guidelines Written by Former Pfizer Consultant

Health officials in the federal government are urging smokers to use Chantix as part of their efforts to stop smoking – despite the drug’s association to suicidal thoughts and behavior.  New smoking cessation guidelines, published by the US Public Health Service, do note that Chantix has been linked with suicide and other psychiatric side effects.  […]

Health officials in the federal government are urging smokers to use <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/chantix_side_effects">Chantix as part of their efforts to stop smoking – despite the drug’s association to suicidal thoughts and behavior.  New smoking cessation guidelines, published by the US Public Health Service, do note that Chantix has been linked with suicide and other psychiatric side effects.  But they promote the Pfizer drug as the method most likely to help smokers wanting to quit.  The new guidelines are creating controversy, not only because of the strong Chantix recommendation, but also due to the fact that their lead author,  Dr. Michael Fiore, has ties to Pfizer.

Chantix, approved in the US in 2006, works by blocking nicotine receptors to the brain. Chantix is the first such nicotine receptor partial agonist approved by the FDA. It was heralded as an alternative to other smoking cessation drugs and nicotine replacement therapy.

In the US, 34 Chantix users have reportedly committed suicide.  According to an FDA Nov. 20 Early Communication, the agency said that its preliminary assessment revealed that many of the cases reflected new-onset of depressed mood, suicidal ideation, and changes in emotion and behavior within days to weeks of initiating Chantix treatment. The role of Chantix in these cases was not clear, the FDA said, because smoking cessation, with or without treatment, is associated with nicotine withdrawal symptoms and has also been associated with the exacerbation of underlying psychiatric illness. However, not all patients described in these cases had pre-existing psychiatric illness and not all had discontinued smoking.

In February, the FDA said “it appears increasingly likely that there may be an association between Chantix and serious neuropsychiatric symptoms.” The agency said that it had asked Pfizer to elevate the prominence of safety information regarding suicidal thoughts and other psychiatric problems to the warnings and precautions section of the Chantix prescribing information, or labeling. In addition, the FDA said it was working with Pfizer to finalize a Medication Guide for patients. However, many consumer advocates, including the group Public Citizen, want the FDA to go further and highlight the Chantix suicide risk with black box warning – the agency’s highest safety alert.

Considering the recent FDA notices, it is not surprising that the US Public Health Service’s Chantix recommendation is raising eyebrows.  Critics say Chantix has not been on the market long enough to known the true extent of its suicide risks, or what other side effects it might carry.

Other critics have said that Dr. Fiore’s involvement makes the guidelines little more than a Chantix sales pitch.  Fiore was once a paid consultant to Pfizer.  Though he says he cut ties with Pfizer in 2005, critics say those ties could still cause him to be biased in favor of Chantix.

According to the Associated Press, the new guidelines encourage doctors to speak with their smoking patients about Chantix, and claim it works better than other methods or drugs.  The guidelines say doctors should consider asking about their patients’ psychiatric history before prescribing Chantix. Doctors also should monitor patients for changes in mood and behavior while on the drug.

But some smoking experts question claims that Chantix is more effective than other smoking cessation methods.  Lois Biener, a researcher of tobacco use and smoking cessation efforts at the University of Massachusetts in Boston, told the Associated Press that most people who quit do so without smoking essation drugs. While a few studies have shown some benefit, it’s “way less than what is claimed” by medication advocates, Biener said.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Thank you for reaching out to the public through your tv ad! Your staff was always available and very helpful during the entire process of being eligible for the 9/11 compensation fund. The fund continues to assist us with my husbands illness. Without you, our eyes would have never been open to his eligibility. We can never thank you enough! Martha-jean Rosiello xox
martha-jean rosiello
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Thank you parker waichman for settling my case big thanks to bret anick who put all efforts andhard work to get to this point Thanks again guys
Timothy Torres
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I am currently a client of Parker Waichman and have been extremely happy with the firm's service. Christina Morace is my paralegal who has help make this experience ( the 911 process- Victim's Compensation Fund) easier, stress-free, and pleasant. and is a joy to work with. She has gone above and beyond her duties. Without her guidance, and support I wouldn't have been able to have gone through this. I am so grateful to her and highly recommend this firm.
viviane giangola
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038