Chantix side effects lead to serious
medical problems
July 9, 2009

The FDA confirmed that the smoking cessation drug Chantix has been linked to serious health risks. Chantix was developed to help adults quit smoking, however recent studies show that Chantix may cause adverse side effects.

The law firm of Morelli Ratner PC is reviewing potential claims for individuals who have suffered serious injury or death as a result of taking Chantix. The smoking cessation drug has been linked to suicide, psychiatric illness and serious injuries caused by blackouts and loss of consciousness. The potential for a Chantix lawsuit is being reviewed and evaluated on behalf of individuals who:

- Committed suicide or attempted suicide
- Suffered severe physical injury as a result of sudden abnormal behavior
- Diagnosed with new on-set Diabetes
- Diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome, (SJS) a serious skin disease or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)
- Suffered severe physical injury or death from an accident or fall caused by seizures, black-outs, vision disturbances or other sudden problems

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or died while taking Chantix contact Morelli Ratner immediately for help. Our firm is representing people who have been injured by Chantix use. Morelli Ratner has extensive experience in defective drug litigation and will fight to protect your rights.

Submit your Free Chantix Case Evaluation Form

Potential Chantix cases are being reviewed throughout the United States. There are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained.

What is Chantix? (Smoking cessation drug Chantix)

Chantix (varenicline tartrate) is a prescription medicine; manufactured and distributed by Pfizer as a smoking cessation drug to help ease the side effects of nicotine withdrawal and help people permanently stop smoking. The FDA approved Chantix in May 2006, and it quickly became a popular drug among individuals attempting to improve their overall health by kicking their nicotine addition. Studies show that Chantix is 44% effective in achieving smoking cessation and 13% more effective than other leading medicines. Despite these positive attributes, Chantix has several negative side effects that can lead to serious medical problems and even death. In fact, Chantix problems are surfacing at an alarming rate, making it one of the drugs most associated with severe adverse reaction reports according to the FDA.

The active ingredient in Chantix acts on the brain, which has led to a number of problems and side effects, which the manufacturer failed to adequately research or warn about. Since it was first approved through an expedited priority review, the FDA has required Pfizer to add information to the Chantix warning label about a possible increased risk of suicide, suicidal thoughts and abnormal behavior seen among users of the drug. However, lawsuits are also being reviewed for a number of other Chantix problems, which have caused severe injury or death for a number of users.

If you are concerned about your use of Chantix, contact the Chantix lawyers at Morelli Ratner. Their knowledgeable attorneys are prepared to assist you.

Submit your Free Chantix Case Evaluation Form

Chantix Lawsuit

Chantix lawsuits are being reviewed as a result of Pfizer's failure to properly warn consumers and investigate problems associated with the drug. Pfizer's actions seem to indicate that the company is primarily concerned with protecting profits, even at the expense of the health of people who are trying to quit smoking to prolong their lives

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or died while taking Chantix contact Morelli Ratner immediately for help. Morelli Ratner has extensive experience in defective drug litigation and will fight to protect your rights.

Submit your Free Chantix Case Evaluation Form

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Skin Reactions Linked to Chantix: FDA Reports

The FDA released their list of drugs that are being investigated for potential health risks and a number of the drugs listed had potential signals for Stevens-Johnson syndrome side effects or other severe skin reactions.

In 2007, Congress enacted legislation that requires the FDA to release a list of drugs identified through the Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS), which show potential signs of serious health risks. The FDA releases the list about every three months, and the most recent list released on June 4, 2009, identified 19 different drugs or class of medications.

For the period between October 2008 and December 2008, potential skin problems or Stevens-Johnson syndrome were identified in association with the use of Chantix, Detrol, Provigil, Nuvigil and hydrochlorothiazide in combination products.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, commonly referred to as SJS, is a potentially life-threatening skin condition where the skin burns from the inside out. It is almost always associated with adverse drug reactions, and can lead to severe scarring, disfigurement, blindness, organ failure, breathing disorders and death. When the skin lesions associated with SJS cover more than 30% of the body, the condition is referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, or TEN.

Chantix (varenicline) is a well-known stop-smoking drug manufactured by Pfizer, which is indicated on the list as showing potential signals for “serious skin reactions” as well as several other potential problems. The Institute first identified Chantix Stevens-Johnson syndrome reports early last year in an independent report for Safe Medication Practices.

Inclusion of a drug on the list does not mean that it has serious health risks, just that the FDA is investigating possible risks. The FDA will release individual warnings, notices, or labeling requirements once investigations of the potential risks are completed.

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