Chantix® (its chemical name is varenicline) is a prescription drug designed to aid people who want to quit smoking. Chantix® first approved for sale in the United States during 2006, is also marketed under the brand name Champix® in Europe and other countries. According to information published by its manufacturer, as of June, 2009, Chantix® has been prescribed to over 10 million people worldwide since being launched.

There have been numerous reports of adverse events associated with the use of Chantix®. These reports appear in the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) database and associate the use of Chantix® including such side effects as suicide ideation, self-harm, development of diabetes, glucose intolerance and seizures.

In January 2008, Pfizer, Inc., the manufacturer of Chantix®, revised the label for Chantix® by adding a safety warning as mandated by the FDA. The new warning advised prescribing physicians to monitor their patients fro neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with the use of Chantix®. These symptoms include suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior, agitation, changes in behavior, and depressed mood. In May 2008, the Chantix® label and patient information was again revised to warn patients that they should stop taking Chantix® and contact their healthcare providers immediately if they experience depressed mood, agitation, thoughts of suicide, suicidal behavior or changes in behavior that are atypical. This warning was elevated to a “Blacked Box” in 2009.

If you or a loved one have suffered injury or experienced serious side effects after taking Chantix® and would like us to review the situation, please complete our E-Contact form.