PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUITS INITIATE CHANGE IN CHANTIX WARNINGS

(Feb. 1, 2008) The FDA announced a public health advisory about abnormal behavior, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal ideation, and actual suicidal behavior with Pfizer’s anti-smoking drug, Chantix. The FDA provided updated calculations reflecting the following:
- 491 cases of suicidal thinking or behavior, including 420 in the US. And of those, there were 39 suicides, including 34 in the US.

“We’ve become increasingly concerned as we see a number of cases that truly look like exposure to the drug and not other causes,” says Bob Rappaport, director of the FDA’s division of anesthesia, analgesia and rheumatology products, in a briefing this afternoon with reporters. As of now, he adds, “there’s no definitive evidence there’s a causal relationship” between Pfizer and the abnormal and suicidal behaviors. Although, the agency notes that “it appears increasingly likely that there may be an association between Chantix and serious neuropsychiatric symptoms.”

The FDA started reviewing cases last November after national attention grew as a result of the case of Carter Albrecht. Albrecht was a guitarist and keyboardist with the band Edie Brickell & the New Bohemians. He died September 3, 2007 after being shot in the head by a neighbor as he tried to kick in his door.

Earlier that day, Albrecht had been having drinks with his girlfriend Ryann Rathbone at a local Dallas bar. After he become intoxicated, Rathbone drove Albrecht to their home where they both took their dose of Chantix. After that, Albrecht became incoherent and violent, breaking a glass and hitting Rathbone. When Rathbone left the house, Albrecht followed and she locked him out. He pounded on the door then went next door and began pounding on the neighbor’s door. The neighbor warned Albrecht to stop and fired a warning shot through the door, which hit Albrecht. Family and friends say that this type of violent behavior was atypical of Albrecht and believe that the use of Chantix caused the events.

Albrecht’s case is not so uncommon when compared to other normally calm people who have taken Chantix. Suits like Albrecht's initiate change and assist in protecting individuals who may have otherwise ingested this dangerous drug.

Chantix Update: FDA Evaluating Reports of Suicidal Thoughts In Chantix Users

On November 20, 2007, the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") reported that it is evaluating post-marketing adverse event reports about Pfizer Inc.'s smoking cessation drug Chantix upon receiving company submitted reports about Chantix users having suicidal thoughts.

The FDA asked Pfizer for the reports. The FDA said that while it analyzed data, it recommends that health care providers monitor Chantix patients for behavior and mood changes. The FDA said patients should report behavior and mood changes to their doctors.

Claudine Q. Homolash, Esq. represents consumers who have been injured as a result of dangerous drugs and other products.

Serious Side-Effects Linked to the Smoking Cessation Drug Chantix

The smoking cessation drug, Chantix, is manufactured and distributed by Pfizer, a pharmaceutical titan in terms of profits and influence. Chantix was marketed as a promising drug which was designed to work in conjunction with behavior modification therapy to help people work towards leaving their smoking habit behind for good.

Initially, minor side-effects were reported, such as nausea and dizziness, but as time progressed, the known side-effects became more serious. Reported side-effects include chronic feelings of extreme anxiety and depression, up to and including thoughts of suicide and acts of abuse.

Discovery remains ongoing in regards to Chantix, but if you're using it, seek medical attention immediately, especially if you're feeling any potential side-effects. If you have experienced side-effects regarding this drug, contact me directly so I can assist in investigating a potential claim on your behalf.

Claudine Q. Homolash is a personal injury attorney representing individuals injured by dangerous drugs and other products. Ms. Homolash represents injured individuals in litigations involving, but not limited to, the drugs Vioxx, Bextra, and Gadolinium. Ms. Homolash also represents plaintiffs in against Boston Scientific (formerly Guidant) and Medtronic.