Chantix: Further research ties drug to heart problems

According to a CNN report, new research from a Canadian Journal concludes that Chantix, a smoking cessation drug, could raise the risk of heart problems. Just last month the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cited research showing a similar link between Chantix and heart problems.

The black box warning that the drug carries from the FDA is one of the most severe and restrictive labels that can be assigned, often issued to drugs with numerous side effects. According to the report, Chantix has been the subject of a long list of concerns that continue to grow with mounting lawsuits, warnings and research studies.

The controversy surrounding Chantix has often centered on numerous psychological issues that may occur while taking the drug. It has previously been linked to mood swings, depression, suicidal tendencies and hostility.

According to the report, the recent study was conducted in the Canadian Medical Association Journal and included around 8,200 people who took either a Chantix or a placebo. There was a noticeable difference in the risk of heart problems between the two groups. The CNN report mentions that a statistical evaluation which combines previous studies calculates around a 72 percent risk of increased heart problems.

Just last month the FDA issued a warning to the drug which stated that it may be connected to a small risk of cardiovascular events, especially in those who have cardiovascular disease. Some doctors are already having doubts about prescribing the medicine. In the CNN report, Dr. Sonal Singh (one of the authors of the most recent Chantix study) has said that he is already hesitant to prescribe the drug. This is primarily because smokers tend to have cardiovascular issues to begin with and that Chantix seems to amplify that.

Chantix manufacturer, Pfizer stands firmly that there is no statistical evidence that the drug has been the direct cause of psychological issues. This evidence is hard enough to prove because smokers often have some mental health problems, as depression and some other issues are higher in those who smoke.

According to CNN, Pfizer is currently facing nearly 2,000 pending cases that blame Chantix for psychological issues. The article mentioned that nearly a third of these cases focused on suicidal tendencies or attempts, while 10 percent center on blackouts or seizures. The report also stated that half of the cases involve issues like psychiatric injury, chemical imbalance and depression.

References:

Park, Madison. (July 5, 2011). “Heart risks added to Chantix health concerns.” Retrieved on July 6, 2011 from CNN Health