Why is Chantix Prescribed?
Chantix (Varenicline) is prescribed for people as a smoking cessation medication. It helps people stop smoking by blocking the pleasant effects of nicotine on the brain. It is in the form of a tablet, taken orally once or twice per day, with a full glass of water after eating a meal. It is important to take the medication expressly as it is prescribed.
It sometimes takes a few weeks to feel the full benefits of Chantix. That said, the entire regimen is not supposed to last longer than 12 weeks. If you are still smoking at the end of 12 weeks, it is advisable to discuss why and what to do next with your doctor.
Are There Side Effects Associated with Chantix Use?
Absolutely. And you may be experiencing one or more of them as we speak. There are many side effects reported by users of Chantix. Call your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects in severity:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Gas
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Appetite change (decrease or increase)
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Drowsiness
- Nightmares or unusual dreams
- Headache
The most serious side effects are:
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, gums, arms or legs
- Swollen, red or blistering skin
- Blisters in the mouth
- Rash
- Psychiatric issues
FDA Warning
On June 6, 2011, all medical professionals were advised by the FDA that there is a small, increased risk of certain “cardiovascular adverse events” in patients who have cardiovascular disease. This warning came directly following the FDA review of a double-blind study that included 700 patients with cardiovascular disease. In the study, each patient was issued either Chantix or a placebo. The result? Although cardiovascular events were not rampant within the study subjects, there was an identifiable difference between those receiving Chantix and those receiving the placebo.
The adverse events included: heart attack, angina pectoris, non-fatal myocardial infarction, the need
for coronary revascularization, and new diagnoses of peripheral vascular disease or admission for a
procedure for the treatment or peripheral vascular disease.
The FDA also stated that the known benefits of Chantix should be weighed against the risks when
deciding to prescribe it for a patient’s smoking cessation program.
If you have suffered any of these side effects, the time is now to contact a Chantix Lawyer.
Some Doctors Have Decided Enough is Enough and No Longer Prescribe Chantix
A well-known doctor at Johns Hopkins University, Sonal Singh – also an assistant professor of medicine – stopped prescribing Chantix over a year ago (2010) – before the results of the FDA review of the abovementioned study even became public. What does that tell you?
This doctor was involved with a research team that reviewed 14 studies. After the review, their decision was that the risks were too high to continue to prescribe this medication. Singh didn’t stop at only those patients with existing cardiovascular issues. Singh does not prescribe it at all.
Wouldn’t it be great if all doctors were this concerned about the negative side effects of Chantix?
In the researchers review, they determined that 52 of the 4,980 people taking Chantix experienced a serious cardiovascular event, to include: abnormal heart rhythm, stroke, heart failure, heart attack or a cardiovascular related death. This was compared to the 27 out of 3,308 in the placebo group of patients. The conclusion was that the use of Chantix raised the risk of a serious cardiovascular event by nearly 72%.
The fact is that many doctors continue to prescribe Chantix, even though they are well aware of the risks. Is your doctor the one to be held responsible for the harm you have incurred as a result of the drug they prescribed you? Or is the manufacturer of the drug the guilty party?
There is no way to address any doctor’s frame of mind who continues to prescribe this medication. But one must wonder–are they unaware of the results of studies? Are they unaware of their patients pre-existing heart condition?
You May be Experiencing Psychiatric Issues in Conjunction with Chantix Use
Heart problems are not the only serious issue that can result from Chanitx use. Data continually suggests that using this stop-smoking aid can cause:
- Increased risk of suicide
- Hostility
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Aggression
- Depression
Think these are minor side effects? You might want to reconsider. In fact, the Institute for Safe Medical Practices recently released a report that detailed the severity and frequency of these side effects in the second quarter of 2010. In the quarter alone, there were over 200 cases of clinical depression andincreased aggression reported in connection with Chantix use. These numbers are greater than those associated with popular antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs. Sound serious? We think so.
Is Chantix really the best option out there for you to quit smoking? If it is causing you any of these problems, then the answer is a clearly resounding “NO.” However, if this is the drug you have been prescribed, then you are probably still taking it as you read this.
What Should You Do if You are Experiencing Psychiatric Problems While Using Chantix?
If the above mental and emotional side effects of Chantix hit too close to home, our recommendation for you is two-fold:
1. Contact your physician immediately and discuss your side effects and other options for quitting smoking.
2. Email us at mail@ogletreeabbott.com and ask to speak to a Chantix recall attorney.
From there we will schedule a free consultation and discuss what is happening, along with your choices. Should we agree on moving forward with a Chantix lawsuit, then we will let you know exactly what to expect.
But not to worry, we will handle the whole thing for you—every step of the way.
Above All, Who Can Help You Now?
At the Ogletree Abbott Law Firm, we will help you to assess your injury caused by using Chantix. We will help you by carefully reviewing your case, your medical history, your medical providers and the long-term effects of taking a drug that was only supposed to block the nicotine from your brain.
Remember, all you wanted to do was stop smoking to save your health. Yet now your health has taken a turn for the worse as a result of the supposed “cure.”
When you call on the Ogletree Abbott Law Firm, you don’t get an “ambulance chaser.” We are a law firm built on providing high-quality customer service. That means:
• We care about your needs first—Sure we know everyone says that. But here at the Ogletree Abbott Law Firm, we prove that we put your needs first. How? Well, simply put, you do not pay us a single penny until we win your case. But wait, it gets better. ..on the off chance that we are unable to reach a financial settlement on your behalf, then you owe us nothing. What does this do? Not only does it show you what our firm truly cares about, but it also takes the stress off of you and places it on us. But don’t worry—we can handle it.
• We are completely honest with you—Every step we take will be completely and concisely communicated to you. You will be aware of the things happening on your case, as the discussions with the drug company and their attorneys are all disclosed to you so that you never feel as though you are “out of the loop.” And furthermore, we will not even begin the process unless we are sure that we stand a good chance of recovering your losses for you.