Chantix Suicides Not Properly Reported

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices, a non-profit organization devoted to medication error prevention and safe medication use, reported recently that the risks associated with the use of Chantix (Varenicline) could have been underestimated because Pfizer failed to properly report hundreds of older serious psychiatric adverse events.  Adverse event reports associated with the use of drugs are required to be entered in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS).  Pfizer, the people who brought you Bextra (removed from the market) and the agreement with the government to pay 2.3 billion for illegal drug promotion (off label drug promotion, free golf, trips and who knows what else to docs), didn't report 150 suicides of Chantix users properly.  They mixed them up among the reporting of hundreds of other less serious adverse events and didn't report them within 15 days as required.  It wasn't until July of 2010 that the FDA was aware of more than half of the reported suicide cases in which Chantix was the primary suspect drug.

If you have been paying attention, this is only the most recent problem Pfizer has faced with Chantix.  For several years the drug has been associated with suicidal behavior.  The drug has been banned for pilots and truck drivers taking Chantix can't get licenses.  Recent studies have shown shocking problems that may result from use of the drug.  A study in PLoS showed a connection between Chantix and serious acts of violence, such as physical abuse, physical assault and homicide.  The Annals of Pharmacotherapy published a study which indicates a link between Chantix and violent, aggressive thoughts and acts.  And if all that wasn't enough, the Canadian Medical Association Journal reports that Chantix has now been linked to an increase in serious cardiovascular problems.

Lawsuits have been filed all over the country involving Chantix.  The lawsuits in Federal Courts have been consolidated in the Northern District of Alabama in front of Judge Johnson.  Jerry Taylor of the Taylor Law Firm has been appointed by Judge Johnson to the Plaintiff's Steering Committee in that litigation.  If you would like to discuss a potential claim involving Chantix please contact us immediately or call toll free at 855.646.4355.  We serve clients in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and the cities of Mobile, Biloxi, Gulfport, Pascagoula and Pensacola as well as clients nationwide.