What You Need to Know About the Chantix Recall and Its Health Risks
The FDA approved Chantix, an anti-smoking drug, in 2006. After 15 years on the market, the FDA has reported that long-term use of Chantix may lead to a higher risk of cancer. In response, Pfizer is recalling the medication to protect people from potential health risks. Despite the recall, experts still recommend that people who are currently taking Chantix continue to do so for the time being. Here’s what you need to know.
Why is Chantix Being Recalled?
Pfizer is voluntarily recalling Chantix, also known as varenicline, after finding that the drug contains unacceptable levels of nitrosamine. The FDA maintains that the acceptable intake limit for nitrosamines is 37 ng per day.
Nitrosamine is a chemical that you can find in tobacco smoke and tobacco itself. It’s also found in various foods, like beer, meat, fish, and fried food. They’re also sometimes found in vegetables, dairy products, and even water. Nitrosamines aren’t produced for any industrial purpose — instead, they’re usually an unintentional byproduct of food preparation and processing.
Testing on laboratory animals has shown that some levels of nitrosamine can cause cancer. Although Chantix has been on the market since 2006, the FDA has only recently made this discovery. They report that there are several factors that led them to this new discovery:
● Better testing methods
● Improved technology to detect trace amounts of impurities, like nitrosamines
● More information on the chemical structures of drugs and what to look for
● Better knowledge of the manufacturing processes
Armed with this new information, the FDA has been able to determine that forming low levels of nitrosamines does cause an increased risk of cancer. Through their newly improved testing, the FDA may find more drugs that have similar levels of impurities and future recalls may arise.
Why Do Experts Say to Keep Using Chantix?
Despite the increased risk of cancer that taking Chantix poses, experts still recommend continuing to use the medication if you’re currently on it. There are multiple considerations for this. Ultimately, the health risks of smoking are worse than those of taking Chantix.
There are also concerns with quitting Chantix without an alternative or guidance from your doctor. Some people experience worse or new mental health issues, like aggression, agitation, hostility, depressed mood, changes in behavior or thinking, and suicidal thoughts or actions.
With this in mind, it’s recommended that you continue taking Chantix as directed until you can speak with your doctor. They may recommend an alternative. You may also be near the end of your prescription, as Chantix is typically used for just 12 to 24 weeks.
Alternative Options
Despite the recall, people still have options to help them quit smoking. Alternatives include:
● Chantix manufactured in Canada
● The generic form of Chantix, which was recently approved for use in August
● Zyban or generic Zyban
While Pfizer is recalling Chantix for its nitrosamine content, it’s important to remember that the health risks of smoking are more concerning than the risk of continuing to take the medication. Be sure to speak with your doctor to create a personalized plan for your health.
Resources:
https://www.chantix.com/getting-started-with-chantix/what-to-expect
About Us
Here at HealthNeed Medical Urgent Care, our main goal is to provide an easy and friendly walk-in experience that will have you face to face with one of our many medical specialists within minutes of checking in and without an appointment. Our team of medical experts offers treatments anywhere from bandaging small scrapes and cuts to IVs. Come check out our offices that are open 365 days a year. We provide pediatric as well as senior medical care, with most health insurances accepted.
Queens Crossing
38–21 Main St, Suite 1A
Flushing, NY 11354
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance:
136–17 39th Ave, Suite 1A
Flushing, NY 11354
Phone: (718) 888–1808
Terms of Use and Disclaimer — The information contained in this document has been culled from online resources and government agencies and is for general informational purposes only. The information is provided in good faith to support the community and our friends impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Your use of this document and your reliance on the information contained herein is solely at your own risk. All liability with respect to any reader, user or browser’s reliance on this document and/or actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this document is hereby expressly disclaimed.
