Study Finds Chantix

May Increase Risk

of Heart Attacks

A recent study has revealed that Chantix, the most popular anti-smoking drug in the market, may increase the risk of heart attack and other heart disease, the exact ailments smokers are trying to prevent by kicking the habit.

The new analysis concludes that for those taking the medication the risk of heart problems increases by 72%. For smokers that have never had a history of heart disease, the risk for adverse events increased even higher, by about 150%. More than 7 million people in the United States have taken Chantix, which is produced by the pharmaceutical Pfizer.

In the five years since Chantix was approved, it has been the subject of several Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety reviews, particularly one concerning depression, suicidal thoughts and suicidal actions, which earned the drug the FDA's strongest warning label, the "black box." This past June, theFDA warned that Chantix may be linked to an increased risk of heart problems.

The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, looked at data from more than 8,000 patients. Although the study included some with cardiovascular disease, the vast majority of the patients in the research did not have a history of heart disease.

If you or some you know has taken Chantix and suffered a heart attack or adverse cardiovascular problems; or has suffered psychological problems such as depression or suicidal thoughts, please contact our office for a free consultation. You may be entitled to receive monetary compensation. Call Now for a Free Consultation: In Broward, (954) 653-9969; Miami-Dade, (305) 259-7100; Fort Myers & Naples, (239) 332-0268 or toll-free, (866) 913-3948