Chantix and Suicide
Recent reports suggest that there is an association between the use of the anti-smoking drug Chantix and suicide. Drug regulators in the United States and Europe are investigating hundreds of suicides, reports of suicidal thoughts and severe behavior changes which occurred among users within a few weeks of taking the drug. The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent individuals and their families, who are pursuing a potential Chantix lawsuit as a result of committing suicide or inflicting severe physical injury on themselves while taking the drug.
>>INFORMATION: Side effects of Chantix and Suicide
When reports of suicide among Chantix users first began to surface late last year, Pfizer, the drug’s maker, attempted to minimize the risk and suggested that the problems were not caused by side effects of Chantix. They suggested that the suicide problems were likely caused by the effects of nicotine withdrawal or pre-existing psychiatric illness, as opposed to their medication.
In almost all cases where people go to their doctor and obtain a prescription medication to help them stop smoking, they do so because they want to improve their health and avoid the risks of smoking, which could shorten their life. These individuals are generally motivated to make the difficult, health promoting life changes necessary to quit smoking, and many of the reports of suicide have not involved people with any history of psychiatric illness.
Pfizer’s failure to warn about these problems and attempts to minimize the risks associated with Chantix is a clear example of a pharmaceutical company placing profits before the health and safety of consumers.
Since Chantix was approved by the FDA in May 2006, it has become one of the few bright spots in the drug pipeline for Pfizer. Faced with declining sales among other medications, the pharmaceutical giant was particularly protective of their potential blockbuster medication, which was already turning into a billion dollar a year drug.
As a result of Pfizer’s failure to warn about the potential link between Chantix and suicide, users and their families may be entitled to financial compensation. The Chantix lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential cases throughout the United States. If you, a friend or family member suffered severe self-inflicted injury or death as a result of suicide or unusual aggressive behavior, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
