Despite concerns about side effects of Chanitx, Pfizer’s ad campaign resumes

By Harvey Kirk
Posted May 8, 2008

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Chantix is a stop smoking drug which was heavily advertised by Pfizer in direct-to-consumer advertisements until earlier this year. Most of the branded ads were pulled after safety concerns emerged about psychiatric side effects of Chantix which could increase the risk of suicide. However, new ad campaigns are beginning to resurface, now with information about the suicide risks disclosed.

>>INFORMATION: Side Effects of Chantix

Reports of suicide and erratic behavior associated with the use of Chantix began to surface late last year. Following an FDA early communication in November 2007 about possible Chantix suicide side effects, Pfizer added vague information to the drug’s label about changes in behavior.

In January 2008, Pfizer updated the label again to feature additional information about suicides and changes in behavior in a more prominent location. The FDA has also indicated that following a review of data, “it appears increasingly likley that there may be an association between Chantix and serious neuropsychiatric symptoms.”

According to a report by Mike Huckman at cnbc.com, Pfizer has worked with the FDA to come up with new ad copy for a re-launched “awareness” campaign to help increase sales of the drug. Unlike prior campaigns, the Chantix ads now indicate that users should notify their doctors if they experience, or their family members observe, changes in behavior, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thinking or suicidal behavior. Potential users are also now being urged to tell their doctors about any history of depression or mental health problems before requesting a prescription for Chantix.

CHANTIX LAWSUITS

Despite the new warnings and advertisements, Pfizer still faces a large number of potential Chantix lawsuits which are being pursued on behalf of individuals who committed suicide or suffered severe physical injury as a result of a suicide attempt. As a result of Pfizer’s failure to provide adequate warnings about the side effects of Chantix, users were unaware that sudden changes in behavior may be related to the drug. If this information had been disclosed, many serious and fatal injuries may have been avoided.

If you, a friend or family member have suffered severe physical injury or death as a result of the psychiatric side effects of Chantex, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.