Numerous Atlanta residents are using or have used Chantix to quit smoking, but recent studies have indicated that patients who do not have cardiovascular problems prior to trying to quit smoking with Chantix, might be putting themselves at risk of developing such problems in the future. Dr. Curt D. Furberg of Wake Forest, the senior author of one such study, has vehemently plead for the removal of Chantix from the U.S. market.
In June of 2011, the Food and Drug Administration issued its first warning that the use of Chantix might be related to an increase of certain cardiovascular problems in patients who have a history of heart disease. As a result, this new information is being added to all Chantix labels.
Furthermore, a medical trial of 700 smokers with cardiovascular disease were treated either with Chantix or a placebo. And according to the FDA, this trial indicated that the patients treated with Chantix experienced more cardiovascular events than those treated with the placebo.
Such cardiovascular events included:
- angina pectoris
- nonfatal myocardial infarction
- need for coronary revascularization
- in addition to new diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease
Despite the fact that the number of cardiovascular episodes were minor, the FDA has noticed that several episodes have happened more often in patients treated with Chantix. A study that appeared in the Canadian Medical Association Journal has also pointed out the connection between the risk of cardiovascular episodes and the use of Chantix. Might this be only the tip of the iceberg? Only time will tell.
This study found a 72 percent increase in the risk of cardiovascular episodes with the use of Chantix when compared with those using a placebo. And an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients who don’t have a history of cardiovascular disease. Of the 4,908 patients who took Chantix, 52 patients experienced an acute cardiac episode. Whereas, only 27 of 3,308 patients who took the placebo experienced a cardiac episode.
As Dr. Furberg said in his statement, “We have known for years that Chantix is one of the most harmful prescription drugs on the U.S. market, based on the number of serious adverse effects reported to the FDA. It causes loss of consciousness, visual disturbances, suicides, violence, depression, and worsening of diabetes. To this list we can now add serious cardiovascular events.” Not very encouraging news about an already powerful drug that must be taken in accordance with its instructions and all warning followed.
Attorney Robert J. Fleming has been handling wrongful death cases, automobile accident cases, personal injury cases, dental malpractice and medical malpractice lawsuits for individuals and families who have been harmed, injured or died as a result of the carelessness or negligence of another for more than 20 years in and around Atlanta, Georgia and its surrounding areas, including Alpharetta, Austell, Avondale Estates, Chamblee, College Park, Conyers, Duluth, Decatur, Doraville, Hapeville, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Lawrenceville, Norcross, Peachtree City, Riverdale, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Stone Mountain, and Smyrna. If you have been seriously injured and would like quality legal representation, contact Robert J. Fleming directly on (404) 525-5150 or contact us online.