Chantix Linked to Increase Risk of Heart Attack

An article in The Baltimore Sun says that a new study from a Johns Hopkins researcher reveals that Chantix, an anti-smoking drug, significantly increases the risk of suffering a heart attack and other serious heart problems. The study showed that the risk of heart problems increased 72 percent for healthy, middle-aged smokers. Dr. Sonal Singh, the leading researcher in the study, estimates that there have been 62,000 serious cardiac events in the U.S. that can be linked to the use of Chantix. Dr. Singh is urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to put stronger warnings on the drug. “People want to quit smoking to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, but in this case they’re taking a drug that increases the risk for the very problems they’re trying to avoid,” said Dr. Singh.

According to the study, the risk is much higher than the FDA has previously indicated. The FDA has said that use of the drug carries a small increase in cardiovascular problems, a claim based on a study of 700 smokers who already had heart disease. FDA officials have responded to the new research by saying that more analysis is necessary before the FDA would be willing to change its position. The organization has also asked Pfizer, the maker of Chantix, to review the Dr. Singh’s data and conduct its own study.

Pharmaceutical companies have a responsibility to study the effects of their drugs and warn consumers of any dangers. When they fail to do so, they must be held accountable for the damages they cause. At the Mandell Law Firm our San Fernando Valley drug injury attorneys can help you get compensation you may be entitled to if you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous drug. Call our law offices today at (818) 886-6600 for a free consultation.