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If you are taking Chantix, find a way to stop now!  It has been noted that there has been a  large increase in the number of serious injuries linked to Chantix.  Chantix is a smoking cessation drug made by Pfizer.  Chantix has been known to cause seizures and loss of motor control.  Currently there has been over 1,000 noted incidents from Chantix users including 50 deaths.  These injuries and deaths occured in the first quarter of the year, which leaves Chantix exceeding the number of adverse side-effects for any prescription drug.

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices, a nonprofit drug-safety group, released the findings.  The information gathered was based on reports that had been filed with the FDA from all over the country.  This information included 15 adverse effects linked to road traffic accidents and 52 cases involving a variety of blackouts.

Pfizer expressed doubts in a recent statement by saying, “We understand that the Institute for Safe Medication Practices report was based solely on a tally of post-marketing  adverse events” they also stated that these reports “are often unverifiable and lack sufficient medical information to draw any conclusions.”However, this did lead Pfizer to add a tougher warning label on the drug last year after it had been linked to psychiatric side effects that include depression and suicidal behavior.

After the FDA conducted their own review, it issued a public health alert regarding these side effects.  Additionally, the ISMP report regarding links to accidents was also released in May.  This report prompted the Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Defense to restrict the use of Chantrix.  All pilots and air-traffic controllers have been ordered to stop using the drug immediately.

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