Do Chantix Side Effects Outweigh It’s Benefits?
By Andrea Gressman
Everyone knows the side effects associated with smoking. We hear the statistics on the number of lives cigarettes claim each year. So, many people were certainly relieved when a smoking-cessation drug hit the market that claimed it would help them quit smoking in a safe and effective manner. This drug is marketed as Chantix. However, almost as soon as people started using Chantix they started experiencing severe and sometimes life-threatening side effects. That has led Chantix to be the focus of numerous lawsuits and even a Chantix side effects class action lawsuit investigation. And now there have been reports that the medical community is saying that the risks of Chantix side effects definitely outweigh the drug’s benefits.
In a recent report by the American Council on Science and Health they brought up this hot topic. Their focus was on the higher risk of Chantix cardiovascular side effects that was recently announced by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 12, 2012. The FDA cited a meta-analysis of a series of clinical trials. These trials compared a large number of patients who took the anti-smoking drug, Chantix, and those who took a placebo. The results indicated that Chantix contains a higher side effect risk to developing a severe cardiovascular event. Some of these include heart attacks, strokes, or even death.
The FDA went on to note that the Chantix heart attack side effect increase “was not statistically significant” but it still should not be ignored. They encouraged potential users to thoroughly discuss the possible side effects of Chantix with their doctor before they begin to use it.
The American Council on Science and Health physician, Dr. Gilbert Ross addressed the topic of benefits versus side effect risks by saying, “As with any drug there is a risk/benefit ratio, but when the benefits are close to zero than the risks are no longer worth it.”
American Council on Science and Health’s Dr. Josh Bloom agreed with his colleague saying, “Instead of adding another drug to your system, why not simply take the one that you are already using—nicotine.”
There are more Chantix side effects associated with the drug than many people realize. One of the major side effects associated with Chantix happens to be severe depression, suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts, and even actual suicides. There have been a number of Chantix suicide lawsuits filed by the family members of loved ones that have committed suicide while taking Chantix. They allege in the Chantix lawsuits that the drug was responsible for the death of their loved ones.
Common Chantix Side Effects
Chantix has been associated with a number of side effects beyond the ones mentioned above. These include some of the following:
* Changes in behavior
* Adverse behaviors including aggression,
* Psychological problems
* Blackouts
* Develop Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
* Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
* Additional cardiovascular problems
If you or someone you know has taken Chantix and experienced one or more side effects it is important to know your legal options. There are Chantix lawsuit attorneys currently standing by waiting to investigate your Chantix side effect claim, including psychological problems, aggression, depression, blackouts and suicidal thoughts. Visit the Chantix Suicide, Heart Attack, Suicide Attempt & Stevens Johnson Syndrome Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation page immediately. An experienced Chantix lawsuit lawyer is ready to provide you with your free legal review.
Updated December 24th, 2012
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