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January 7th, 2023Individuals have filed lawsuits against Pfizer for its anti-smoking drug Chantix. Plaintiffs filed lawsuits after the company recalled Chantix upon discovering a probable human carcinogen. With Chantix cases increasing, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) centralized federal claims. As of December 22, 2022, there is now a Chantix MDL to house claims that consumers ingested carcinogenic contaminants. The formation of this new MDL is a favorable sign for those coming forward with contaminated Chantix claims.
Has Chantix harmed you or a loved one? Continue reading to learn more about health conditions linked to the drug and the increasing lawsuits filed against Chantix manufacturers.
Chantix performed well in clinical studies, and unlike other treatments, it does not contain nicotine. For these reasons, the drug showed great promise as a leading treatment in curbing smoking addiction. However, the drug created to help adults stop smoking may possess multiple unintended consequences.
Before Pfizer recalled Chantix in 2021 over cancer concerns, many had already spoken out against the drug’s other adverse health effects. Shortly after Chantix’s approval, the FDA received reports of suicidal ideation, depression, and agitation. There have been several reported suicides and suicide attempts allegedly linked to the use of Chantix. These neuropsychiatric effects prompted the FDA to establish a black box warning for Chantix. Following this updated labeling, the FDA also notified the public about the heightened risk of cardiovascular events while taking Chantix.
Despite the worrisome effects of taking Chantix, the FDA and Pfizer have repeatedly stated that the benefit outweighs the possible risks.
Pfizer recalled all lots of Chantix in September 2021. The company moved forward with the recall after locating a specific nitrosamine impurity. Nitrosamines are chemicals that exist naturally at low levels in food and water. While we may encounter minute amounts of nitrosamines daily, long-term exposure to high concentrations can result in cancer. Patients who took Chantix for an extended time may have ingested unsafe levels of these cancer-causing chemicals.
The FDA lists the acceptable intake of nitrosamines as 37 nanograms per day. Yet, laboratory testing revealed nitrosamine levels between 150-470 nanograms per Chantix tablet.
Individuals have filed lawsuits claiming Chantix was defective due to the presence of carcinogenic substances. On December 22, 2022, the JPML consolidated Chantix cancer claims into a multidistrict litigation (MDL). This MDL will help to streamline Chantix claims and ensure consistent rulings. Across the sixteen centralized cases, plaintiffs claim they endured economic damages and will require medical monitoring for cancer because of Chantix.
This is not the first time the smoking cessation medication has faced lawsuits in multidistrict litigation. Pfizer previously battled Chantix lawsuits concerning suicide claims in multidistrict litigation in Birmingham, Alabama. By 2013, Pfizer had settled most of these cases for roughly $273 million.
Smokers put their faith in Chantix to improve their health by kicking the harmful habit. Instead, the increasing risks associated with the smoking cessation medication have led some to question the benefits. If you are considering filing a Chantix lawsuit but do not know where to begin, the lawyers at The Lake Law Firm want to speak with you.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 274-0139.
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