Pfizer Responds to Latest Round of Chantix Injury Lawsuits

Pfizer Inc. is coming out swinging against three new lawsuits filed this week accusing the company’s blockbuster stop-smoking drug Chantix of causing users to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Three separate lawsuits were filed in New York State Supreme Court accusing Pfizer of failing to adequately notify users and doctors about the risks of depression, suicidal thoughts, and other known side effects of the drug. The plaintiffs also allege later warnings added to the Chantix packaging were inadequate to protect patients.

“Defendant intentionally, recklessly, and/or negligently concealed, suppressed, omitted, and/or misrepresented the risks, dangers, defects and disadvantages of Chantix,” said attorney Marc Grossman who is representing the plaintiffs in the three lawsuits.

Pfizer issued a statement in response to those lawsuits, denying the claims and vowing to fight the allegations in court.

“We stand firmly behind Chantix, a proven aid to smoking cessation specifically developed to help adults over 18 quit smoking,” said a company statement issued by media relations representative Sally Beatty. “At all times, Pfizer has clearly communicated important information about the safe use of Chantix, which is available only with a prescription. Smoking is a public health crisis – it is the leading cause of premature death in this country. We intend to vigorously defend this medicine, which has helped many smokers around the world quit. Chantix is approved as a smoking cessation aid by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as well as regulators in 85 other countries.”

Chantix was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2006 and has been used by many adult smokers trying to kick their habits. Many Chantix users have complained of experiencing vivid dreams and hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, and aggressive behavior while on the drug.

While most complaints from Chantix users involve suicidal thoughts or behaviors, in June 2009, the FDA announced it was investigating Chantix for a possible link to blackouts, vision problems, and other serious side effects.

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