ATTENTION ALL CUSTOMERS:
Due to a recent change in our pharmacy software system, all previous login credentials will no longer work.
Please click on “Sign Up Today!” to create a new account, and be sure to download our NEW Mobile app!
Thank you for your patience during this transition.

Jack's Drugs Logo

Get Healthy!

Pfizer Recalls All Lots of Anti-Smoking Drug Chantix Due to Potential Carcinogen
  • Steven Reinberg
  • Posted September 17, 2021

Pfizer Recalls All Lots of Anti-Smoking Drug Chantix Due to Potential Carcinogen

Pfizer is expanding the recall of its anti-smoking drug Chantix (varenicline), the company announced Friday.

The nationwide recall of all Chantix 0.5 mg and 1 mg tablets was prompted because they may contain levels of a nitrosamine, N-nitroso-varenicline, that are at or above levels approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Long-term ingestion of N-nitroso-varenicline may be linked to a "theoretical potential increased cancer risk in humans," the company said, adding that no immediate risk to patients taking Chantix exists.

"The health benefits of stopping smoking outweigh the theoretical potential cancer risk from the nitrosamine impurity in varenicline," Pfizer said in its statement.

Nitrosamines are common in water and foods -- including cured and grilled meats, dairy products and vegetables -- so everyone is exposed to some level of these chemicals.

Patients taking Chantix should consult with their doctor about other treatment options. So far, Pfizer has received no reports of adverse events tied to this recall, the company stated.

More information

For more on the Chantix recall, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

SOURCE: Pfizer, news release, Sept. 17, 2021

HealthDay
Health News is provided as a service to Jack's Drugs site users by HealthDay. Jack's Drugs nor its employees, agents, or contractors, review, control, or take responsibility for the content of these articles. Please seek medical advice directly from your pharmacist or physician.
Copyright © 2024 HealthDay All Rights Reserved.