Dangerous smoking cessation drug gets a new life with a sweet government deal

When the big wheels of bureaucracy start turning, logic is the first thing that gets squashed flat.

Chantix, the controversial smoking cessation drug made by Pfizer, has been linked to several deaths due to side effects such as heart attacks, seizures, suicidal behavior and out-of-control rage. That’s why officials for New Zealand’s agency that subsidizes drugs decided not to use federal funds to provide Chantix to NZ citizens.

Excellent idea! Why make a dangerous drug easily available?

But that was two years ago. More recently, agency officials made a package deal that calls for Pfizer to supply New Zealanders with two new drugs, wider availability of third drug, and…yep!…Chantix.

A spokesman for the NZ agency explained the change-of-heart to The Press, stating that new information about Chantix “helped to clarify what the safety risks were and how they could be managed.”

Riiight…like the study published this past July that detailed acts of violence and aggression committed by Chantix users. Those acts included suicide, attempted suicide, depression, nightmares, beatings, and at least one knife attack.

Sorry, New Zealand, you were doing a fine job managing the risks before…by rejecting this dangerous drug.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson

Source:
“Agency Gets Deal on Chantix & Flip-Flops on Risks” Ed Silverman, Pharmalot, 8/30/10, pharmalot.com