MedWorm: Chantix

Health Canada's review of the cardiovascular safety of varenicline [Champix] is complete

Reactions — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:34:27 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

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Varenicline as a smoking cessation aid in a Greek population: a subanalysis of an observational study

Tobacco Induced Diseases — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In this 'real-world' observational study, 70.4% of Greek smokers successfully quit smoking after 12 weeks of varenicline therapy, providing support that varenicline is an effective smoking cessation medication. Further studies with longer follow-up are warranted.Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov (unique identifier: NCT00669240). (Source: Tobacco Induced Diseases)

Smoking Cessation Med May Also Help Cocaine DependenceSmoking Cessation Med May Also Help Cocaine Dependence

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:18:14 +0100

A small pilot study suggests that varenicline may decrease use and reward effects in patients with cocaine dependence, a condition with no current pharmacologic treatment. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

FDA review of antismoking aid, varenicline, and neuropsychiatric adverse events.

The American Journal of Nursing — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Aschenbrenner DS PMID: 22277865 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Nursing)

New Lawsuit filed on Chantix: AttorneyOne.com provides advice and...

PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:33:34 +0100

On Jan. 5th, 2012 Jonathan L. Wince filed the lawsuit No. 8:2012cv00048 in the circuit court for Montgomery Country, Maryland. Jonathan L. Wince accuses Pfizer, the company manufacturing Chantix, for...(PRWeb January 26, 2012)Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/1/prweb9138855.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)

Interventions for preventing weight gain after smoking cessation.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:18:08 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Although some pharmacotherapies tested to limit PCWG show evidence of short-term success, other problems with them and the lack of data on long-term efficacy limits their use. Weight management education only, is not effective and may reduce abstinence. Personalised weight management support may be effective and not reduce abstinence, but there are too few data to be sure. One study showed a VLCD increased abstinence but did not prevent WG in the longer term. CBT to accept WG did not limit PCWG and may not promote abstinence in the long term. Exercise interventions significantly reduced weight in the long term, but not the short term. More studies are needed to clarify whether this is an effect of treatment or a chance finding. Bupropion, fluoxetine, NRT and varenicline reduce...

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Varenicline: Cardiovascular disorders: 27 case reports

Reactions — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:35:21 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Systematic review of the cost‐effectiveness of varenicline vs. bupropion for smoking cessation

International Journal of Clinical Practice — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:59:50 +0100

Conclusions regarding the cost‐effectives were changed upon sensitivity analysis with the following variables: time horizon, cost of bupropion, efficacy of either drug, age and the incidence of smoking related disease. Varenicline dominated bupropion in most cost‐effectiveness models. However, applicability of models to clinical practice and variables which changed conclusion of cost‐effectiveness should be considered in the interpretation of results. (Source: International Journal of Clinical Practice)

Results of an initial clinical trial of varenicline for the treatment of cocaine dependence

Drug and Alcohol Dependence — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:46:52 +0100

Conclusions: Varenicline appears to decrease cocaine use and reward, suggesting that further investigation of varenicline may be warranted. (Source: Drug and Alcohol Dependence)

The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:48:44 +0100

AbstractNo Increased Risk of Serious Cardiovascular Events with ADHD Drugs in Children or AdultsZolpidem Safe for Long‐Term Use in Physically and Mentally Healthy PatientsMirtazapine Reduces Methamphetamine Use and Sexual Risk Behavior in Men Who Have Sex with MenMaintenance Treatment of Bipolar I DisorderWhy Psychiatrists Should Treat SmokingIncreased Risks of Suicidal Behavior and Depression with Varenicline in Smoking CessationMortality in Antipsychotic‐Induced Neuroleptic Malignant SyndromeDelirium Following Addition of Adjunctive Quetiapine/Valproate in BPRecommendations Unchanged on ADHD DrugsSSRIs in Pregnancy: No Change in RecommendationsNew ApprovalsSafety Labeling Changes (Source: The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update)

Varenicline and CV events: postmarketing experience in NZ

Reactions — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:22:43 +0100

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New Reports Examine Psychiatric Risks of Varenicline for Smoking Cessation [Medical News & Perspectives]

JAMA — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Tablet, Film Coated [Lake Erie Medical Surgical Supply DBA Quality Care Products LLC]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Jan 6, 2012 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Real world evaluation of three models of NHS smoking cessation service in England

BMC Research Notes — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The results suggest that service structure, method of support, healthcare professional involved and pharmacotherapy all play a role in a successful quit. Services must be tailored to support individual needs with patient choice and access to varied services being key factors. (Source: BMC Research Notes)

Long-term efficacy and safety of varenicline for smoking cessation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Journal of Public Health — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:06:07 +0100

Conclusion Varenicline therapy compared with placebo is associated with a favorable effect on smoking cessation at the end of 52 weeks. However, the psychiatric adverse events related with varenicline should be further studied with larger qualified study. People with preexisting mental illnesses should be prudently treated with varenicline. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s10389-011-0476-5Authors Yubei Huang, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China 100191Weiqin Li, Tianjin Women’s and Children’s Health Center, No. 96 Guizhou Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, ChinaLi Yang, Department of P...

CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Kit CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Tablet, Film Coated [Physicians Total Care, Inc.]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Dec 28, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

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CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Kit CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Tablet, Film Coated [Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Dec 22, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Safety and Tolerability of Varenicline Tartrate (Champix®/Chantix®) for Smoking Cessation in HIV-Infected Subjects: A Pilot Open-Label Study

AIDS Patient Care and STDs — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:51:03 +0100

AIDS Patient Care and STDs Jan 2012, Vol. 26, No. 1: 12-19. (Source: AIDS Patient Care and STDs)

Cardiovascular Events in Patients taking Varenicline: A Case Series from Intensive Postmarketing Surveillance in New Zealand

Drug Safety — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:55:15 +0100

(Source: Drug Safety)

Brief opportunistic smoking cessation interventions: a systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare advice to quit and offer of assistance

Addiction — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Physicians may be more effective in promoting attempts to stop smoking by offering assistance to all smokers than by advising smokers to quit and only offering assistance to those that express an interest in doing so. (Source: Addiction)

Effects of Moderate-Dose Treatment With Varenicline on Neurobiological and Cognitive Biomarkers in Smokers and Nonsmokers With Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder [Original Article]

Archives of General Psychiatry — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Moderate-dose treatment with varenicline has a unique treatment profile on core schizophrenia-related biomarkers. Further development is warranted for specific nAChR compounds and dosing and duration strategies to target subgroups of schizophrenic patients with specific biological deficits. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00492349 (Source: Archives of General Psychiatry)

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Psychiatric Drugs and Violence

About.com Bipolar Disorder — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Table of drugs found by a major study to be associated with an increased risk of violent behavior, and a further discussion of the risks of Chantix. (Source: About.com Bipolar Disorder)

CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Kit CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Tablet, Film Coated [Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Dec 2, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Varenicline: Fatal myocardial infarction: case report

Reactions — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 07:29:01 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Psychiatric Drugs and Violence

About.com Bipolar Disorder — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:58:11 +0100

In late 2010 a study came out called "Prescription Drugs Associated with Reports of Violence Towards Others." By a complex set of calculations, the researchers found that 31 prescription medications were associated with the most incidents of violent behavior, and two-thirds of these were psychiatric drugs. Although they are widely open to misinterpretation, the figures seem unnerving. For example, the #1 drug on the list, the anti-smoking medication Chantix (varenicline), was found to be 18 times more likely to be associated with violent incidents than all the other 484 drugs in the study combined. But this does not mean 18% of people taking Chantix will be violent. One key figure that doesn't appear anywhere in the study is: how many people are taking Chantix? Without knowing that, an ov...

The pain of giving up smoking

International Journal of Cardiology — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

A 53 year old female presented to a regional hospital with severe central chest pain. The electrocardiogram showed an acute inferior myocardial infarction with 4mm of ST-segment elevation in leads II, III and aVF and reciprocal ST-segment depression in leads I, aVL, and V1-3 (A). The patient had multiple cardiac risk factors including medically treated hypertension, hypercholesteremia, obesity and a family history of (non-premature) ischaemic heart disease. Of note, the patient was a smoker (20 cigarettes per day) until quitting just weeks prior to presentation. Smoking cessation was assisted with the prescription of varenicline, which was instituted the day before presentation. (Source: International Journal of Cardiology)

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Study protocol for a non-inferiority trial of cytisine versus nicotine replacement therapy in people motivated to stop smoking

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

DiscussionCytisine appears to be effective compared with placebo, and given its (current) relative low cost may be an acceptable smoking cessation treatment for smokers, particularly those in low- and middle-income countries. Cytisine's 'natural' product status may also increase its acceptability and use among certain groups of smokers, such as indigenous people, smokers in countries where the use of natural medicines is widespread (e.g. China, India), and in those people who do not want to use NRT or anti-depressants to help them quit smoking. However it is important to ascertain the effectiveness of cytisine compared with that of existing cessation treatments.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12610000590066) (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articl...

Suicidal behavior and depression in smoking cessation treatments. - Moore TJ, Furberg CD, Glenmullen J, Maltsberger JT, Singh S.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 23:51:22 +0100

BACKGROUND: Two treatments for smoking cessation-varenicline and bupropion-carry Boxed Warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about suicidal/self-injurious behavior and depression. However, some epidemiological studies report an increase... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Varenicline withdrawal: Psychosis: case report

Reactions — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:03:53 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

News about Smoking

About.com Pediatrics — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:23:03 +0100

Many news organizations are reporting about a new study, "Suicidal Behavior and Depression in Smoking Cessation Treatments," which was published in the PLoS One online journal. The study suggests that varenicline (Chantix), a medicine used to help people stop smoking, "shows a substantial, statistically significant increased risk of reported depression and suicidal/self-injurious behavior."...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Pediatrics)

Study Links Chantix to Suicide Risk, but FDA Disagrees

MedicineNet Depression General — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Study Links Chantix to Suicide Risk, but FDA DisagreesCategory: Health NewsCreated: 11/4/2011 11:01:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 11/4/2011 (Source: MedicineNet Depression General)

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Another cessation aid goes up in smoke

Health Facts and Fears — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Two drugs used to help people stop smoking — varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Zyban) — carry a significantly increased risk of depression and suicidal or self-injurious behavior, according to a new study published in the Public Library of Science. (Source: Health Facts and Fears)

Study Links Chantix to Suicide Risk, but FDA Disagrees

WebMD Health — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:40:34 +0100

Just over a week after federal health officials released a report finding no evidence of an increased risk of serious psychiatric problems in users of the anti-smoking drug Chantix, a new study comes to the opposite conclusion. (Source: WebMD Health)

Study: FDA Downplayed Chantix Suicide Risk (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Primary Care — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:11:34 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- By focusing only on episodes of depression and suicidality that ended in hospitalization, a recent FDA review of psychiatric side effects of the stop-smoking drug varenicline (Chantix) underestimated its true risks, researchers said. (Source: MedPage Today Primary Care)

Study: Anti Smoking Drug May Increase Suicide Risk

WDSU.com - Health — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:40:31 +0100

The popular quit-smoking drug Chantix may increase the risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts in some patients, says a new report. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)

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Chantix-suicide link has some calling smoking-cessation drug last resort

Health News: CBSNews.com — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:36:05 +0100

New study shows Chantix much more likely than other smoking-cessation products to be associated with self-injury and suicide (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Chantix Unsuitable for First-Line Smoking Cessation Use

Drugs.com - Pharma News — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:11:57 +0100

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Nov. 2, 2011 – The poor safety profile of the smoking-cessation drug varenicline (Chantix™) makes it unsuitable for first-line use, according to a study published in the Nov. 2 edition of the journal PLoS One, an... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)

Health Highlights: Nov. 3, 2011

Primary Care News - Doctors Lounge — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:10:00 +0100

Strengthen Chantix Warnings: Study Expand Vytorin's Use to Include Some Kidney Patients: FDA Panel Laser Treatment Turns Brown Eyes Blue Dutch Psychologist's Studies Fraudulent: Investigators FDA Testing Pet Food for Salmonella (Source: Primary Care News - Doctors Lounge)

Suicide risk higher with varenicline than other stop-smoking meds

theHeart.org — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:15:45 +0100

Chantix should not be a first-line choice for smoking cessation, authors of a new paper say. Their study found significantly more cases of suicidal behavior and depression with varenicline than with bupropion or nicotine replacements. (Source: theHeart.org)

Chantix's Suicide Risk Makes It Unsuitable As First Line Smoking Cessation Drug, New Study

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0100

A new study finds that the smoking-cessation drug varenicline (Pfizer's Chantix) has too poor a safety profile to make it suitable for first-line use. Researchers from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, and other research centers in the US, found the drug, known as Champix outside the US, was 8 times more likely to result in reports of suicidal behavior or depression than nicotine replacement products. They report their findings in the 2 November issue of PLoS One, an online journal of the Public Library of Science... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Analysis investigates risks of suicidal behavior and depression with smoking cessation treatments

NeLM - Mental Health — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: PLoS One Area: News The findings of this American study suggest that varenicline is associated with a significantly increased risk for suicidal behavior and depression. Bupropion, for smoking cessation, was found to be associated with smaller increased risks. The researchers note that both varenicline and bupropion are treatments for smoking cessation and both carry Boxed Warnings from the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S FDA) relating to suicidal/self-injurious behavior and depression. They examined the comparative neuropsychiatric safety profiles of varenicline and bupropion with regard to suicidal/self-injurious behavior and depression as reflected in adverse drug event data. Data for serious injury case reports between 1998 and September 2010 from the...

New study says Chantix raises suicide risks

Reuters: Health — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 21:46:03 +0100

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Pfizer's smoking cessation drug Chantix carries too many risks and should only be tried when other treatments fail, researchers said on Wednesday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Greater Suicide Risk With Varenicline vs Other Cessation MedsGreater Suicide Risk With Varenicline vs Other Cessation Meds

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 21:00:18 +0100

A comparison study of smoking cessation medications shows that varenicline was associated with significantly more cases of suicidal behavior and depression than bupropion or nicotine replacement therapy. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Chantix unsuitable for first-line smoking cessation use

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center) The poor safety profile of the smoking-cessation drug varenicline (Chantix) makes it unsuitable for first-line use, according to a study published in the Nov. 2 edition of the journal PLoS One, an online publication of the Public Library of Science. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Smoking Cessation Pharmacogenetics: Analysis of Varenicline and Bupropion in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials

Neuropsychopharmacology — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: David P King, Sara Paciga, Eve Pickering, Neal L Benowitz, Laura J Bierut, David V Conti, Jaakko Kaprio, Caryn Lerman & Peter W Park Keywords: pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics; addiction and substance abuse; clinical pharmacology/clinical trials; neuropharmacology; varenicline; bupropion; nicotine; smoking cessation; nicotinic receptors (Source: Neuropsychopharmacology)

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Adjunctive Varenicline Treatment with Antipsychotic Medications for Cognitive Impairments in People with Schizophrenia: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Neuropsychopharmacology — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Joo-Cheol Shim, Do-Un Jung, Sung-Soo Jung, Young-Soo Seo, Deuk-Man Cho, Ji-Heon Lee, Sae-Woom Lee, Bo-Geum Kong, Je-Wook Kang, Min-Kyung Oh, Sang-Duk Kim, Robert P McMahon & Deanna L Kelly Keywords: schizophrenia/antipsychotics; cognition; psychopharmacology; clinical pharmacology/clinical trials; valenicline; adjunctive treatment; antipsychotics; smoking (Source: Neuropsychopharmacology)

Washington Week: Part B Premiums to Rise Slightly in 2012

MedPage Today Public Health — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:00:00 +0100

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- Seniors will see an increase in Medicare premiums in 2010 while the House blocked payment cuts to physicians. In non-financial news, data showed that the risk for major psychiatric events with varenicline (Chantix) appears to have gone up in smoke. (Source: MedPage Today Public Health)

Health Highlights: Oct. 25, 2011

Primary Care News - Doctors Lounge — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:48:00 +0100

Sepsis Drug Xigris Pulled From Market Mammograms May Save Fewer Lives Than Expected: Analysis Rand Corp. Retracts Study on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Government Studies Suggest Chantix Doesn't Raise Risk of Psychiatric Problems (Source: Primary Care News - Doctors Lounge)

Studies fail to link Chantix, psychiatric ills

Health News: CBSNews.com — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:11:09 +0100

Government-funded studies fail to find increased risk of depression, suicidal thoughts among users of smoking-cessation drug (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

FDA: Chantix Benefits Still Outweigh the Risks

MedicineNet Heart General — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Title: FDA: Chantix Benefits Still Outweigh the RisksCategory: Health NewsCreated: 10/25/2011 11:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 10/25/2011 (Source: MedicineNet Heart General)

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Chantix Benefits Still Outweigh the Risks

eMedicineHealth.com — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0100

FDA: Chantix Benefits Still Outweigh the Risks (Source: eMedicineHealth.com)

US FDA issues updated "Drug Safety Communication" regarding the risks of neuropsychiatric adverse effects of varenicline

NeLM - News — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: US Food and Drug Administration Area: News The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed the results from two FDA-sponsored epidemiological studies that evaluated the risk of neuropsychiatric adverse events associated with the smoking cessation drug varenicline (Chantix; Champix in UK). Subsequently, the FDA has issued an updated Drug Safety Communication in which they alert healthcare professionals and consumers to the possible risk of neuropsychiatric adverse effects of varenicline. The FDA states that both studies had a number of study design limitations, including only assessing neuropsychiatric events that resulted in hospitalisation, and not having a large enough sample size to detect rare adverse events. They also state that although these two studies ...

Studies find no extra risk with smoking drug Chantix (varenicline)

Modern Medicine — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: Modern Medicine)

FDA Update for Neuropsychiatric Events With VareniclineFDA Update for Neuropsychiatric Events With Varenicline

Medscape Psychiatry Headlines — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:18:58 +0100

The FDA says there is no difference in serious adverse events between the smoking cessation therapies varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy. However, questions and concerns linger. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Psychiatry Headlines)

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Psych Risks No Higher With Chantix, FDA Says

MedPage Today Psychiatry — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:13:08 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- WASHINGTON — Smokers who take the smoking-cessation drug varenicline (Chantix) are no more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric events than those who are using a nicotine patch to quit, according to data from two large government studies released Monday by the FDA. (Source: MedPage Today Psychiatry)

FDA: Chantix not linked to mental problems

USATODAY.com Health — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:16:53 +0100

Federal health officials said Monday that Pfizer's anti-smoking drug Chantix did not increase psychiatric problems like depression and suicidal ... (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

FDA: No increased neuropsychiatric events with varenicline

theHeart.org — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:45:00 +0100

In the latest Chantix shake-up, the FDA says there's no difference in serious adverse events between the smoking-cessation therapies varenicline and nicotine-replacement therapy. But questions and concerns linger. (Source: theHeart.org)

Studies show no extra risk with Pfizer smoking drug

Reuters: Health — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:29:47 +0100

(Reuters) - Smokers who take Pfizer's pill Chantix to help them quit do not have a higher risk of being hospitalized for psychiatric events such as depression, compared with nicotine patches, according to studies reported on Monday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Chantix (varenicline)

FDA MedWatch — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:10:00 +0100

UPDATED 10/24/2011. Updated study data. Healthcare professionals should continue to monitor patients for neuropsychiatric symptoms. (Source: FDA MedWatch)

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FDA: Chantix Benefits Still Outweigh the Risks

WebMD Health — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0100

New studies find that Chantix doesn't increase the risk of psychiatric hospitalization. (Source: WebMD Health)

Is Varenicline Effectiveness Declining in Randomized Trials? [Editor's Correspondence]

Archives of Internal Medicine — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: Archives of Internal Medicine)

Is Varenicline Effectiveness Declining in Randomized Trials?--Reply [Editor's Correspondence]

Archives of Internal Medicine — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: Archives of Internal Medicine)

Varenicline prevents affective and cognitive exacerbation during smoking abstinence in male patients with schizophrenia

Psychiatry Research — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusions, varenicline can attenuate abstinence-induced adverse outcomes and appears to be well-tolerated in smokers with schizophrenia. (Source: Psychiatry Research)

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Safety and Tolerability of Varenicline Tartrate (Champix®/Chantix®) for Smoking Cessation in HIV-Infected Subjects: A Pilot Open-Label Study

AIDS Patient Care and STDs — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 03:02:22 +0100

AIDS Patient Care and STDs , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: AIDS Patient Care and STDs)

Review: Varenicline increases risk for serious adverse cardiovascular events in tobacco users.

Annals of Internal Medicine — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: PMID: 22007064 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of Internal Medicine)

Warning Strengthened on Chantix and Psychiatric Issues

About.com Bipolar Disorder — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:45:59 +0100

In 2008 I reported that the anti-smoking drug Chantix (varenicline) could cause worsening of symptoms for people with existing psychiatric illnesses like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. Since then, the safety warning on Chantix regarding psychiatric symptoms has become much stronger. After the drug had been on the market longer, it was found that serious symptoms sometimes appeared in people who didn't have a serious mental illness to start with. Under "Important Safety Information," the first and most serious warning, given in bold type on the Chantix website, is: Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions while using CHANTIX to help them quit smoking. Some people had these symptoms when the...

Manipulation of Cigarette Craving with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Biological Psychiatry — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 03:44:42 +0100

The health risks and societal costs of cigarette smoking are well documented, but the prevalence of smoking among American adults remains high at approximately 20%. Most smokers endorse a desire to quit, but very few (only about 4–7%) will actually do so in a given year without treatment. Current commonly used treatments for tobacco dependence include nicotine replacement therapy (e.g., patch, gum, and lozenge), varenicline HCl (Chantix), bupropion HCl (Zyban), and group and/or individual psychotherapy. These treatments result in roughly 20–25% abstinence rates in smokers at 6 months or more after treatment initiation and are therefore considerably better than attempting abstinence without treatment. However, there continues to be a vital need to improve treatments for cigarette smoker...

NEJM drops the ball on smoking cessation

Health Facts and Fears — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

A lengthy article in this week’s New England Journal of Medicine catalogues a variety of approaches to helping smokers quit within the healthcare setting, including counseling, smoking cessation medications such as bupropion and varenicline, as well as conventional nicotine replacement modalities like gum, inhalers, and patches. (Source: Health Facts and Fears)

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Can’t teach an old anti-smoking drug new tricks

Health Facts and Fears — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Tabex smoking drug shows promise

NHS News Feed — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:30:00 +0100

Conclusion In this promising 12-month trial (involving a treatment period of 25 days), 8.4% of participants taking cytisine (brand name Tabex) managed to give up cigarettes, compared with 2.4% of participants taking placebo. This means that the participants taking cytisine were more than three times more likely to give up. Although individuals in the group receiving cytisine experienced more gastrointestinal side-effects, the researchers said that other uncommon side effects are unlikely as this drug has been available in other countries for more than 40 years. Other points to note are that: The trial was not large enough to assess the uncommon adverse events that could occur with the drug. Because the drug is in the same class as others linked to neuropsychiatric side effects and suicid...

Placebo controlled trial of cytisine for smoking cessation

NeLM - Mental Health — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: N Engl J Med Area: News Cytisine is a partial agonist that binds to the ?4?2 subtype of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. This receptor subtype has been implicated in the development and maintenance of nicotine dependence and was the primary target for varenicline. Studies in non-human species have shown that cytosine does not cross the blood-brain barrier well, and it has been argued that, at the dose used for smoking cessation, cytisine would be expected to have limited efficacy. This single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess its efficacy and safety in a context that could be replicated globally, with a relatively short treatment course and minimal contact with health professionals. Participants were randomised to re...

Study: Generic Quit-Smoking Drug Works

WebMD Health — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 23:11:23 +0100

An older, cheaper drug that works like the smoking cessation drug Chantix was shown to be effective in a rigorously designed and executed clinical trial. (Source: WebMD Health)

Gastrointestinal adverse effects of varenicline at maintenance dose: a meta-analysis

BMC Clinical Pharmacology — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Use of varenicline at maintenance dose of 1mg twice a day for longer than 6 weeks is associated with adverse gastrointestinal effects. In realistic terms, for every 5 treated subjects, there will be an event of nausea, and for every 24 and 35 treated subjects, we will expect an event of constipation and flatulence respectively. Family physicians should counsel patients of such risks accordingly during their maintenance therapy with varenicline. (Source: BMC Clinical Pharmacology)

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Effects of varenicline and bupropion on cognitive processes among nicotine-deprived smokers.

Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Nicotine deprivation is associated with craving, negative affect, and difficulty concentrating, which may contribute to subsequent relapse. Bupropion and varenicline are both effective treatments for smoking cessation, and evidence from clinical trials suggests that these treatments increase abstinence rates. However, the mechanism by which these medications reduce relapse remains unclear. Recent research has focused on cognitive processes, such as attention and working memory, which may predict relapse. In addition, there may also be sex differences in cognitive-related deficits during nicotine deprivation. The current sample consisted of 58 (22 females) daily smokers (at least 10 cigarettes per day) randomized to receive bupropion (300 mg/day), varenicline (2 mg/day), or placebo. After a...

What makes for an effective stop-smoking service?

Thorax — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Routine clinic data support findings from randomised controlled trials that smokers receiving stop-smoking support from specialist clinics, treatment in groups and varenicline or combination NRT are more likely to succeed than those receiving treatment in primary care, one-to-one and single NRT. All smokers should have access to, and be encouraged to use, the most effective intervention options. (Source: Thorax)

Is self-efficacy for smoking abstinence a cause of, or a reflection on, smoking behavior change?

Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Social learning theory considers self-efficacy as a causal factor in behavior change. However, in line with behavioral theory, recent clinical research suggests self-efficacy ratings may reflect, rather than cause, behavior change. To test these two disparate views, self-efficacy was related to actual smoking abstinence on the next day (i.e., self-efficacy causes change), and abstinence status over 1 day was tested as a predictor of rated self-efficacy for quitting the next day (i.e., reflects change). All data were from two similar crossover studies evaluating the short-term effects of both placebo versus medication, nicotine patch (n = 209) or varenicline (n = 123), on smoking abstinence during week-long practice quit attempts. Placebo and active medication periods were separated by an a...

Varenicline: cardiovascular safety.

cmaj — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Samuels L PMID: 21896709 [PubMed - in process] (Source: cmaj)

Varenicline: quantifying the risk.

cmaj — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Alper BS PMID: 21896708 [PubMed - in process] (Source: cmaj)

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Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ties varenicline to impaired awareness

NeLM - News — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: BioSpace Area: News The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has linked varenicline to several cases of impaired awareness, causing at least one car accident. The Ministry stated that it had received six reports of impaired awareness relating to use of the drug between its Japanese release in May 2008 and April 2011. According to the health ministry, the six cases of impaired awareness occurred among both male and female patients between the ages of 40 and 79. The UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for varenicline does contain information on effects of the drug on the ability to drive and operate machinery. (Source: NeLM - News)

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Varenicline: Self injurious behaviour and psychotic disorders: 7 case reports

Reactions — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:09:06 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Causal link between varenicline use and depression

Reactions — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 02:06:19 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

A Prospective Single-arm Open-label Study of Baclofen and Bupropion SR Combination Therapy for Smoking Cessation

Addictive Disorders and Their Treatment — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:48:33 +0100

Conclusions: Combination of baclofen and bupropion SR seems safe and well tolerated with preliminary efficacy for smoking cessation comparing favorably with current first-line smoking cessation aids. The combination of baclofen and bupropion SR may provide an additional treatment option to varenicline or bupropion SR monotherapy. (Health Canada Clinical Trial Registration Control number: 105226). (Source: Addictive Disorders and Their Treatment)

Cost‐effectiveness of tobacco control policies in Vietnam: the case of personal smoking cessation support

Addiction — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:46:20 +0100

Conclusions: Physician brief advice is a cost‐effective intervention and should be included in the priority list of tobacco control policy in Vietnam. Pharmacological therapies are not cost‐effective, and so they are not recommended in Vietnam at this time unless pharmaceuticals would be produced locally at substantially lower costs in the future. (Source: Addiction)

Using the Internet to Understand Smokers’ Treatment Preferences: Informing Strategies to Increase Demand

Journal of Medical Internet Research — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Smokers accessing the Internet for information on quitting appear to differentiate cessation treatments by how much interpersonal interaction or support the treatment entails. Quitting date, smoking level, and sociodemographic variables can identify smokers with varying levels of interest in the 3 classes of cessation methods identified. These results can potentially be used to more effectively target and increase demand for these treatments among smokers searching the Internet for cessation information. (Source: Journal of Medical Internet Research)

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Effects of Varenicline on Smoking Cessation in Patients With Mild to Moderate COPDEffects of Varenicline on Smoking Cessation in Patients With Mild to Moderate COPD

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:04:40 +0100

Does varenicline have any measurable influence on smoking cessation rates in patients with COPD? CHEST (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

[Snus and cardiovascular risk.]

Annales de Cardiologie et d'Angeiologie — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Underner M, Perriot J, Sosner P, Herpin D Abstract The use of "snus" (smokeless tobacco) can be detrimental to health. Snus delivers rapidly high doses of nicotine which can lead to addiction. The use of snus increases the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. Nicotine substitution therapy as well as bupropion and varenicline reduce withdrawal symptoms and tobacco craving during snus cessation. However, they have been shown not to assist in long-term abstinence. Information concerning potential cardiovascular hazards of snus must be incorporated into health educational programs in order to discourage its use. Snus is not a recommended product to help stop smoking. PMID: 21872211 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annales de Cardiologie et d'Angeiologie)

Psychiatric Adverse Events Associated with Varenicline: An Intensive Postmarketing Prospective Cohort Study in New Zealand

Drug Safety — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:19:28 +0100

(Source: Drug Safety)

---

Presse Medicale — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Presse Med. 2011 Aug 11; Authors: Underner M, Perriot J, Peiffer G Abstract The use of snus (smokeless tobacco) can be detrimental to health. Containing carcinogenic nitrosamines (Swedish snus do not contain nitrosamine). Snus delivers rapidly high doses of nicotine which can lead to dependence. It do not induce bronchial carcinoma differently smoked tobacco. Lesions usually develop in the area of the mouth where the snus is placed. Non-malignant oral lesions include leukoedema, hyperkeratotic lesions of the oral mucosa and localised periodontal disease. The most frequently occurring premalignant lesion is leukoplakia. Studies reveal conflicting evidence about the risk of oral and gastroesophageal cancer with regard to snus users. However, the use of snus has proved to be a ris...

Effects of Moderate-Dose Treatment With Varenicline on Neurobiological and Cognitive Biomarkers in Smokers and Nonsmokers With Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder [Original Article]

Archives of General Psychiatry — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

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Australian smokers increasingly use help to quit, but number of attempts remains stable: findings from the International Tobacco Control Study 2002-09.

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cooper J, Borland R, Yong HH Objective: To assess interest in quitting smoking and quitting activity, and the use of pharmacotherapy and behavioural cessation support, among Australian smokers between 2002 and 2009. Methods: Data were taken from 3303 daily smokers taking part in a minimum of two consecutive waves of the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey. Using weighted data to control for sampling and attrition, we explored any effects due to age, sex, whether living in a metropolitan or regional area, and nicotine dependence. Results: Around 40% of smokers reported trying to quit and, of these, about 23% remained abstinent for at least one month when surveyed. Low socioeconomic smokers were less likely to be interested in quitting and less likely to make a qui...

Varenicline: robust conclusions could not be drawn from recent meta-analysis

Reactions — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 02:06:49 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Response to kotz et al. (2011): estimating the rate of usage of varenicline and other medication for smoking cessation

Addiction — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Addiction)

Estimating the rate of usage of varenicline and other mediction for smoking cessation

Addiction — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Addiction)

Estimating the rate of usage of varenicline and other medication for smoking cessation

Addiction — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Addiction)

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CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Kit CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Tablet, Film Coated [Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Jul 26, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

In brief

BMJ Online First — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Benefits of varenicline outweigh risks: The European Medicines Agency has said that the slightly increased risk of cardiovascular events associated with varenicline (Champix) reported in a recent... (Source: BMJ Online First)

FDA Updates Label for ChantixFDA Updates Label for Chantix

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 17:59:07 +0100

The label warns physicians that while varenicline is effective in helping patients with cardiovascular disease quit smoking, it is also associated with a small increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events in this patient population. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

FDA updates label for Chantix

theHeart.org — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 17:15:46 +0100

Chantix (varenicline): Label Change - Risk of Certain Cardiovascular Adverse Events

Drugs.com - Pharma News — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:07:58 +0100

[UPDATED 07/22/2011] FDA has approved an updated drug label for Chantix (varenicline) to include information about the efficacy and safety of the drug in two patient populations who may benefit greatly from giving up smoking—those with... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)

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New Information Added to Chantix Label

MedPage Today Primary Care — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 20:38:41 +0100

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- The FDA has updated the label for varenicline (Chantix), the smoking cessation drug, with additional safety and efficacy information in patients with cardiovascular disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). (Source: MedPage Today Primary Care)

Tobacco dependence treatment for hospitalized smokers: A randomized, controlled, pilot trial using varenicline.

Addictive Behaviors — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This pilot trial of varenicline in hospitalized smokers demonstrated feasibility of implementation, produced some hypothesis-generating findings, and suggested the potential benefit of face-to-face treatment following discharge. PMID: 21835552 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Addictive Behaviors)

EMA Updates on Pioglitazone and VareniclineEMA Updates on Pioglitazone and Varenicline

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:00:58 +0100

he European drug regulator is recommending a label change for one drug, and a stay-the-course message for the second. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Kit CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Tablet, Film Coated [Rebel Distributors Corp]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Jul 22, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Chantix (varenicline): Label Change - Risk of Certain Cardiovascular Adverse Events

Drugs.com - FDA MedWatch Alerts — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Audience: Family Medicine, Cardiology [UPDATED 07/22/2011] FDA has approved an updated drug label for Chantix (varenicline) to include information about the efficacy and safety of the drug in two patient populations who may benefit greatly from... (Source: Drugs.com - FDA MedWatch Alerts)

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European Medicines Agency confirms positive benefit-risk balance for varenicline (Champix®)

NeLM - News — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: EMA Area: News The European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) and Pharmacovigilance Working Party has concluded that the slightly increased risk of cardiovascular events reported in a recent meta-analysis (see previous NeLM news report) does not outweigh the benefits of varenicline (Champix®) in helping people to stop smoking. The CHMP identified a number of limitations of the meta-analysis, including the low number of events seen, the types of events counted, the higher drop-out rates in people receiving placebo, the lack of information on the timing of events, and the exclusion of studies in which no-one had an event. Due to these limitations, the Committee could not draw firm conclusions from the meta-analysis. The C...

EMA updates on pioglitazone and varenicline

theHeart.org — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:57:00 +0100

The European drug regulator is recommending a label change for one drug, and a stay-the-course message for the second. (Source: theHeart.org)

FDA and EMA Issue Updates on Dronedarone, Varenicline, and Pioglitazone

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:33:40 +0100

The FDA has issued an update on dronedarone (Multaq, Sanofi Aventis) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has provided updates on its reviews of dronedarone and 2 other drugs which also have been the subject of recent controversies: pioglitazone (Actos and other names, Takeda) and varenicline (Champix, Pfizer): (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)

Study demonstrates increased cardiovascular risk associated with varenicline

Modern Medicine — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:27:39 +0100

A recent study raises safety concerns associated with the use of varenicline among tobacco users. Use of the drug was associated with a 72% increased risk of serious adverse cardiovascular events and deserves further investigation, according to results of the study, which was published July 4 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Serious adverse CV events with varenicline

Reactions — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:58:58 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

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Oxycodone/varenicline: Mania: case report

Reactions — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:58:58 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

New Information On Varenicline (Champix) Inconclusive: NPS, Australia

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Uncertainty remains despite new research published this month linking a smoking-cessation medicine to an increased risk of heart attacks, according to NPS. The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, suggests that the smoking cessation medicine varenicline (Champix) is linked to a small increase in the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Varenicline increases smoking abstinence at 6 months to a year compared with placebo or bupropion; nausea is the most commonly reported adverse effect

Evidence-Based Medicine — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Context Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable premature death in the world, with an estimated 5 million smoking-related deaths worldwide. Quitting substantially reduces the health risk associated with smoking. Treatments available for smoking cessation include nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), bupropion and the most recently marketed, varenicline. Varenicline, an analogue of cytisine, is a partial agonist for the α4β2 subtype of nicotinic cholinergic receptors, which are associated with the addictive effects of nicotine. Varenicline may help smokers quit smoking by reducing the rewarding effects of nicotine as well as attenuating the withdrawal symptoms.1 This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of partial nicotine agonists, varenicline or cytisi...

Varenicline raises risk of heart problems, analysis indicates

BMJ Online First — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Smokers who use the smoking cessation drug varenicline (marketed in the United Kingdom as Champix) are at increased risk of heart problems, a new meta-analysis has concluded. A team led by Sonal... (Source: BMJ Online First)

Recent Warnings About Varenicline Cite Cardiovascular Risk

AAFP Health of the Public — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 21:35:00 +0100

Two family physicians who are experts on smoking cessation said in interviews with AAFP News Now (Source: AAFP Health of the Public)

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, more commonly known by the brand name Chantix, does help some smokers quit.

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 06:22:32 +0100

(Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

Smokers Using Varenicline to Quit the Habit at Greater Risk of Heart Attack or Other Serious Heart Problems- 07/4/11

Johns Hopkins Medicine News — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:25:08 +0100

Chantix increases heart disease risk, says study: What should users do?

Health News: CBSNews.com — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:06:00 +0100

Despite reported increase for heart disease risk in people taking Chantix, doctors say benefits of quitting smoking outweigh risk (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Pfizer Chantix Cardiac Concerns Continue; Stopping Smoking Worth It?

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0100

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University, Wake Forest University and University of East Anglia have found more potential and real heart problems related to Chantix (varenicline), a Pfizer drug that in intended to curb smoking habits. In a review heart problems among 8,216 participants in 14 previously conducted stop-smoking trials, all but one of which excluded people with a history of heart disease. The analysis found that 1.06%, or 52, of the 4,908 participants treated with Chantix reported serious adverse cardiovascular results, versus 0.82%, or 27, of the 3,308 given placebos... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Pfizer Chantix Cardiac Concerns Continue

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0100

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University, Wake Forest University and University of East Anglia have found more potential and real heart problems related to Chantix (varenicline), a Pfizer drug that is intended to curb smoking habits. In a review of heart problems among 8,216 participants in 14 previously conducted stop-smoking trials, all but one of which excluded people with a history of heart disease. The analysis found that 1.06%, or 52, of the 4,908 participants treated with Chantix reported serious adverse cardiovascular results, versus 0.82%, or 27, of the 3,308 given placebos... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Study: Stop-smoking drug Chantix ups risk of heart problems

USATODAY.com Health — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:21:51 +0100

The quit-smoking drug Chantix may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes by as much as 72 percent in smokers who take it, even those ... (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

CMAJ: Smoking cessation drug increases CV events by 72%

Cardiovascular Business News — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:44:35 +0100

The use of varenicline (Chantix, Pfizer) to stop smoking is associated with a 72 percent increased risk of a serious adverse cardiovascular event, according to an article published July 4 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

Varenicline linked to serious adverse CV event risk

MedWire News - Cardiology — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Varenicline may be linked to an increased risk for serious adverse cardiovascular events among tobacco users, researchers report. (Source: MedWire News - Cardiology)

Heart risk in anti-smoking drug seen

Health News - UPI.com — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:26:13 +0100

BALTIMORE, July 5 (UPI) -- The popular anti-smoking drug Chantix increases the risk for a heart attack or other heart problems in healthy, middle-aged smokers, a U.S. researcher says. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

Heart Risks Added To Chantix Health Concerns

WDSU.com - Health — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:08:04 +0100

A study published Monday in a Canadian journal concluded that smokers who take Chantix, one of the most popular smoking cessation drugs, could increase their risk of heart problems. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)

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Pfizer's Quit Smoking Chantix Cardiac Concerns Continue

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0100

Increased CV Risk With Varenicline: New Meta-Analysis Increased CV Risk With Varenicline: New Meta-Analysis

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:21:35 +0100

Further concerns about raised cardiovascular risk associated with the smoking cessation drug varenicline (Chantix, Pfizer) have been raised, with the publication of a new meta-analysis. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Heart risks added to Chantix concerns

CNN.com - Health — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:53:41 +0100

Pfizer Affirms Chantix/Champix As Important Treatment Option for Smokers Wanting to Quit

Drugs.com - Pharma News — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:07:42 +0100

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 4, 2011 - Pfizer said today that the reliable science on varenicline (CHANTIX/CHAMPIX), involving more than 14 clinical trials with more than 7,000 smokers, and the medicine's approval by regulatory authorities... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)

Chantix May Cause More Heart Attacks Than Previously Thought

Drugs.com - Pharma News — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:07:14 +0100

[The Baltimore Sun] From Baltimore Sun (MD) (July 5, 2011) July 05--A new study led by a Johns Hopkins researcher says the popular anti-smoking drug Chantix significantly... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)

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Video: Anti-smoking drug linked to health risks

Health News: CBSNews.com — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:02:11 +0100

New concerns have been raised over the anti-smoking drug Chantix after a new analysis revealed an increase of heart problems. Dr. Jennifer Ashton reports. (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Pfizer Affirms CHANTIX/CHAMPIX As Important Treatment Option For Smokers Wanting To Quit

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:00:00 +0100

Pfizer said today that the reliable science on varenicline (CHANTIX/CHAMPIX), involving more than 14 clinical trials with more than 7,000 smokers, and the medicine's approval by regulatory authorities around the world, demonstrate the importance of the medicine as an effective and appropriate treatment option for adult smokers wanting to quit. Pfizer stands behind the benefit/risk profile of Chantix. The company expressed concerns about the reliability of the meta-analysis by Singh et al published today in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Smoking drug linked to heart issues

Nursing in Practice — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:42:00 +0100

Researchers have found that people who take stop-smoking prescription drug Champix (varenicline) are more likely to suffer heart attacks and stroke (Source: Nursing in Practice)

Smokers Using Varenicline To Quit The Habit At Greater Risk Of Heart Attack Or Other Serious Heart Problems

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Healthy, middle-aged smokers who take the most popular smoking cessation drug on the market have a 72 percent increased risk of being hospitalized with a heart attack or other serious heart problems compared to those taking a placebo, a Johns Hopkins-led study suggests. "People want to quit smoking to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease but in this case they're taking a drug that increases the risk for the very problems they're trying to avoid," says Sonal Singh, M.D., M.P.H... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Study: Chantix May Be Linked to Heart Risk

MedicineNet Senior Health General — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Study: Chantix May Be Linked to Heart RiskCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/5/2011 11:01:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/5/2011 (Source: MedicineNet Senior Health General)

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Chantix May Be Linked to Heart Risk

eMedicineHealth.com — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Study: Chantix May Be Linked to Heart Risk (Source: eMedicineHealth.com)

Study: Chantix May Be Linked to Heart Risk

MedicineNet Depression General — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Study: Chantix May Be Linked to Heart RiskCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/5/2011 11:01:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/5/2011 (Source: MedicineNet Depression General)

Dangers of Chantix When Quitting Smoking

Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Smoking cigarettes is a dangerous habit that many are struggling to break, but for the smokers who choose to use one of the most popular smoking cessation drugs on the market, new warnings about the risk of serious cardiovascular events are on their way. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)

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Stop-Smoking Drug Chantix Ups Risk of Heart Problems: Study

The Doctors Lounge - Cardiology — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Risks outweigh benefits, even for people without pre-existing heart disease, researchers say (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Cardiology)

Varenicline associated with increased cardiovascular risk?

NeLM - News — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: CMAJ Area: News A meta-analysis of data from controlled trials indicates that treatment with varenicline may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events compared to placebo. Varenicline is widely used for smoking cessation: it has also been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and there is a plausible pharmacological mechanism for cardiovascular effects. The authors of this meta-analysis aimed to determine whether adverse event data from trials indicated an increased risk. They carried out a comprehensive literature search for double-blind placebo-controlled trials of varenicline in smokers or smokeless tobacco users, lasting at least one week and reporting on cardiovascular events. Where trials had more than one active treatment arm (e.g. ...

Video: Study: Chantix increases heart disease risk

Health News: CBSNews.com — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 22:57:15 +0100

A study shows the popular anti-smoking drug Chantix, taken by 7 million Americans, is linked with a 72 percent increase in the risk of heart problems. Dr. Jon LaPook reports. (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Study: Quit smoking drug Chantix ups heart risk

Health News: CBSNews.com — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 22:32:39 +0100

New analysis finds the widely used drug may increase the very thing smokers are trying to avoid by quitting (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

MedWorm: Chantix

Health Canada's review of the cardiovascular safety of varenicline [Champix] is complete

Varenicline as a smoking cessation aid in a Greek population: a subanalysis of an observational study

Smoking Cessation Med May Also Help Cocaine DependenceSmoking Cessation Med May Also Help Cocaine Dependence

FDA review of antismoking aid, varenicline, and neuropsychiatric adverse events.

New Lawsuit filed on Chantix: AttorneyOne.com provides advice and...

Interventions for preventing weight gain after smoking cessation.

Varenicline: Cardiovascular disorders: 27 case reports

Systematic review of the cost‐effectiveness of varenicline vs. bupropion for smoking cessation

Results of an initial clinical trial of varenicline for the treatment of cocaine dependence

Table of Contents

Varenicline and CV events: postmarketing experience in NZ

New Reports Examine Psychiatric Risks of Varenicline for Smoking Cessation [Medical News & Perspectives]

CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Tablet, Film Coated [Lake Erie Medical Surgical Supply DBA Quality Care Products LLC]

Real world evaluation of three models of NHS smoking cessation service in England

Long-term efficacy and safety of varenicline for smoking cessation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Kit CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Tablet, Film Coated [Physicians Total Care, Inc.]

CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Kit CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Tablet, Film Coated [Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc]

Safety and Tolerability of Varenicline Tartrate (Champix®/Chantix®) for Smoking Cessation in HIV-Infected Subjects: A Pilot Open-Label Study

Cardiovascular Events in Patients taking Varenicline: A Case Series from Intensive Postmarketing Surveillance in New Zealand

Brief opportunistic smoking cessation interventions: a systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare advice to quit and offer of assistance

Effects of Moderate-Dose Treatment With Varenicline on Neurobiological and Cognitive Biomarkers in Smokers and Nonsmokers With Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder [Original Article]

Psychiatric Drugs and Violence

CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Kit CHANTIX (Varenicline Tartrate) Tablet, Film Coated [Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc]

Varenicline: Fatal myocardial infarction: case report

Psychiatric Drugs and Violence

The pain of giving up smoking

Study protocol for a non-inferiority trial of cytisine versus nicotine replacement therapy in people motivated to stop smoking

Suicidal behavior and depression in smoking cessation treatments. - Moore TJ, Furberg CD, Glenmullen J, Maltsberger JT, Singh S.

Varenicline withdrawal: Psychosis: case report

News about Smoking

Study Links Chantix to Suicide Risk, but FDA Disagrees

Another cessation aid goes up in smoke

Study Links Chantix to Suicide Risk, but FDA Disagrees

Study: FDA Downplayed Chantix Suicide Risk (CME/CE)

Study: Anti Smoking Drug May Increase Suicide Risk

Chantix-suicide link has some calling smoking-cessation drug last resort

Chantix Unsuitable for First-Line Smoking Cessation Use

Health Highlights: Nov. 3, 2011

Suicide risk higher with varenicline than other stop-smoking meds

Chantix's Suicide Risk Makes It Unsuitable As First Line Smoking Cessation Drug, New Study

Analysis investigates risks of suicidal behavior and depression with smoking cessation treatments

New study says Chantix raises suicide risks

Greater Suicide Risk With Varenicline vs Other Cessation MedsGreater Suicide Risk With Varenicline vs Other Cessation Meds

Chantix unsuitable for first-line smoking cessation use

Smoking Cessation Pharmacogenetics: Analysis of Varenicline and Bupropion in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials

Adjunctive Varenicline Treatment with Antipsychotic Medications for Cognitive Impairments in People with Schizophrenia: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Washington Week: Part B Premiums to Rise Slightly in 2012

Health Highlights: Oct. 25, 2011

Studies fail to link Chantix, psychiatric ills

FDA: Chantix Benefits Still Outweigh the Risks

Chantix Benefits Still Outweigh the Risks

US FDA issues updated "Drug Safety Communication" regarding the risks of neuropsychiatric adverse effects of varenicline

Studies find no extra risk with smoking drug Chantix (varenicline)

FDA Update for Neuropsychiatric Events With VareniclineFDA Update for Neuropsychiatric Events With Varenicline

Psych Risks No Higher With Chantix, FDA Says

FDA: Chantix not linked to mental problems

FDA: No increased neuropsychiatric events with varenicline

Studies show no extra risk with Pfizer smoking drug

Chantix (varenicline)

FDA: Chantix Benefits Still Outweigh the Risks

Is Varenicline Effectiveness Declining in Randomized Trials? [Editor's Correspondence]

Is Varenicline Effectiveness Declining in Randomized Trials?--Reply [Editor's Correspondence]

Varenicline prevents affective and cognitive exacerbation during smoking abstinence in male patients with schizophrenia

Safety and Tolerability of Varenicline Tartrate (Champix®/Chantix®) for Smoking Cessation in HIV-Infected Subjects: A Pilot Open-Label Study

Review: Varenicline increases risk for serious adverse cardiovascular events in tobacco users.

Warning Strengthened on Chantix and Psychiatric Issues

Manipulation of Cigarette Craving with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

NEJM drops the ball on smoking cessation

Can’t teach an old anti-smoking drug new tricks

Tabex smoking drug shows promise

Placebo controlled trial of cytisine for smoking cessation

Study: Generic Quit-Smoking Drug Works

Gastrointestinal adverse effects of varenicline at maintenance dose: a meta-analysis

Effects of varenicline and bupropion on cognitive processes among nicotine-deprived smokers.

What makes for an effective stop-smoking service?

Is self-efficacy for smoking abstinence a cause of, or a reflection on, smoking behavior change?

Varenicline: cardiovascular safety.

Varenicline: quantifying the risk.

Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ties varenicline to impaired awareness