Smoking is one of the most common vices amongst Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18.1 percent of all adults – or 42.1 million people – self-identified as cigarette smokers in 2012. While smoking is incredibly addictive, many people attempt to quit in order to avoid the detrimental health effects with which smoking is associated.
In order to help people stop smoking, there are a variety of prescription and non-prescription products available. One such prescription medication is Chantix. Unfortunately, though, some have suffered serious complications after taking the drug. Those harmed can contact the lawyers at Gacovino, Lake & Associates to review any legal options they might have.
How Chantix Works
Chantix is a prescription drug that is manufactured by Pfizer Inc. The active ingredient is varenicline, which works by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain, preventing nicotine from attaching to them.
Some believe that in addition to blocking nicotine, this drug also decreases the amount of dopamine released each time you smoke, reducing your cravings for a cigarette. While it has been effective in aiding people in quitting smoking, it may also be linked to some potentially dangerous side effects.
Side Effects of Chantix
Chantix can have some dangerous side effects and health consequences for those who take it.
According to a Medication Guide by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the side effects include the following.
- thoughts about, or attempts to commit, suicide.
- new or worsened depression, anxiety, or panic attacks.
- confusion.
- changes in mood or behavior.
- aggressive and violent behavior.
- agitation and restlessness.
- mania.
- hallucinations.
- paranoia.
- and, acting dangerous or impulsively.
While these side effects named above can be dangerous—or even deadly—for a person taking Chantix, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also announced that taking Chantix may put the user at a small, but higher risk of “certain cardiovascular adverse events in patients who have cardiovascular disease,” according to a 2011 U.S. FDA safety announcement.
If you suffered a serious complication from Chantix, injury lawyers help you explore whether you may have legal options to pursue compensation for your damages.
Who’s liable in a Chantix lawsuit?
If you’ve been prescribed Chantix and have suffered serious health effects or injuries as a result of the drug, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit against Pfizer, Chantix’s manufacturer.
In addition to the drug’s manufacturer, other parties that may potentially be liable include the following.
- the drug distributor.
- the doctor who wrote the prescription.
- the pharmacy where the prescription was filled.
- and, the facility where the prescription was written.
Much depends on the circumstances of each individual case. If you’re a person who has been harmed by this defective drug, seek the assistance of our attorneys who can review your legal options.
Speak with the our Injury Lawyers at Gacovino & Lake Today
Defective product and personal injury law is often complicated. Those harmed may have difficulty navigating this area of the law without the assistance of a legal professional. If you or a family member suffered harm after taking this drug, the attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates P.C. can provide you with legal help.
Our attorneys will help you compile the medical documents you’ll need to prove your case, walk you through liability and negligence laws, and help you understand your rights as a victim. Furthermore, we are ready to answer your toughest legal questions, and will work to make sure that you get the compensation to which you are entitled.
In order to set up a free case consultation, to speak with our lawyers, call us today at 800-550-0000 or use our online contact form to schedule your consultation.
