Pfizer has to withdraw drug from the market after suspicion of cancer

The pharmaceutical company Pfizer has to recall its anti-smoking drug Chantix because of high concentrations of a carcinogenic ingredient.

New York - Pfizer * has recalled its anti-smoking drug Chantix because of high levels of an ingredient that has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

This is reported by the US newspaper The Hill.

In a notice posted on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website on Thursday (9/16/2021), Pfizer announced that it was taking the Chantix tablets at 0.5 mg and 1 mg dosages due to the presence of N-nitroso-varenicline is recalling to the consumer.

Pfizer: Ingredient found increased risk of cancer

The long-term use of N-nitroso-varenicline can be associated with a "theoretically possible increased risk of cancer in humans," the statement said.

However, there is no immediate risk for patients who take the drug.

Smoking cessation drugs

According to Gesundheitsinformation.de, drugs to quit smoking can increase the chance of successfully quitting smoking.

Possible side effects include temporary insomnia and nausea.

In Germany, two drugs are approved for smoking cessation: bupropion (trade name Zyban) and varenicline (Champix).

They require a prescription and must be prescribed by a doctor.

The effectiveness of bupropion and varenicline has been studied in many studies.

After 6 to 12 months, it was checked whether the participants were still smoking or were smoking again.

According to the current state of research, varenicline is the most effective means of quitting smoking: studies show that it helps about 12 out of 100 people to quit smoking tobacco.

The company, which is also currently researching Corona * drugs, said it is only carrying out the recall as a precautionary measure.

It also added that the benefits of smoking cessation "outweigh the theoretical potential cancer risk from the nitrosamine contamination."

Pfizer: Recall for all lots since May 2019

The company is recalling all lots of the drug that were distributed to wholesalers and distributors in the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico from May 2019 through September.

In an update on Friday (September 17, 2021), the FDA said that patients should continue to take their medication until pharmacies provide a replacement or other medical treatment is prescribed.

Pfizer: cancer risk if the limit value is exceeded

N-nitroso-varenicline is a nitrosamine that is commonly found in water and food.

Everyone is exposed to some degree of nitrosamines.

However, they can increase the risk of cancer if exposure exceeds a certain limit.

The pharmaceutical company from the USA * had already recalled twelve batches of Chantix in July 2021 because of the presence of N-nitroso-varenicline.

In August, four more lots were recalled because of the contamination.

Pfizer is also in the middle of developing a corona drug *.

The company is hoping for a breakthrough in the fall.

(Luisa Ebbrecht) *

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