The pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has recalled its anti-smoking drug Chantix over concerns that long-term use may elevate cancer risk, according to Healthline.
According to USA Today, Pfizer initiated the voluntary recall due to concerns about high levels of nitrosamine, a chemical found in tobacco, tobacco smoke and certain foods. Some nitrosamines have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. While Pfizer has expressed concern over long-term use, the company says that there is no immediate risk to patients who take the medicine.
Pfizer is recalling all lots of .5 mg and 1 mg tablets. The Food and Drug Administration advises all patients who take Chantix to continue taking their medicine as directed until their pharmacist provides a replacement or their doctor prescribes a different drug.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
