Everyone should know by now that smoking kills (About.com). After several class-action products liability lawsuits against tobacco companies were settled for millions, smoking-cessation programs and anti-smoking aids became widespread, including nicotine patches and pills meant to curb nicotine cravings.
But one such drug manufactured by Pfizer, called Chantix, has been blamed in three separate lawsuits for allegedly causing its users to attempt suicide, with at least one success (Reuters). Chantix hit the US market in 2006.
Central to all three suits is the claim that Pfizer knew the drug's side effects included possible depression and thoughts of suicide. Pfizer eventually added the warnings to its package insert (you know, the folded up piece of paper with tiny print that most people just throw away), but plaintiff's attorneys say it is inadequate.
Mineola, New York attorney Marc Grossman, representing all three plaintiffs, alleged the following in the lawsuits:
"[Pfizer] intentionally, recklessly, and/or negligently concealed, suppressed, omitted, and/or misrepresented the risks, dangers, defects and disadvantages of Chantix."
While two lawsuits claim the plaintiffs tried to commit suicide as a result of taking the drug, the family of Indiana resident Annette Pine filed a wrongful death suit for her suicide after taking Chantix.
Pfizer is holding its ground, at least publicly, about the drug which is approved in 86 countries to help people quit smoking. Spokeswoman Sally Beatty said the following in a press statement:
"At all times, Pfizer has clearly communicated important information about the safe use of Chantix, which is available only with a prescription. We intend to vigorously defend this medicine."
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Chantix, Zyban Issued Suicide Warning By FDA (AP, via Huffington Post)
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Chicago Injury Lawyers (FindLaw)
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