New research indicates that Champix (Pfizer), the famous drug to stop smoking, can not, contrary to what has been said in the past increase the risk of depression and heart attacks.
The study, published in " The Lancet "(Again them) followed more than 160 000 patients who received nicotine replacement therapy for five years with the anti-smoking drug on GlaxoSmithKline Zyban (bupropion) or Champix of Pfizer (varenicline).
The researchers found that people taking Champix or Zyban are no more likely to have a heart attack or develop depressive symptoms than those who use other alternative methods. In addition, the use of Champix has been associated with a significantly reduced risk of ischemic heart disease, cerebral infarction, heart failure, arrhythmia and depression.
Aziz Sheikh, one of the study researchers and Co-Director of the University of Edinburgh's Center for Medical Informatics, said: “ Based on our in-depth analysis, we believe that it is highly unlikely that
varenicline has serious negative effects on the heart or mental health ”. " Regulators such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should review their safety warning about Champix so as not to unnecessarily limit access to this effective smoking cessation aid.."
The results come as good news for Pfizer, who has already undertaken a very similar study to assess the neuropsychiatric safety of their products, the results of which will be available later this year. Champix, marketed under the name Chantix in the United States, achieved worldwide sales of $ 647 million in 2014, making it one of the best-selling smoking cessation drugs. However, given the controversy surrounding the side effects of this one, sales dropped from 2007.
To note about the authors of the study : The teacher. Daniel Kotz received an unrestricted grant from Pfizer for a smoking cessation trial outside the work presented and is supported by a grant from the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Research of the German Federal State of Rhineland of North Westphalia.
The teacher. Robert West received grants, personal expenses, and non-financial support from Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, and Johnson & Johnson, and personal expenses from Novartis, outside of the work presented. The teacher. Onno CP van Schaycka received a research grant from Pfizer outside of the work presented. The manufacturers of varenicline and bupropion are not involved during any stage of this project. The teacher. Aziz Sheikh meanwhile is supported by the Farr Institute, which is supported by a consortium of donors led by the Medical Research Council and the Commonwealth Fund; the views presented here are those of the SA and not necessarily of the Commonwealth Fund, its directors, officers, or staff. There is no conflict of interest for the other authors of the study.
Since 2008, the drug has been at the center of nearly 3000 trials, however, all cases were resolved by Pfizer in June 2013.
Source : Pmlive.com
