FDA Approves Smoking Cessation Drug

Today the FDA approved a new drug to help combat people addicted to cigarettes.

The drug, called Chantix, is comprised of varenicline tartrate, a new molecular entity that got a priority review from the FDA because if the benefit it could have to the American population.

Chantix affects smokers in two different ways. One, by providing effects similiar to nicotine to help ease withdrawal symptoms, and two, by blocking the effects of real cigarettes should they begin smoking again.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) almost 45 million people smoke cigarettes in the US. Of them over 8 million suffer from serious illness due to smoking.

Chantix is manufactured and distributed by Pfizer.

Like all medications, there’s a chance for side effects. They include nausea, headache, vomiting, gas, insomnia, abnormal dreams, and dysgeusia (change in taste perception).

Resource: FDA