Pfizer decision to recall four more lots of Chantix from the United States and Puerto Rico market has caused a shortage of this anti-smoking drug in the country. Chantix recall 2021 is done after the company found nitrosamine level to be beyond FDA permissible limit. This recall is not for retailers and only covers the manufacturing and wholesale dealers of Pfizer. Though FDA has requested for retailers recall too, still it has not passed any orders, and according to the pharma giant, this is a voluntary recall.
Table of Contents Toggle About Chantix Drug:Pfizer Chantix recall 2021:FDA efforts to control shortage after chantix recall 2021:Final verdict:
About Chantix Drug:
It is a nicotine-free prescription-based medicine used mainly by chain smokers to reduce or quit smoking. The high nitrosamine level in the pill has led to chantix recall 2021, as this can raise the risk of cancer if taken for a more extended period. The active ingredient of this medicine is varenicline which is available as .5mg and 1 mg variant for controlling smoking habits. Smokers take this medicine in consultation with a medical expert. As per standard practice, it is taken for 12 weeks initially, and if it works additional 12 weeks is recommended for complete abstinence. How Chantix help in controlling smoking addiction:
Nicotine in cigarettes binds with nicotine receptors in the brain, which releases dopamine. Dopamine is a feel-good neurotransmitter, and the addict wants more of it, so an additional cigarette means more dopamine. Chantix chemical binds with nicotine receptors and reduces dopamine secretion.
Pfizer Chantix recall 2021:
Last Friday, Pfizer recalled four additional batches of Chantix, taking the entire batch recalled till now to sixteen. Though they have not received any report of side effects on people taking this medication, this recalling is done purely on a precautionary note. The pharma giant has asked people on this medication to consult their medical practitioner if they took the recalled lot. Nitrosamine is a chemical found in many medicines within the permissible limit, but it was more than FDA guidelines in the recalled lot. According to the FDA, nitrosamine is found in water, meat, and vegetables; it is harmful if taken above the prescribed limit.
FDA efforts to control shortage after chantix recall 2021:
After Pfizer started pulling out its anti-smoking pill in the United States, there is fear of shortage in the market; its last pull of four batches on Friday has pressed the panic button for drug controllers. As there are not many substitutes for this medicine in America, drug controllers are trying to stop the shortage. Some steps taken by FDA to stop the shortage in the retail market are listed below:
The agency approves the import of the medicine from Canada. It has also allowed generic Chantix to sell its pills in the country. It has also approved Par pharma to sells its anti-smoking medicine.
Final verdict:
Chantix recall 2021 is not first on the list of pills recall; some time back, ranitidine and losartan were pulled off the market due to the higher presence of nitrosamines. It is in people’s interest using this medicine that Pfizer brings improved pills in the market at the earliest. People using this medicine can share their experiences in the comment section for the benefit of other readers and give their opinion about the post below. To know more about the Chantix story, read it here. Also Read : – Philips Respironics Recall 2021 {June 2021} Read & Know!
