A packet of Champix tablets from drug manufacturer Pfizer on February 19, 2007.Bruno Vincent
Health Canada has launched a safety review of the smoking-cessation drug Champix amid concerns that the medication could possibly trigger heart-related side effects.
"We will take appropriate action as necessary based on the results of our review," Health Canada said in the statement released this week.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration disclosed findings from a clinical trial involving 700 smokers with existing cardiovascular disease. (In the United States, the drug is sold under the brand name Chantix.)
Heart-related side effects were reported among 2 per cent of trial subjects prescribed the medication, compared to 1 per cent among those given a placebo. The reports included chest pain, irregular heartbeat, heart attack and stroke.
When Champix first became available several years ago, it was hailed as a major breakthrough for helping smokers butt out. It works by blocking nicotine-craving receptors in the brain. But the drug soon became mired in controversy.
Health officials in Canada and elsewhere received reports that some people using the medication experience psychiatric problems including suicidal thoughts, hostility, aggression, disturbing dreams and depression.
Health regulators have already issued a series of alerts about possible adverse reactions.
Even so, both Health Canada and the FDA noted that smoking also increases the risk of health problems, including heart disease, and Champix is still considered an effective smoking-cessation aid.