Chantix, the smoking cessation drug created by Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is coming under review by Canadian health officials regarding the potential for heart problems for its users.  Chantix has been linked to an increasing risk of cardiac events, specifically heart attacks in individuals with cardiovascular disease.

The Canadian health regulators, Health Canada, have explained it will take any and all needed measures once the review has been completed.  They also plan to alert Canadians to any potential safety risks associated with Chantix (sold as Champix in Europe and Canada) that arise from their investigation.

On Monday, June 27^th, Health Canada made the announcement of their intentions to conduct a review of Chantix relating to potential heart related side effects.

The FDA has issued a warning expressing similar concerns about Chantix on June 16^th, 2011, stating that the smoking cessation drug may have the potential to increase the risk of some heart related problems such as heart attacks among those with cardiovascular disease.  A study found that out of 700 smokers who took Chantix, there was an increase of approximately 200% of heart attacks compared to those who did not take the drug.

Approved in 2006 by the FDA as a smoking cessation drug, Chantix aids its users in quitting smoking by blocking the nicotine receptors in the brain.  Chantix has also been found to have side effects such as thoughts of self-harm, suicide and unusually aggressive behavior.

Contact a drug recall lawyer today to inquire about this or any other potential drug side affects you or a loved one may have suffered from.