Washington, DCMore than 80 percent of the 2,700 federal and state Chantix lawsuits facing Pfizer look as if they could be settled. Pfizer, the maker of the controversial smoking cessation drug known generically as varenicline, faces a raft of lawsuits alleging Chantix causes suicide, suicide attempts and other psychiatric disturbances.
In order to make the settlements, Pfizer has taken a $273 million charge to cover the costs, and has set aside $15 million for finalizing the remaining claims.
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These “batch” settlements follow the two individual “bellweather” Chantix lawsuits which were settled for undisclosed amounts. The first, settled in October 2012, was filed by the wife of Mark Whitely, a Chantix user who committed suicide. The second lawsuit was settled directly with the plaintiff, plaintiff Billy G. Bedsole, Jr., who alleged his use of Chantix triggered his experiencing suicidal thoughts and other psychiatric problems. Chantix carries a "black box" warning to alert patients and doctors to the risk of psychiatric side effects.
Most recently, the Food and Drug Administration has determined that Chantix could be associated with an increased risk for
heart attack. 
READER COMMENTS
Trish Lindsey Jaggers
on
That day, I called my prescribing physician and told her of the episode only to have her chastise me by saying, "Aw, you're only depressed because you have to stop smoking. It isn't the drug making you feel that way."
I had made her aware of the issues I experienced with Wellbutrin, but because Chantix had no warning labels at the time, she sided with the drug and not with me.
If I had listened to her and continued with the medication, I definitely would have quit smoking--for good--because I would have completed the suicide I had been contemplating. Of this, I am certain.
Yes, I'm still smoking, but I am alive to tell this story. That's good enough for me.
Vicki Hofmann
on
Ralph Reynolds
on
Stephanie Hamby
on