Friday, June 13, 2008
Bfad warns against anti-smoking drug side effects (11:26 a.m.)
MANILA -- The Bureau of Food and Drugs (Bfad) has issued a warning against an anti-smoking drug for allegedly having side effects.
Bfad advised patients taking Varenicline "to stop taking the drug and contact their physicians" if they notice psychological manifestations such as suicidal thoughts or actions.
Varenicline, whose brand name is Chantrix, is manufactured by Pfizer.
The drug has been available in the Philippines since June 2007 under a "monitored release scheme."
The advisory was issued after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory last month on the "severe changes in mood and behavior in patients taking Chantix." (FP/Sunnex) |
