Pfizer’s New Quit Smoking Drug Now Available

New drug could prove useful in the fight against tobacco

Lehigh Valley, Pa. (September 27, 2006) – There’s new hope for smokers wishing to take that next step to quit. It comes in the shape of a new pill called Chantix.

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Chantix is a quit smoking agent, which is a non-nicotine based alternative to the popular over-the-counter nicotine patch, gum or lozenge. Researchers believe that the new prescription drug works by binding to certain receptors in the brain that will block the effects of nicotine.

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“Essentially, Chantix works to reduce the severity of nicotine cravings and helps with withdrawal symptoms,” says Suzanne Smith, manager of the Tobacco Treatment Program at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “Because of the way that Chantix blocks the effects of nicotine in your system, if you do happen to slip up and have a cigarette, you may not have that same sense of satisfaction from your cigarette that you had before.”

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In clinical trials sponsored by Pfizer Inc., Chantix also proved to be superior to another quit smoking agent, Zyban. Among the 3,659 chronic cigarette smokers studied, there was a 65 percent success rate for Chantix as compared to a placebo. Each of the smokers had been smoking for roughly 25 years each and had at least one pack a day.

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Common side effects experienced by about one third of Chantix users include nausea, vomiting, constipation, insomnia, sleep disturbance and a change in taste perception. The nausea was noted as generally mild to moderate in nature.

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Chantix is taken about one week before an individual wants to quit smoking, allowing the drug to build up in the body. It is usually continued for a total of 12 weeks. For those who remain smoke free after the original 12-week treatment, another 12-week treatment is available to increase the likelihood of remaining smoke free.

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“The studies seem to suggest that Chantix works,” Smith says. “Anything that can potentially aid someone’s quit attempt has a huge benefit for ongoing cessation treatment.”

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Smith cautions that research on the drug is continuing. Chantix is currently not recommended for individuals under 18 years of age and further studies are needed to investigate effects on pregnant and nursing mothers. Chantix has only been available for a few months, although initial reports from local area patients seem very promising.

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Smith adds that smokers who wish to quit smoking should consider counseling and planning strategies to change smoking related behaviors along with taking this new drug.

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