Pfizer Warns Of Mood-Altering Properties Of Chantrix

This week, the Federal Aviation Administration banned the use of the smoking-cessation drug Chantrix for active flight personnel and air traffic controllers, saying the product could factor into accidents.

Citing a report by The Wall Street Journal, CBS Marketwatch states the FAA advised personnel in a letter Wednesday to not perform their duties at least three days after taking Chantrix, and urged those people to discontinue use of the product.

Chantrix was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2006 for use as a prescription aid to stop smoking. Clinical trials showed Chantrix users were able to remain smoke-free for much longer periods, than those in the control group.

But that laudable success rate may carry a high price for some users. The drug's manufacturer, Pfizer, warns on the label Chantrix could lead to increased agitation or aggression, and even potentially suicidal behavior. Other side effects -- noted by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices -- include dizziness, heart palpitations, and seizures.

In banning the use of Chantrix, the FAA acted on a report by that watchdog group, warning of a higher risk of accidents among transportation workers taking Chantrix.

The FAA's advisory sent shares in Pfizer down Thursday. The drugmaker had hoped Chantrix would help offset losses as its other drugs, including the mood-enhancement medication Zoloft, are removed from patent protection. Pfizer's best-selling drug, the cholesterol agent Lipitor, also loses that protection in 2010.

Chantrix sales have stalled since stronger warnings were posted last year, though Pfizer still recorded Chantrix sales of $883 million in 2007. Around 5.5 million Americans have taken the drug.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.pfizer.com