Regardless of when you started smoking and why, medical professionals agree that quitting is best for your health. Smoking puts you and your loved ones at significantly higher risk of multiple forms of cancer, so quitting could mean a healthier and longer life for you and those who live with you.
Unfortunately, one of the most popular smoking cessation drugs is currently subject to a recall because of a cancer-causing contaminant.
This drug is one of many recalls in the last few years for carcinogens
Chantix (Varenicline) has long been one of the most popular prescription drugs to help people quit smoking. Manufactured by Pfizer, it can increase people’s chances of successfully quitting when compared with those trying without chemical support.
Unfortunately, recent chemical tests have shown the elevated presence of N-nitroso-varenicline, a suspected carcinogen. The manufacturer has initiated a recall out of an abundance of caution, although regulators pointed out that the risks of smoking may be higher than the risks caused by the contaminated medication.
While that may be true in this case, there have been multiple other drugs recalled in the last few years for contamination with known carcinogens in the same chemical group. Anyone who has taken a medication later deemed to be unsafe should maintain records about their use of that medication in case they eventually develop a form of cancer associated with the drug.
Pharmaceutical companies are among the businesses that should do as much as possible to ensure the quality and purity of their products to protect consumers. When they fail in their safety testing and quality control, they may open themselves up to product liability claims from the people hurt by these unsafe, contaminated medications.