Pfizer is pausing distribution of its anti-smoking treatment, Chantix, after finding elevated levels of cancer-causing agents called nitrosamines in the pills.
The drug maker is recalling 12 lots of the anti-smoking drug.
Pfizer said the impacted lots of Chantix contained levels of nitrosamines, but insisted there is ‘no immediate risk to patients taking this medication’ and the recall is out of an abundance of caution.
The Food and Drug Administration shared the company’s press release on its website, noting that the company is not being mandated by the federal agency to carry out the recall.
The U.S. drug regulator has in the past reached out to companies whose drugs had N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) over accepted levels.
Chantix was approved by the FDA in May 2006 as a prescription medication which helps adults aged 18 and over quit smoking and is used for 12 to 24 weeks.
Source: Daily Mail