Heart attacks and subsequently lawsuits are on the rise due to the anti-smoking drug Chantix. Varenicline is the name of the chemical compound otherwise known as Chantix in the United States, also known as Champix in Canada, Europe and other countries. The increased number of heart attacks and related heart problems connected to Chantix has led the FDA to warn users of Chantix of these dangerous side effects and to relabel Chantix and its drug guide. Individuals taking Chantix were twice as likely to suffer from a heart attack than smokers attempting to quit using other methods.

There have been multiple concerns about Chantix since its introduction in 2006. The Institute for Safe Medicine Practices diagnosed over 200 reports of heart problems relating to Chantix the first 18 months after it was placed in the market. They sent this information to the FDA between May 2006 and December 2007. The FDA is still evaluating and reviewing Chantix and its side effects.

For now, the FDA has asked Chantix manufacturers to weigh the adverse side effects and the trade-offs of health problems and prevention of smoking in their patients and users. Although there was awareness about its heart problems, Chantix has still been a mid-sized seller. Chantix has also been linked to suicidal thoughts and severe depression. Coupled with the increased risk of heart attacks and other heart problems, individuals may want to consider contacting a Chantix lawyer for a free case consultation.