Doctors under the influence
Controversy over a Pfizer antismoking drug is fueling debate about whether patients should be told of corporate ties
QUOTE:

“In January and then again in May 2008, Pfizer added warnings to Chantix’s label saying patients should be watched for unusual psychiatric symptoms such as suicidal thoughts. The company says in an e-mail that it sought to give doctors “more direct guidance” on using the drug.

On May 21, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, a nonprofit group in Horsham, Pa., released a paper based on 3,063 reports of “adverse events” submitted to the FDA by people taking Chantix. Among the findings: 227 had suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and 525 said they had acted with hostility or aggression. Pfizer has sent a Chantix team on the road to speak to financial analysts and journalists. Still, some Wall Street analysts fear that the FDA will require Pfizer to add a “black box”—one of the strictest warnings that can appear on a label—to draw more attention to side effects.

Steinberg says he might revert to prescribing more patches and gum if Chantix acquires a black box. But for now he adds: “If someone is doing well for six months, and they say, ‘I think if I stop [taking Chantix] I might relapse to smoking,’ I would feel comfortable continuing that medication.”

Yet another drug with psychiatric side effects.
Bleech!!
Jenny Hatch