On September 2006, Pfizer issued a press release announcing European Commission approval
of Champix, its new quit smoking pill.
It boasts that
"after one year,
approximately one-in-five patients who received the 12-week course of varenicline [Champix] remained smoke-free."
Smoking is a chronic relapsing medical condition that typically
involves a physical and psychological addiction to nicotine.
In Europe alone, more than 1.2 million people die each year from
smoking- related diseases.
In addition to the human toll, there is a significant social and economic cost associated with
smoking.
By 2010, the World Health Organization predicts the annual global cost of tobacco-related illness will be approximately
$500 billion, with Europe accounting for up to $165 billion of this sum.
How Champix works?
By reducing the smoker's craving for nicotine by binding to receptors in the brain and reduces the symptoms of withdrawal.
And it reduces the satisfaction a smoker receives when smoking a cigarette.Clinical trials to date have shown that Champix is more effective than currently available oral antismoking prescription medicines.
In trials, 44% of the group treated with
Champix had stopped smoking after being treated for
12 weeks, as opposed to 11% of smokers taking the placebo.
Over the same duration, it was also
shown to be twice as effective as Zyban (bupropion), the other main anti-smoking drug treatment.
Uninsured?
Need help paying for
medicine?
Pfizer has programs that can help, no matter your age or income. You may even qualify for free Pfizer medicines. Call 1-866-706-2400. Or click here for more info www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com.
What is the most important information I should know about Chantix?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than
recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you
remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
"I was a heavy
smoker, and quitting was the most difficult personal challenge I ever faced. After I quit, I worked with a team of Pfizer scientist to develop Chantix specifically to help smokers quit." -Dr. Jotham Coe, Pfizer scientist.
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