Federal Agency Warns Against Truckers Using Chantix
Truckers and drivers of commercial vehicles should not be given Chantix, said the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) last week. The agency is responsible for overseeing the interstate trucking industry.
Anti-Smoking Drug
Chantix is the popular anti-smoking drug made by Pfizer, Inc. Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration began looking into reports of psychiatric side effects of the drug and its label was updated to include warnings about depression and suicidal thinking.
Study Links Chantix to Accidents
However, a new study conducted by the non-profit watchdog group The Institute for Safe Medication Practices found a potential link between Chantix and dizziness, seizures, diabetes and heart irregularities. The study also linked use of the drug to over 100 accidents.
Hours after seeing the study, the Federal Aviation Administration banned pilots and air traffic controllers from using Chantix. Other Department of Transportation agencies were also alerted to the study.