Safety Report: Pfizer Smoking cessation treatment - recalled due to N-Nitroso Varenicline content above ADI level, USA

United States

Company name: Pfizer
Brand name: CHANTIX
Product recalled: Smoking cessation treatment
Reason of the recall: N-Nitroso Varenicline content above ADI level
FDA Recall date: July 19, 2021
Recall details: Pfizer is voluntarily recalling two lots of Chantix 0.5mg Tablets, two lots of Chantix 1 mg Tablets, and eight lots of a Chantix kit of 0.5mg/1 mg Tablets to the patient (consumer/user) level due to the presence of a nitrosamine, N-nitroso-varenicline, above the Pfizer established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) level.

Long-term ingestion of N-nitroso-varenicline may be associated with a theoretical potential increased cancer risk in humans, but there is no immediate risk to patients taking this medication. The health benefits of stopping smoking outweigh the theoretical potential cancer risk from the nitrosamine impurity in varenicline. Nitrosamines are common in water and foods, including cured and grilled meats, dairy products and vegetables. Everyone is exposed to some level of nitrosamines. These impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels over long periods of time.

Chantix is a treatment to help patients quit smoking and is intended for short term use. People who smoke cigarettes are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer than people who do not smoke. Smoking is also associated with many other cancers. CHANTIX has a safety profile that has been established over 15 years of marketing authorization and through a robust clinical program. Pfizer believes the benefit/risk profile of CHANTIX remains positive. Patients currently taking Chantix should consult with their doctor to confirm if they received an affected lot, and if appropriate, about alternative treatment options.

To date, Pfizer has not received any reports of adverse events that have been related to this recall.

The product lots were distributed nationwide to wholesalers and Distributors in the United States and Puerto Rico from June 2019 to June 2021. 

For more recall details including the NDC, Lot Number, Expiration Date, and Configuration details for Chantix Tablets check: www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/pfizer-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-twelve-lots-chantixr-varenicline-tablets-due-n-nitroso

Source: FDA