Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog

I hope there are no Vioxx-like discoveries about Chantix in the future. Almost everyone I know (family, friends, patients) who has tried it has been successful. We'll see for how long they are smoke-free. Golden goose is right though...it's expensive and not everyone's ins covers.
 

So far chantix has been a wonder drug for my cancer patients. It really seems to work. I worry though that since it is a financial success some attorneys will find a way to launch a class action against it.
 

On the flip side, it probably costs the same as a month's worth of ciggies. The cost of smoking can really add up - ash trays, lighters, breath fresheners, dry cleaning bills and so on. So weighed against the cost of Chantix, it's probably a wash.

I find it bizarre that an insurer would rather cover the cost of lung cancer or emphysema than a temporary prescription medication to help someone stop smoking... but maybe I am expecting too much of the health plans.
 

I certainly hope there are no safety problems discovered, but of course if there are, they will be weighed as though continuing to smoke is a riskless activity.
 

So, Kevin, when did you get your own TV station?

http://www.kpho.com/index.html
 

It's too late. Good Morning had a segment that implies that Chantix causes people to commit suicide. This is sure to stop people from using it so they can commit suicide with cigarettes.
 

All I can say is that Chantix may have helped me quit smoking, but it has totally messed my body up to the extent that I am barely functional, still trying to get my doctor to figure out what has happened. I could tell it was rough when I first started it and I only took it for a month. At this point, I wish I was still smoking, this stuff is not good.
 

A friend of mine took Chantix for a month and stopped because the irritability and anxiety were too high. Three days later she experienced severe memory loss and tried to commit suicide...note and all. I'm lucky I found her in time! This was unlike her to do such a thing, and I think further testing of the drug was in order before placing it on the market. The side effects she experienced were many, and none of them were listed on the product label. Tonight I did my own keyword search..."Chantix and suicide" and I was disgusted with the results. People with a history of mental illness or depression should not take this drug. On the other hand, those who do take it should be prepared for it to reak havoc on thier bodies and experience depression and suicidal thougths anyway. Quitting cold turkey is a piece of cake compared to the side effects of this drug!

Tell someone if you are taking this new medication so they can keep a close eye on you. It could save your life!