new warnings about Chantix and an increased risk of cardiac events in patients with heart disease

August 2011

Please see updated FDA safety information regarding the risk of cardiovascular events with Chantix (varenicline).

People will worry about new warnings about Chantix and an increased risk of cardiac events in patients with heart disease.

FDA says there MIGHT be a higher risk...but this is controversial. Any cardiac risk is likely to be small...if it exists at all.

Continue to prescribe Chantix (varenicline) when appropriate.

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Table of Contents

Antiplatelets Brilinta, a new antiplatelet drug
Hepatitis C two new protease inhibitors for hepatitis C, Incivek (telaprevir) and Victrelis (boceprevir)
Anticoagulants new ORAL anticoagulant called Xarelto (zuh-REL-toe)
Statins if statins increase the risk of diabetes
Men's Health Staxyn (STAX-in), a new orally disintegrating tablet version of vardenafil (Levitra)
Men's Health new warnings about the risk of prostate cancer with finasteride (Proscar, etc) or dutasteride (Avodart, etc)
Respiratory & Allergy which long-acting bronchodilator to use first-line for COPD
Pneumonia You wouldn't think IV dexamethasone would be a good idea for a patient hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
Vitamins & Minerals Is it ever necessary to give vitamin B12 by injection
Psychiatry New VA guidelines for post-traumatic stress disorder
Sunscreens New rules for sunscreens
Smoking Cessation new warnings about Chantix and an increased risk of cardiac events in patients with heart disease