What you’re less likely to be asking yourself, however, is whether or not that prescription could be increasing your risk of serious disease over time. However, it’s a question you might be wise to consider now that Pfizer has just recalled all lots of a popular prescription medication over the risk it could present to users. Read on to find out if your medication is affected and what to do if you’ve got this prescription at home. RELATED: If You Use This Medication, Stop Immediately, FDA Says. On Sept. 16, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Pfizer had voluntarily recalled all lots of Chantix, a smoking cessation medication.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb The recalled medications come in 0.5-mg. and 1-mg. concentrations and are packaged in bottles and blister packs. The full list of lot numbers and expiration dates of the recalled medications are listed on the FDA recall page. For the latest health and safety news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. Chantix was pulled from the market after it was discovered that the medication may contain levels of N-nitroso-varenicline, a nitrosamine, that exceed the acceptable threshold established by the FDA. While the recall notice explains that ingestion of N-nitroso-varenicline over a prolonged period could potentially increase a person’s risk of cancer, Pfizer states that “there is no immediate risk to patients taking this medication.” In fact, the company says, “The health benefits of stopping smoking outweigh the theoretical potential cancer risk from the nitrosamine impurity in varenicline.” The decision to pull all Chantix from the market is the extension of a previous recall of the drug by Pfizer. The pharmaceutical manufacturer also announced limited recalls of the product on July 19 and Aug. 16. In both cases, the medication was recalled due to the higher than acceptable levels of nitrosamine. Pfizer has recommended that distributors and wholesalers of Chantix cease distribution of the medication and quarantine any remaining inventory. Individuals who have been prescribed Chantix should contact their healthcare provider for guidance on other possible treatment plans. If you have any remaining Chantix at home, contact Stericycle Inc. at 888-276-6166 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET for information on returning the medication and receiving a refund of its purchase price. RELATED: If You Take This Popular Medication, Talk to Your Doctor Now, FDA Says.
