Pfizer said in July 2011 that the reliable science on varenicline (CHANTIX/CHAMPIX), involving more than 14 clinical trials with more than 7,000 smokers, and the medicine’s approval by regulatory authorities around the world, demonstrate the importance of the medicine as an effective and appropriate treatment option for adult smokers wanting to quit. Pfizer stands behind the benefit/risk profile of Chantix.
Known as Champix in most countries, however the FDA asked for a name change because Champix sounded too close to Champion. So Pfizer opted for Chantix in the US. CHANTIX is a non-nicotine pill. CHANTIX targets nicotine receptors in the brain, attaches to them, and blocks nicotine from reaching them.
Chantix was approved by the FDA in May 2006 as an aid to smoking cessation treatment in adults 18 and older. Chantix has been shown to increase the likelihood of abstinence from smoking for as long as one year compared to treatment with placebo. Adults who smoke may benefit from quit smoking support programs and/or counseling during their quit attempt. It’s possible that patients might slip up and smoke while taking Chantix . If patients slip up, they can stay on Chantix and keep trying to quit. As of July 2011 Nearly 13 million people have been prescribed Chantix worldwide.