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EXTRA CONTENT: W’burg man suing company over anti-smoking drug
Posted On 08 Jul 2009
Read the entire lawsuit by clicking here.
A Williamsburg man is suing pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, Inc. claiming that a drug the company manufactures to help people stop smoking caused him to have a motorcycle wreck in 2008.
The lawsuit, filed July 1 in U.S. District Court in London, accuses Pfizer of "purposefully" minimizing the risks and potential side effects of taking the drug Chantix – otherwise known as Varenicline. The drug is typically used to help reduce nicotine cravings in people addicted to cigarettes and other tobacco products, and also reduces the pleasurable effects tobacco consumption.
Charles Fritts, a Williamsburg resident, says in the lawsuit he ingested Chantix on May 29, 2008. On July 3, 2008, he experienced a blackout while riding his motorcycle about 300 yards from his home.
"Neighbors saw him slump over the gas tank and then run off the road into a creek," the suit reads. "Plaintiff suffers from a compressed disk as a result of the accident."
Fritts wants monetary compensation for his pain and suffering, as well as to pay medical bills and legal fees. The lawsuit also asks for punitive damages against the company.
Chantix was approved for use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration February 2006. It began being sold in the U.S. in August of that year. Pfizer noted the drug commonly caused nausea in those taking it, and had less common side effects like headache, constipation, abdominal pain, difficulty sleeping and abnormal dreams, among others.
In November the following year, the FDA began receiving reports that patients taking the drug had experienced other serious side effects including drowsiness, erratic behavior and suicidal thoughts. Last month, the FDA said it planned to take another look at Chantix for other potential side effects like visual impairment, skin reactions and accidental injury.
On July 1, the FDA ruled the drug must carry a "black box warning," which is the agency’s strongest safety warning "due to side effects including depression, suicidal thoughts and suicidal actions."
Corbin attorney Shane Romines, who represents Fritts, writes in the lawsuit that Chantix is "defective in design or formulation" and was "unreasonably dangerous." His client, he said, was not adequately warned of potential risks of taking the drug.
U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove has been assigned to oversee the case. According to court records, Fritts is demanding at least $75,000 in damages.
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of course it would cause you to black out when mixed with narcotics or meth ! and we all know he does both!
I am a little confused. The article and the lawsuit both state that he took the Chantix on May 29 and then had the accident on July 3. Was he taking the medicine daily and May 29 was the start date or was the 29th the only time he took the Chantix? I am reading this as he only took the medication once and if that is the case, how could the Chantix be at fault 30 days later?
I’m inclined to agree with Tina, that this is a ridiculous lawsuit. The warnings are posted, I know because I also took Chantix. I was fortunate and did not experience any side affects, but if I had I would have expected as such because I always read the information included with medication. If there is anything listed that I do not understand, I consult with the pharmacists before I even take the medication. I also let my pharmacist (not a counter girl or someone working the register) know all medications that I am currently taking, as an Adult I’m smart enough to know that that is is something he/she should know to be able to properly advise me. I don’t rely on the fact that my doctor knows, because that info doesn’t always get relayed. I tell the pharmacist directly. And it takes what – 5 mins of my day? Not alot considering it could save or end my life.
Outrageous lawsuits such as this one are rampant in today’s society. And are fully to blame in the rise of medical insurance costs, HMO restrictions and problems and also the decline of available doctors. It is costing everyone, each time a frivolous lawsuit such as this is filed. Doctors. Hospitals, Pharmaceutical companies and other persons involved in the medical process must continue to get more costly insurance to protect themselves, which in turn hikes up our insurance rates. So while these people who are lucky enough to get a cash windfall from their crazy suit are living large with their new fortune, the rest of us are scraping to maintain medical insurance to protect our families. It’s disgusting and a true shame. I do hope that News Journal will keep us updated in the event that a monetary settlement is reached, so we can prepare for the hikes in premiums. Because if this man gets money for this, It will quickly become an epidemic in this area for all of those who are looking for a quick buck.
I just think this is ridiculous myself. My father in law blacked out and had a motorcycle wreck himself and WAS NOT taking chantix. I took Chantix myself for 1 month and had some side effects which were named in their pamphlet. People should be aware of them when you read it. This is a person just looking for a handout if you ask me. There are worse side effects than what Chanitx has in other meds.