Chantix Approved by FDA

FDA approves Chantix (Varenicline) for smoking cessation

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it has approved Chantix (Varenicline) by Pfizer as smoking cessation aid. The FDA approved the Chantix under its priority-review mechanism, cutting months off the review time, because the agency deemed the drug and its approval as having a significant potential benefit to public health.

Chantix was approved by FDA on 11 May, 2006 for its notable potential to promote public health. This is the second medicine approved by FDA for smoking cessation treatment; the first to receive the approval was Zyban, fourth Pfizer medicine to receive FDA approval in 2006.

Varenicline is sold as 0.5 mg and 1 mg tablets. Standard dosing is 1 mg twice daily, with variations as permitted by the FDA. The FDA has approved its use for twelve weeks. If smoking cessation has been achieved it may be continued for another twelve weeks. Learn more about how Chantix works.

The FDA does not recommend that Chantix be used with other smoking cessation products.

Source: FDA Approves Novel Medication for Smoking Cessation. Press release, 11 May 2006.