ePillz.com - Chantix Approved in Europe

Chantix Approved in Europe

September 29, 2006 - Pfizer Inc –

European Commission approved Chantix as the medication to treat smoking addiction in adults, says the press-release, issued on September 29, 2006 by Pfizer Inc., a manufacturer of the novel anti-smoking medication.

The approval of Chantix by European Commission has become the final step in leading the medication to the market of EU countries. In July, 2006 this pharmaceutical product was approved by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), the central authority dealing with new drugs evaluation on the territory of the European Union (see news report at Epillz.com).

In Europe, as well as in the other parts of the world, smoking is not only a medicinal problem of human health. It is also a serious social and economic concern. According to the data, reported by the World Health Organization, treating tobacco-related illnesses will cost European countries up to $165 billion by 2010.

That is why development of the specialized medication to treat smoking addiction and its active promotion on the market has always been among the strategic goals of pharmaceutical industry. Pfizer Inc. appeared to be the first company to develop nicotine-free anti-smoking medication. Though there was Zyban on the market to help smokers overcome the addiction, Pfizer’s Chantix is the first oral pill with the unique profile, designed to treat exceptionally nicotine addiction.

Chantix or varenicline by generic name works by decreasing the severity of nicotine cravings. It also helps people overcome many of the smoking withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, nervousness, depression, difficulties with concentration, etc.

According to Chantix prescription, one should avoid smoking cigarettes while taking the pills (except for the initial 7-days introductory course). However, even if a patient smokes within the treatment period, Chantix is said to diminish the sense of satisfaction, usually associated with nicotine intake. More detailed description of the said medication can be accessed at the following address http://www.pillwatch.com/info/chantix-new-anti-smoking-pill.html

Along with new Chantix pills, Pfizer offers a unique, individually customized counseling program, called GETQUIT, to support all those trying to quit smoking. It is known that combination of behavior counseling and drug therapy is more beneficial for patients; it also helps to achieve better and more stable results.

Professor Bertrand Dautzenberg from Paris said: “With Champix's approval, healthcare professionals and smokers have a new treatment advance to help address this challenging addiction”. Indeed, a range of governmental anti-smoking programs, such as bans on tobacco advertising and smoking prohibition in all workplaces, initiated in many European countries, have received a new ally in fighting the nicotine evil with the approval of Chantix in Europe.

Nick

External resources
http://www.chantix.com/
http://mediaroom.pfizer.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=106
http://www.pillwatch.com/info/chantix-new-anti-smoking-pill.html