Tag: Nitrosamines

In July 2021, pharmaceutical company Pfizer voluntarily recalled several lots of its popular smoking cessation medication, Chantix (varenicline), after discovering unacceptable levels of a nitrosamine impurity. This expanded recall eventually included all lots of the brand-name product, which is no longer available, leading many to ask, 'What smoking cessation medication is being recalled?'.

Between 2018 and 2021, a series of voluntary recalls for certain batches of losartan led many to believe it was completely removed from the market. The widespread concern prompted by these recalls has a clear explanation, clarifying why losartan was taken off the market in specific instances, but remains available today.

Following its recall in 2021 due to unacceptable levels of nitrosamine impurities, the brand-name drug Chantix was permanently discontinued by Pfizer. Fortunately, several effective treatments, including generic versions of the active ingredient, are available as a replacement drug for Chantix.

Several batches of generic amitriptyline have been recalled in recent years by regulatory bodies like Health Canada and Singapore's HSA due to quality control issues. Patients often ask, "Why was amitriptyline recalled?" to understand if their medication is affected, but it's important to differentiate specific batch recalls from the general safety profile of the medication itself.

In a significant safety measure, batches of Stemetil 5mg/5ml syrup were recalled in 2022 by manufacturer Sanofi due to the presence of a probable human carcinogen, explaining the discontinuation of this specific formulation. This action was triggered after laboratory tests identified levels of N-nitrosomethylphenylamine (NMPA) above the acceptable safety limit.

In October 2022, the UK's medicines regulator initiated a recall of Stemetil 5mg/5ml Syrup after finding excessive levels of a chemical impurity called N-nitrosomethylphenylamine (NMPA). The discontinuation of certain Stemetil formulations is a complex issue driven by this safety recall and other broader market factors affecting the drug, prochlorperazine, across different countries.

According to the CDC, over 70% of adult smokers in the United States want to quit, and many have relied on medication for assistance. If you or someone you know previously used the brand-name Chantix, you might be asking: **What is Chantix called now?** The answer is that the brand was voluntarily recalled, but its generic version, varenicline, is still available and safe.

In June 2021, manufacturer Pfizer voluntarily halted production of the popular smoking cessation drug Chantix (varenicline), a decision that led to a worldwide recall and its permanent discontinuation due to the presence of carcinogenic impurities. This action was part of a broader industry-wide scrutiny over nitrosamine levels in pharmaceutical products.