VA Uses Troubled Drug Chantix on Unwitting Veterans with PTSD
Prescription drug verenicline, trade name Chantix, has seen more than its share of troubles, as new drugs go. The drug is used for quitting smoking, and was poised to become the latest sensation in this ever-growing industry. However, reports began pouring into the FDA late last year that some unexpected side effects have made Chantix not all it's cracked up to be.
In November 2007, the FDA received reports that patients using Chantix experienced psychotic episodes that included thoughts of suicide and erratic behavior. On February 1, 2008, the FDA issued an Alert on Chantix, advising consumers to consult with their physicians. Though it was never recalled or banned by the FDA, the agency concluded that it needed more examination. The Federal Aviation Administration followed the FDA's lead, banning the use of Chantix by its pilots and air traffic controllers.
More recently, Chantix has resurfaced under much more ominous circumstances. The Washington Times broke a story that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs used Chantix in a medical trial with veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder without telling them of the possible psychiatric side effects. Only after three months, and a violent incident involving one trial member, were patients notified of the FDA warning.
Former Army sniper James Elliott and around 140 other veterans enrolled in a clinical trial offered through the VA that offered them each $30 a month for taking the drug. Elliott needed the cash as he was planning to return to school after one tour of duty, and didn't think twice about using the medication.
Even when Elliott began hallucinating and having suicidal thoughts, he attributed them to his diagnosed PTSD rather than the drug and did not report them to the study personnel. Unfortunately, this proved to be disastrous. Elliott's girlfriend called 911 after Elliott began exhibiting erratic behavior in their home, such as that associated in reports with use of Chantix. The presence of the officers caused Elliott to reach for a concealed handgun, and the officers shocked him with a taser to subdue him.
While politicians have grabbed on to the situation to make a play for policies that result in better treatment of veterans, the department in question has yet to acknowledge the problem. Instead, the VA issued a statement justifying its use of the drug in the trial, stating that the FDA has not recalled the drug, nor was their usage inconsistent with medical instructions.
