More woes for Pfizer's Chantix

NEW YORK Pfizer has another reason to worry about the future of its already beleaguered anti-smoking drug Chantix.

On top of a report by the Food and Drug Administration linking Chantix to dangerous psychiatric symptoms including depression leading to suicide, the Institute for Safe Medical Practices issued a report May 21 showing possible links between use of the drug and heart-rhythm problems, glycemic disorders and movement disorders.

Following the FDA report, the Federal Aviation Administration banned use of the drug by pilots and air-traffic controllers.

Chantix, Pfizer’s brand name for varenicline, received approval from the FDA in 2006. A medication guide was approved last week.