The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a voluntary recall of Chantix (varenicline), a medication commonly used to help people quit smoking.
This recall follows the discovery of elevated levels of nitrosamines in certain batches. Nitrosamines are chemical compounds that, in high concentrations over time, may increase the risk of cancer.
Although the exact health risks of the detected levels remain uncertain, nitrosamines are recognized by global health organizations as potential carcinogens. As a precautionary measure, the FDA has initiated the recall to ensure patient safety and to maintain rigorous standards in pharmaceutical oversight.