Ontario Government To Fund the Smoking Cessation Drugs Champix and Zyban

In what can only be described as a sheer act of lunacy, the Ontario government have decided that they will fund the smoking cessation drugs Champix and Zyban by adding them to the Ontario Drug Benefit Plan.

Health Minister, Deb Matthews

"The list of medications covered by the province could cost between $10 million to $15 million a year", said Health Minister Deb Matthews in an article on healthzone.ca

Back in June, the FDA, the American food and drug regulator, issued a warning regarding Pfizer's Chantix, known as Champix in the UK. "FDA Drug Safety Communication: Chantix (varenicline) may increase the risk of certain cardiovascular adverse events in patients with cardiovascular disease."

Chantix was the subject of a freedom of information request I made back in April 2010. I had learned that the Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] had changed their policy regarding pilots being allowed to operate aircraft whilst under the influence of SSRi-type medication.

It's great to see that the Canadian Health Minister really has her finger on the pulse. FDA release a warning that a drug can increase cardiovascular adverse events, the Canadian government decide to add the very same drug to the Ontario Drug Benefit Plan, thus making it easily affordable to people on low income. Way to go Canada!

Glaxo's Zyban, which is basically Wellbutrin [SSRi] rebadged, is classified as a Category C medicine by the FDA, meaning that it could potentially cause harm to your unborn child.

More info on Champix/Chantix:

58 Page document from the Federal Aviation Administration

Dying for a Pfizer Pfag [Chantix]

Passenger Safety - The Champix Scandal