Guine Pigs and Veterans

In one more V.A. public relations nightmare, a Pfizer drug named Chantrix was used on veterans without their understanding the side-effects. Veterans with PTSD, who already struggle with suicidal impulses, were given this drug to help them stop smoking.

Chantrix works by blocking the brain receptors responsible for the pleasurable, reinforcing aspects of smoking. The veterans, living on low incomes, happily accepted the $30 for participation in the study.

What they didn't know were the range and severity of side-effects. Three months previously, the FDA was informed of the unexpected problems with Chantrix but the V.A. waited three months before informing its veteran study participants.

Meanwhile, , agitation, depressed mood, and suicidal thoughts were plaguing veterans. Some committed suicide. One became involved in a police confrontation during a psychotic break.

Any institution involved in experimental studies on humans is required to have an "Institution Review Board." Their role is to protect the interests of patients. In 1999 the GAO recommended
improvements to patient protections. Three years later, the recommendations were still not in place.

Veterans, it appears, were not fully informed of the potential side-effects of Chantrix, in a prompt manner. Many didn't die from smoking but instead died by suicide secondary to Chantrix side-effects.

Any intelligent person has to ask, Why?

God Bless-
ANJYL