What are the side effects of smoking cessation drugs?

Question

Hello doctor,

My mother is 57 years old and was put in the hospital for acute pancreatitis two days ago. She takes anti-anxiety medication, blood pressure medication, and cholesterol medication. About a month ago, she was prescribed the drug Chantix. My mother has had previous problems with hard drugs and drinking, but she quit both about 14 years ago. She has a poor diet and high stress. I wanted to know if these complications, plus the Chantix, could lead to acute pancreatitis. The doctors who prescribed it say it is "impossible" for Chantix to play a role in this, but I do not believe they know the true history. I also believe it is possible because it is listed as a rare side effect.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I agree with you that it is a rare side effect of Chantix (Varenicline). But to produce acute pancreatitis, the particular drug might have been taken for at least 6 to 12 months; only then will it produce fibrosis and inflammation in the main pancreatic duct or bile duct, which may induce pancreatitis. Alcohol may produce pancreatitis even after 10 to 20 years because the fibrosis and acinar cell inflammation caused by alcohol are permanent. Depending upon many other factors to trigger the added inflammation, the duration of getting pancreatitis may vary from person to person.

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