The Recall Desk
ModerateFDA (Drugs)·D-0809-2021·Announced 2021-09-29

Pfizer recalls Chantix tablets for N-nitroso-varenicline impurity

Pfizer is recalling certain lots of Chantix (varenicline tartrate) 0.5mg tablets nationwide due to the presence of N-nitroso-varenicline impurity above FDA's acceptable interim intake limit.

What this means for you

Minor labeling or packaging issue, or a voluntary precautionary recall. Risk of harm is low but real — follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: This is an FDA Class II recall involving a manufacturing deviation with a chemical impurity above acceptable limits. The source text does not report any illnesses, injuries, or deaths, and the hazard is a quality/manufacturing issue rather than an acute health threat. This fits the "low-risk contamination" or precautionary recall profile, warranting a Moderate score.

Plain-English summary

Pfizer Inc. is recalling Chantix (varenicline tartrate) 0.5mg tablets, 56-tablet packages, with lot numbers CY6861, DM9007, DM9008, EN5725, EN8362, and EN8467, with expiration dates ranging from January 2022 to May 2023. The recall is nationwide and affects this prescription smoking-cessation medication distributed by Pfizer Labs in New York.

The reason for the recall is the presence of N-nitroso-varenicline impurity in the affected tablets at levels above FDA's acceptable interim intake limit. This is a manufacturing deviation from current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) standards.

Patients currently taking affected lots of Chantix should consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist before discontinuing use. Consumers should check their medication to determine if it matches one of the recalled lot numbers and expiration dates. The product identification is NDC 0069-0468-56, and the drug was manufactured in Ireland.

The recalled product

Product
CHANTIX (VARENICLINE TARTRATE)
Brand
CHANTIX
Manufacturer
Pfizer Inc.
Hazard
  • impurity-n-nitroso-varenicline
  • cgmp-deviation

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Lot numbers (7)

  • Lots
  • CY6861
  • DM9007
  • DM9008
  • EN5725
  • EN8362
  • EN8467 EXPIRATION DATE: January 2022 - May 2023

UPCs (3)

  • 0300690469560
  • 0300690468563
  • 0300690471280

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.