The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a voluntary recall of Chantix (varenicline) after testing found elevated levels of nitrosamines, chemical compounds that can increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. The recall, carried out in cooperation with the manufacturer, affects specific batches that exceeded the FDA’s recommended safety limits.

Nitrosamines are naturally present in small amounts in food and water, but when detected at higher concentrations in medications, they raise safety concerns. While the actual risk to patients is considered low, regulators emphasized that the recall is a precautionary measure to maintain public trust and ensure the integrity of the nation’s drug supply.

Chantix, a widely used aid for smoking cessation, has helped many people quit tobacco. Its temporary removal from the market may inconvenience patients currently relying on it, but the FDA urges users not to panic. Instead, patients should contact their doctors or pharmacists to explore safe alternatives until the issue is resolved.

The FDA also called on pharmaceutical companies to enhance quality testing for nitrosamines, noting that several medications have faced similar recalls in recent years. Officials reiterated that the move underscores the agency’s commitment to patient safety, acting swiftly even when the potential risks are small or uncertain.