The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has said that it will continue to support the anti-smoking drug Champix varenicline, although its manufacturers must add a warning to its pharma labels.

It had been suggested that the medication could be linked to an increased risk of cardiac problems, so the organisation was forced to carry out research in order to establish if this was the case.

The study concluded that the benefits of taking Champix are likely to outweigh the potential risk of suffering a heart attack as a result of taking it.

However, Pfizer has been told that it must include clear information about possible cardiovascular problems associated with Champix on its printed labels.

The manufacturer said not enough data is currently available to suggest Champix is to blame for heart issues, but acknowledged that it could make existing conditions worse.

According to Patient UK, around 100,000 people die every year as a result of smoking.

Denny Bros Ltd, 27 July 2011