France has decided to remove Chantix, the Pfizer smoking-cessation drug, from its register of medicines for which patients can be reimbursed from government funds. “Questions have been raised about Champix, so I’ve decided it will no longer be covered by (state) health insurance,” Health Minister Xavier Bertrand told France 2 television, according to Reuters.

The move comes amid growing problems for Pfizer and its controversial pill, which has been named in connection with suicides and violent behaviors. Two weeks ago, a watchdog group reported that Pfizer incorrectly submitted hundreds of Chantix side effects to the FDA, raising questions about the extent to which the agency was properly briefed, although the FDA subsequently released a statement saying no safety concerns have arisen (back story).

There are also a growing number of lawsuits, such as one filed earlier this month by the children of a Pittsburgh man who killed his wife and himself in 2009 while taking the pill. According to the complaint, Sean Wain, 34, had been using Chantix for up to two weeks before he began experiencing side effects that allegedly prompted him to kill his wife and himself. The murder-suicide left behind four minor children (you can read the lawsuit here).

A Pfizer spokesperson says a statement will be forthcoming shortly. UPDATE: We received this: “Pfizer had received no prior notification of the French Health Minister’s intention to remove reimbursement for Champix (the name used in Europe). This announcement came outside of the formal process and Pfizer is currently seeking immediate clarification. “In March of this year, Positive Opinion was received from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) regarding the Champix EU Marketing Authorization renewal, stating that Champix continues to have a favorable risk-benefit profile and the EU Commission decision confirming this position is expected shortly.”

cig smoke thx to jo naylor on flickr