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Bupropion or Zyban

Bupropion (drug name) or Zyban (brand name) is a prescription-only drug taken as a course of tablets lasting around 8 weeks. It is safe for most healthy adults but there are more side effects than with other pharmacological aids.

It is recommended that all quit smoking attempts with or without pharmacological aids should be made in combination with motivational support techniques as this increases the chance of success.

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ASH summary position on NRT and Zyban for smoking cessation
Summary of views on smoking cessation drugs provided for the NICE Appraisal Committee's. Arguments are given from the smoker's perspective for mainstreaming these products in the NHS.
Author: Clive Bates, Martin Jarvis Published By: ASH Published : 24/10/2001

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ASH Submission to NICE on NRT and bupropion
ASH submission to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) making the case for prescribing NRT and Zyban. We argue for an unrestrictive framework for prescribing, stressing the cost effectiveness - especially in comparison to other treatments, like statins. A good set of links to the supporting evidence is included. This is a joint effort by ASH, British Lung Foundation and Cancer Research Campaign
Author: ASH, British Lung Foundation, Cancer Research UK Published By: ASH Published : 13/07/2001

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Advice on Zyban dose and safety - memo from the Committee on Safety of Medicines
New guidance from the medicine regulator - the Committee on the Safety of Medicines on Zyban on modified dosage and safety precautions following a series of widely reported health scares.
Author: Berckenridge A Published By: Committee on Safety of Medicines Published : 29/05/2001

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Zyban - information for Patients
Advice to patients using Zyban. As with all medicines, Zyban is associated with certain side effects, these have to be weighed carefully against the known health benefits of stopping smoking.
Author: Committee on Safety of Medicines Published By: Committee on Safety of Medicines Published : 29/05/2001

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Advice on Zyban drug interactions
Advice by Professor Breckenridge, Chairman of the Committee on Safety of Medicines, to health professionals on dosage, safety precautions and interactions with other medicines.
Author: Breckenridge A Published By: Committee on Safety of Medicines Published : 29/05/2001

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Statement of Product Characteristics for Zyban
Provided by GlaxoSmithKline, manufacturer's updated description of the product giving detail on appropriate use, contraindications and drug interactions. Doctors, nurses and pharmacists have access to additional information at www.zyban.co.uk
Author: GlaxoSmithKline Published By: GlaxoSmithKline Published : 30/04/2001

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Comments on Zyban in NHS Chief Executive's Bulletin
A statement by the Department of Health on Zyban following the announcement that Zyban would be available on the NHS.
Author: Department of Health Published By: Department of Health Published : 15/08/2000

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Letter about Zyban to smoking cessation co-ordinators
Information on the implications of the Zyban announcement and encouraging its use and integration in existing services
Author: Department of Health Published By: Department of Health Published : 27/06/2000

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ASH Press release of Zyban efficacy
ASH welcomes Zyban but dissects the hype around the claim that it is twice as effective as NRT and will lead to success rates of one in three.
Author: ASH Published By: ASH Published : 25/06/2000

NICE Technology Appraisal Guidance - Bupropion and NRT
NICE Technology Appraisal Guidance - Bupropion and NRT
Guidance by National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) Technology Appraisal Guidance No. 38 Smoking cessation - bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy. Technology Appraisal Guidance TGA39 Smoking cessation - bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy. Issue Date: March 2002 Review Date: March 2005

Pharmaceutical Journal article: Take care with Zyban
Pharmaceutical Journal article: Take care with Zyban
Journal Article in in the Pharmaceutical Journal by Anthony Cox.  Summaries the product characteristics for bupropion (Zyban).

Zyban modified dosage and safety precautions
Zyban modified dosage and safety precautions
From Professor A Breckenridge, Chairman of Committee on Safety of Medicines on the safety and efficacy of Bupropion or Zyban

Guidance on NRT and Bupropion (Zyban)
Guidance on NRT and Bupropion (Zyban)
2002/02 National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends use of smoking cessation therapies. NICE gives unequivocal endorsement to the use of Nicotine replacement therapies or Buproprion (Zyban) for smokers who wish to quit.