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http://www.afr.com.au/premium/australia/2000/11/30/FFXFFF0V3GC.html

Seizures reported as Zyban hits the market

Ray Moynihan

Two cases of seizure have been reported to Australian health
authorities as suspected adverse reactions to the new
anti-smoking pill, Zyban, in the three weeks since the drug was
launched here.

Both cases involved women aged under 45.

In Britain, where the drug was launched mid-year, more than 1,000
reports of suspected reactions have surfaced, including 10
deaths.

Also prescribed as an anti-depressant, Zyban has been shown to
help some people quit smoking, but it also has been associated
with serious side effects, including seizure.

The Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee in Canberra has
already received reports of five suspected reactions, including
the two seizures.

The other reports included dizziness, breathing difficulties and
altered thoughts.

Earlier this month, British health authorities announced there
had been 1,038 reports of suspected reactions, including 60 cases
of anxiety and 40 reports of seizures.

The UK Medicines Control Agency also revealed there had been 10
reports of suspected reactions involving death.

An estimated 150,000 patients had taken the drug in Britain.

As the agency pointed out, the contribution of Zyban to any of
the reactions in these cases was unproved, and they "may relate
to other factors such as nicotine withdrawal, other illnesses or
other medicines".

However, a small increase in the risk of seizure is associated
with the use of Zyban, as are common side effects including
insomnia, headache and dry mouth.

The Glaxo Wellcome drug was launched in Australia three weeks ago
with a round of positive media stories, several of which failed
to mention the drug's link to seizures.

It is also being aggressively promoted to doctors with full-page
ads in GP magazines.

A spokeswoman for Glaxo said there had been an overwhelming
response to the drug, which cost about $280 for a two-month
course.

She said side effects, including serious ones, were clearly
outlined in the product information that should accompany any
prescription.

According to a Federal Health Department spokesperson, Zyban will
soon be added to the Drugs of Current Interest list.

Just say NO to meds!  Al Gore is the only true President.
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