Smokers' `cure' may prove fatal

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THREE deaths have been linked to the use of the anti-smoking drug Zyban and more than 500 people have reported an adverse reaction to the drug in the past five months.

Federal government figures show that 508 Australians have experienced side effects taking Zyban since it was made available in November, up from about 100 complaints at the start of March.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration is investigating the three deaths to determine whether Zyban was the cause.

The TGA report notes that a high proportion of people taking Zyban are likely to be in age groups in which sudden heart attacks occur, a risk increased by smoking.

Skin reactions are the most common problems, reported by 205 people, of which 113 related to hives.

Psychological disturbances were reported in 178 cases, insomnia being the most common, and 176 people had neurological problems, including dizziness and headaches.

Gut problems, such as nausea, were reported by 122 people. Many people reported more than one symptom.

Michael Shephard, a smoker of 15 years, started taking Zyban after trying everything from hypnotherapy to patches to quit his pack-a-day habit.

But the side effects were so bad, particularly the insomnia, that in the end Mr Shephard gave up Zyban, not the cigarettes.

"It was putting me on edge," he said. "I gave up drinking and I can't give up smoking."

Mr Shephard said Zyban reduced some of the desire for cigarettes but smokers still needed to exercise their willpower to quit.

"It doesn't just stop you smoking; it isn't in any shape or form the miracle pill we all want," he said.

TGA spokesman John McEwan said the occasional death among people taking Zyban was to be expected given they were smokers, often with a long-standing habit, and many were aged in their 40s and older with an increased risk of heart disease.

"With only three deaths, I am confident it's well below the expected death rate whatever the size of the population (taking the drug)," he said.

Dr McEwan said while the number of people taking Zyban and reporting an adverse reaction was high, it had to be remembered that a large number of Australians were taking the drug.

An estimated 150,000 Australians and more than five million people worldwide are taking Zyban to stop smoking.

Zyban was developed as an anti-depressant and was registered for use in Australia for quitting smoking last November.

Since February 1, Zyban has been available at subsidised prices on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.