zyban
Generic Name: (
bupropion hydrochloride)
Dosage Type: tablet, coated Organization: GlaxoSmithKline
Suicidality and Antidepressant
Drugs
Although ZYBAN is not indicated for treatment of depression, it contains
the same active ingredient as the antidepressant medications WELLBUTRIN®, WELLBUTRIN SR ®, and WELLBUTRIN XL®. Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal
thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and
young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD)
and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of ZYBAN
or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult
must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies
did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants
compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction
in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65
and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are
themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients
of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored
appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality,
or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be
advised of the need for close observation and communication with the
prescriber. ZYBAN is not approved for use in pediatric patients. (See
WARNINGS: Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk, PRECAUTIONS: Information
for Patients, and PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use.)
DESCRIPTION
ZYBAN (bupropion hydrochloride) Sustained-Release
Tablets are a non-nicotine aid to smoking cessation. ZYBAN is chemically
unrelated to nicotine or other agents currently used in the treatment
of nicotine addiction. Initially developed and marketed as an antidepressant
(WELLBUTRIN [bupropion hydrochloride] Tablets and WELLBUTRIN SR [bupropion
hydrochloride] Sustained-Release Tablets), ZYBAN is also chemically
unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic, selective serotonin re-uptake
inhibitor, or other known antidepressant agents. Its structure closely
resembles that of diethylpropion; it is related to phenylethylamines.It is (±)-1-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-[(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-1-propanone
hydrochloride. The molecular weight is 276.2. The molecular formula
is C13H18ClNO•HCl. Bupropion hydrochloride
powder is white, crystalline, and highly soluble in water. It has
a bitter taste and produces the sensation of local anesthesia on the
oral mucosa. The structural formula is:
ZYBAN Tablets are supplied for oral administration as 150-mg (purple),
film-coated, sustained-release tablets. Each tablet contains the labeled
amount of bupropion hydrochloride and the inactive ingredients carnauba
wax, cysteine hydrochloride, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline
cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80 and titanium dioxide
and is printed with edible black ink. In addition, the 150-mg tablet
contains FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake and FD&C Red No. 40
Lake.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Pharmacodynamics
Bupropion is a relatively weak inhibitor of the
neuronal uptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, and does not inhibit
monoamine oxidase or the re-uptake of serotonin. The mechanism by
which ZYBAN enhances the ability of patients to abstain from smoking
is unknown. However, it is presumed that this action is mediated by
noradrenergic and/or dopaminergic mechanisms.
Pharmacokinetics
Bupropion is a racemic mixture. The pharmacologic
activity and pharmacokinetics of the individual enantiomers have not
been studied. Bupropion follows biphasic pharmacokinetics best described
by a 2-compartment model. The terminal phase has a mean half-life
(±% CV) of about 21 hours (±20%), while the distribution
phase has a mean half-life of 3 to 4 hours.
Absorption
Bupropion has not been administered intravenously
to humans; therefore, the absolute bioavailability of ZYBAN Sustained-Release
Tablets in humans has not been determined. In rat and dog studies,
the bioavailability of bupropion ranged from 5% to 20%.
Following oral administration of ZYBAN to healthy volunteers,
peak plasma concentrations of bupropion are achieved within 3 hours.
The mean peak concentration (Cmax) values were 91 and
143 ng/mL from 2 single-dose (150-mg) studies. At steady state,
the mean Cmax following a 150-mg dose every 12 hours
is 136 ng/mL.
In a single-dose study, food
increased the Cmax of bupropion by 11% and the extent of
absorption as defined by area under the plasma concentration-time
curve (AUC) by 17%. The mean time to peak concentration (Tmax) was prolonged by 1 hour. This effect was of no clinical significance.
Distribution
In vitro tests show that bupropion is 84% bound
to human plasma proteins at concentrations up to 200 mcg/mL.
The extent of protein binding of the hydroxybupropion metabolite is
similar to that for bupropion, whereas the extent of protein binding
of the threohydrobupropion metabolite is about half that seen with
bupropion. The volume of distribution (Vss/F) estimated
from a single 150-mg dose given to 17 subjects is 1,950 L (20% CV).
Metabolism
Bupropion is extensively metabolized in humans.
Three metabolites have been shown to be active: hydroxybupropion,
which is formed via hydroxylation of the tert-butyl group of bupropion, and the amino-alcohol isomers
threohydrobupropion and erythrohydrobupropion, which are formed via
reduction of the carbonyl group. In vitro findings suggest that cytochrome
P450IIB6 (CYP2B6) is the principal isoenzyme involved in the formation
of hydroxybupropion, while cytochrome P450 isoenzymes are not involved
in the formation of threohydrobupropion. Oxidation of the bupropion
side chain results in the formation of a glycine conjugate of meta-chlorobenzoic
acid, which is then excreted as the major urinary metabolite. The
potency and toxicity of the metabolites relative to bupropion have
not been fully characterized. However, it has been demonstrated in
an antidepressant screening test in mice that hydroxybupropion is
one half as potent as bupropion, while threohydrobupropion and erythrohydrobupropion
are 5-fold less potent than bupropion. This may be of clinical importance
because the plasma concentrations of the metabolites are as high or
higher than those of bupropion.
Because bupropion
is extensively metabolized, there is the potential for drug-drug interactions,
particularly with those agents that are metabolized by the cytochrome
P450IIB6 (CYP2B6) isoenzyme. Although bupropion is not metabolized
by cytochrome P450IID6 (CYP2D6), there is the potential for drug-drug
interactions when bupropion is coadministered with drugs metabolized
by this isoenzyme (see PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions).
Following a single dose in humans, peak plasma concentrations
of hydroxybupropion occur approximately 6 hours after administration
of ZYBAN Tablets. Peak plasma concentrations of hydroxybupropion are
approximately 10 times the peak level of the parent drug at steadystate.
The elimination half-life of hydroxybupropion is approximately 20
(±5) hours, and its AUC at steady state is about 17 times that
of bupropion. The times to peak concentrations for the erythrohydrobupropion
and threohydrobupropion metabolites are similar to that of the hydroxybupropion
metabolite; however, their elimination half-lives are longer, 33 (±10)
and 37 (±13) hours, respectively, and steady-state AUCs
are 1.5 and 7 times that of bupropion, respectively.
Bupropion and its metabolites exhibit linear kinetics following chronic
administration of 300 to 450 mg/day.
Elimination
The mean
(±% CV) apparent clearance (Cl/F) estimated from 2 single-dose
(150-mg) studies are 135 (±20%) and 209 L/hr (±21%).
Following chronic dosing of 150 mg of ZYBAN every 12 hours
for 14 days (n = 34), the mean Cl/F at steady state
was 160 L/hr (±23%). The mean elimination half-life of bupropion
estimated from a series of studies is approximately 21 hours.
Estimates of the half-lives of the metabolites determined from a multiple-dose
study were 20 hours (±25%) for hydroxybupropion, 37 hours
(±35%) for threohydrobupropion, and 33 hours (±30%)
for erythrohydrobupropion. Steady-state plasma concentrations of bupropion
and metabolites are reached within 5 and 8 days, respectively.
Following oral administration of 200 mg of 14C-bupropion in humans, 87% and 10% of the radioactive dose were recovered
in the urine and feces, respectively. The fraction of the oral dose
of bupropion excreted unchanged was only 0.5%.
The effects of cigarette smoking on the pharmacokinetics of bupropion
were studied in 34 healthy male and female volunteers; 17 were
chronic cigarette smokers and 17 were nonsmokers. Following oral administration
of a single 150-mg dose of ZYBAN, there was no statistically significant
difference in Cmax, half-life, Tmax, AUC, or
clearance of bupropion or its major metabolites between smokers and
nonsmokers.
In a study comparing the treatment
combination of ZYBAN and nicotine transdermal system (NTS) versus
ZYBAN alone, no statistically significant differences were observed
between the 2 treatment groups of combination ZYBAN and NTS (n = 197)
and ZYBAN alone (n = 193) in the plasma concentrations of
bupropion or its active metabolites at weeks 3 and 6.
Population Subgroups
Factors or conditions altering metabolic capacity
(e.g., liver disease, congestive heart failure [CHF], age, concomitant
medications, etc.) or elimination may be expected to influence the
degree and extent of accumulation of the active metabolites of bupropion.
The elimination of the major metabolites of bupropion may be affected
by reduced renal or hepatic function because they are moderately polar
compounds and are likely to undergo further metabolism or conjugation
in the liver prior to urinary excretion.
Hepatic
The effect
of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of bupropion was characterized
in 2 single-dose studies, one in patients with alcoholic liver disease
and one in patients with mild to severe cirrhosis.The first study
showed that the half-life of hydroxybupropion was significantly longer
in 8 patients with alcoholic liver disease than in 8 healthy
volunteers (32±14 hours versus 21±5 hours, respectively).
Although not statistically significant, the AUCs for bupropion and
hydroxybupropion were more variable and tended to be greater (by 53%
to 57%) in patients with alcoholic liver disease. The differences
in half-life for bupropion and the other metabolites in the 2 patient
groups were minimal.
The second study showed
that there were no statistically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics
of bupropion and its active metabolites in 9 patients with mild to
moderate hepatic cirrhosis compared to 8 healthy volunteers. However,
more variability was observed in some of the pharmacokinetic parameters
for bupropion (AUC, Cmax, and Tmax) and its
active metabolites (t˝) in patients with mild to moderate
hepatic cirrhosis. In addition, in patients with severe hepatic cirrhosis,
the bupropion Cmax and AUC were substantially increased
(mean difference: by approximately 70% and 3-fold, respectively) and
more variable when compared to values in healthy volunteers; the mean
bupropion half-life was also longer (29 hours in patients with severe
hepatic cirrhosis vs. 19 hours in healthy subjects). For the metabolite
hydroxybupropion, the mean Cmax was approximately 69% lower.For
the combined amino-alcohol isomers threohydrobupropion and erythrohydrobupropion,
the mean Cmax was approximately 31% lower. The mean AUC
increased by 28% for hydroxybupropion and 50% for threo/erythrohydrobupropion.The
median Tmax was observed 19 hours later for hydroxybupropion
and 21 hours later for threo/erythrohydrobupropion. The mean half-lives
for hydroxybupropion and threo/erythrohydrobupropion were increased
2- and 4-fold, respectively, in patients with severe hepatic cirrhosis
compared to healthy volunteers (see WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, and DOSAGE
AND ADMINISTRATION).
Renal
There is limited information on the pharmacokinetics
of bupropion in patients with renal impairment. An inter-study comparison
between normal subjects and patients with end-stage renal failure
demonstrated that the parent drug Cmax and AUC values were
comparable in the 2 groups, whereas the hydroxybupropion and threohydrobupropion
metabolites had a 2.3– and 2.8–fold increase, respectively,
in AUC for patients with end-stage renal failure. The elimination
of the major metabolites of bupropion may be reduced by impaired renal
function (see PRECAUTIONS: Renal Impairment).
Left Ventricular Dysfunction
During a chronic dosing study with bupropion in
14 depressed patients with left ventricular dysfunction (history
of CHF or an enlarged heart on x-ray), no apparent effect on the pharmacokinetics
of bupropion or its metabolites, compared to healthy normal volunteers,
was revealed.
Age
The effects of age on the pharmacokinetics of bupropion
and its metabolites have not been fully characterized, but an exploration
of steady-state bupropion concentrations from several depression efficacy
studies involving patients dosed in a range of 300 to 750 mg/day,
on a 3 times a day schedule, revealed no relationship between age
(18 to 83 years) and plasma concentration of bupropion. A single-dose
pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that the disposition of bupropion
and its metabolites in elderly subjects was similar to that of younger
subjects. These data suggest there is no prominent effect of age on
bupropion concentration; however, another pharmacokinetic study, single
and multiple dose, has suggested that the elderly are at increased
risk for accumulation of bupropion and its metabolites (see PRECAUTIONS:
Geriatric Use).
Gender
A single-dose study involving 12 healthy male and
12 healthy female volunteers revealed no sex-related differences in
the pharmacokinetic parameters of bupropion.
CLINICAL TRIALS
The efficacy of ZYBAN as an aid to smoking cessation
was demonstrated in 3 placebo-controlled, double-blind trials
in nondepressed chronic cigarette smokers (n = 1,940, =15
cigarettes per day). In these studies, ZYBAN was used in conjunction
with individual smoking cessation counseling.
The first study was a dose-response trial conducted at 3 clinical
centers. Patients in this study were treated for 7 weeks with
1 of 3 doses of ZYBAN (100, 150, or 300 mg/day) or placebo; quitting
was defined as total abstinence during the last 4 weeks of treatment
(weeks 4 through 7). Abstinence was determined by patient daily diaries
and verified by carbon monoxide levels in expired air.
Results of this dose-response trial with ZYBAN demonstrated
a dose-dependent increase in the percentage of patients able to achieve
4-week abstinence (weeks 4 through 7). Treatment with ZYBAN at both
150 and 300 mg/day was significantly more effective than placebo
in this study.
Table 1 presents quit rates over
time in the multicenter trial by treatment group. The quit rates are
the proportions of all persons initially enrolled (i.e., intent to
treat analysis) who abstained from week 4 of the study through the
specified week. Treatment with ZYBAN (150 or 300 mg/day) was
more effective than placebo in helping patients achieve 4-week abstinence.
In addition, treatment with ZYBAN (7 weeks at 300 mg/day)
was more effective than placebo in helping patients maintain continuous
abstinence through week 26 (6 months) of the study.
Table 1. Dose-Response Trial: Quit Rates
by Treatment Group
|
Abstinence From Week 4 Through
Specified Week
|
Treatment Groups
|
|
Placebo
(n = 151)
%
(95% CI)
|
ZYBAN
100 mg/day (n = 153)
%
(95% CI)
|
ZYBAN
150 mg/day
(n = 153)
%
(95% CI)
|
ZYBAN
300 mg/day (n = 156)
%
(95% CI)
|
|
Week 7 (4-week quit)
|
17%
(11-23)
|
22%
(15-28)
|
27%*
(20-35)
|
36%*
(28-43)
|
|
Week 12
|
14%
(8-19)
|
20%
(13-26)
|
20%
(14-27)
|
25%*
(18-32)
|
|
Week 26
|
11%
(6-16)
|
16%
(11-22)
|
18%
(12-24)
|
19%*
(13-25)
|
The second study was a comparative trial conducted at
4 clinical centers. Four treatments were evaluated: ZYBAN 300 mg/day,
nicotine transdermal system (NTS) 21 mg/day, combination of ZYBAN
300 mg/day plus NTS 21 mg/day, and placebo. Patients were
treated for 9 weeks. Treatment with ZYBAN was initiated at 150 mg/day
while the patient was still smoking and was increased after 3 days
to 300 mg/day given as 150 mg twice daily. NTS 21 mg/day
was added to treatment with ZYBAN after approximately 1 week
when the patient reached the target quit date. During weeks 8 and
9 of the study, NTS was tapered to 14 and 7 mg/day, respectively.
Quitting, defined as total abstinence during weeks 4 through 7, was
determined by patient daily diaries and verified by expired air carbon
monoxide levels. In this study, patients treated with any of the 3
treatments achieved greater 4-week abstinence rates than patients
treated with placebo.
Table 2 presents quit
rates over time by treatment group for the comparative trial.
Table 2. Comparative Trial: Quit Rates
by Treatment Group
|
Abstinence From Week 4
Through Specified Week
|
Treatment Groups
|
|
Placebo (n = 160)
%
(95% CI)
|
Nicotine Transdermal System
(NTS) 21 mg/day
(n = 244)
%
(95% CI)
|
ZYBAN 300 mg/day
(n = 244)
%
(95% CI)
|
ZYBAN 300 mg/day and
NTS 21 mg/day
(n = 245)
%
(95% CI)
|
|
Week 7 (4-week quit)
|
23%
(17-30)
|
36%
(30-42)
|
49%
(43-56)
|
58%
(51-64)
|
|
Week 10
|
20%
(14-26)
|
32%
(26-37)
|
46%
(39-52)
|
51%
(45-58)
|
When patients in this study were followed out to
one year, the superiority of ZYBAN and the combination of ZYBAN and
NTS over placebo in helping patients to achieve abstinence from smoking
was maintained. The continuous abstinence rate was 30% (95% CI 24-35)
in the ZYBAN treated patients, and 33% (95% CI 27-39) for patients
treated with the combination at 26 weeks compared with 13% (95% CI
7-18) in the placebo group. At 52 weeks, the continuous abstinence
rate was 23% (95% CI 18-28) in the ZYBAN treated patients, and 28%
(95% CI 23-34) for patients treated with the combination, compared
with 8% (95% CI 3-12) in the placebo group. Although the treatment
combination of ZYBAN and NTS displayed the highest rates of continuous
abstinence throughout the study, the quit rates for the combination
were not significantly higher (p>0.05) than for ZYBAN alone.
The comparisons
between ZYBAN, NTS, and combination treatment in this study have not
been replicated, and, therefore should not be interpreted as demonstrating
the superiority of any of the active treatment arms over any other.
The third study was a long-term maintenance trial conducted
at 5 clinical centers. Patients in this study received open-label
ZYBAN 300 mg/day for 7 weeks. Patients who quit smoking
while receiving ZYBAN (n = 432) were then randomized to
ZYBAN 300 mg/day or placebo for a total study duration of 1 year.
Abstinence from smoking was determined by patient self-report and
verified by expired air carbon monoxide levels. This trial demonstrated
that at 6 months, continuous abstinence rates were significantly higher
for patients continuing to receive ZYBAN than for those switched to
placebo (p<0.05; 55% versus
44%).
Quit rates in clinical trials are influenced
by the population selected. Quit rates in an unselected population
may be lower than the above rates. Quit rates for ZYBAN were similar
in patients with and without prior quit attempts using nicotine replacement
therapy.
Treatment with ZYBAN reduced withdrawal
symptoms compared to placebo. Reductions on the following withdrawal
symptoms were most pronounced: irritability, frustration, or anger;
anxiety; difficulty concentrating; restlessness; and depressed mood
or negative affect. Depending on the study and the measure used, treatment
with ZYBAN showed evidence of reduction in craving for cigarettes
or urge to smoke compared to placebo.
Use In Patients With Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
ZYBAN was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind,
comparative study of 404 patients with mild-to-moderate COPD, defined
as FEV1=35%, FEV1/FVC=70% and
a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis, emphysema and/or small airways
disease. Patients aged 36 to 76 years were randomized to ZYBAN
300 mg/day (n = 204) or placebo (n = 200)
and treated for 12 weeks. Treatment with ZYBAN was initiated
at 150 mg/day for 3 days while the patient was still smoking
and increased to 150 mg twice daily for the remaining treatment
period. Abstinence from smoking was determined by patient daily diaries
and verified by carbon monoxide levels in expired air. Quitters are
defined as subjects who were abstinent during the last 4 weeks of
treatment. Table 3 shows quit rates in the COPD Trial.
Table 3. COPD Trial: Quit Rates by Treatment
Group
|
4-Week Abstinence
Period
|
Treatment Groups
|
|
Placebo
(n = 200)
%
(95% CI)
|
ZYBAN 300 mg/day
(n = 204)
%
(95% CI)
|
|
Weeks 9 through 12
|
12%
(8-16)
|
22%*
(17-27)
|
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
ZYBAN is indicated as an aid to smoking cessation
treatment.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
ZYBAN is contraindicated
in patients with a seizure disorder.
ZYBAN is
contraindicated in patients treated with WELLBUTRIN (bupropion hydrochloride),
the immediate-release formulation; WELLBUTRIN SR (bupropion hydrochloride),
the sustained-release formulation; WELLBUTRIN XL (bupropion hydrochloride),
the extended-release formulation; or any other medications that contain
bupropion because the incidence of seizure is dose dependent.
ZYBAN is contraindicated in patients with a current or
prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa because of a higher
incidence of seizures noted in patients treated for bulimia with the
immediate-release formulation of bupropion.
ZYBAN is contraindicated in patients undergoing abrupt discontinuation
of alcohol or sedatives (including benzodiazepines).
The concurrent administration of ZYBAN and a monoamine oxidase (MAO)
inhibitor is contraindicated. At least 14 days should elapse
between discontinuation of an MAO inhibitor and initiation of treatment
with ZYBAN.
ZYBAN is contraindicated in patients
who have shown an allergic response to bupropion or the other ingredients
that make up ZYBAN.
WARNINGS
Clinical Worsening and Suicide
Risk
Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both
adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression
and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality)
or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant
medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission
occurs. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric
disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors
of suicide. There has been a long-standing concern, however, that
antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression
and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early
phases of treatment. Pooled analyses of short-term placebo-controlled
trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and others) showed that these
drugs increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality)
in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18-24) with major
depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Short-term
studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants
compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction
with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older.
The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in children
and adolescents with MDD, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or
other psychiatric disorders included a total of 24 short-term trials
of 9 antidepressant drugs in over 4,400 patients. The pooled analyses
of placebo-controlled trials in adults with MDD or other psychiatric
disorders included a total of 295 short-term trials (median duration
of 2 months) of 11 antidepressant drugs in over 77,000 patients. There
was considerable variation in risk of suicidality among drugs, but
a tendency toward an increase in the younger patients for almost all
drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidality
across the different indications, with the highest incidence in MDD.
The risk differences (drug vs placebo), however, were relatively stable
within age strata and across indications. These risk differences (drug-placebo
difference in the number of cases of suicidality per 1,000 patients
treated) are provided in Table 4.
Table 4
|
Age Range
|
Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Cases of Suicidality per 1,000
Patients Treated
|
|
Increases Compared to Placebo
|
|
<18
|
14 additional cases
|
|
18-24
|
5 additional cases
|
|
Decreases Compared to Placebo
|
|
25-64
|
1 fewer case
|
|
=65
|
6 fewer cases
|
No suicides occurred in any of these pediatric
trials. There were suicides in the adult trials, but the number was
not sufficient to reach any conclusion about drug effect on suicide.
It is unknown whether the suicidality risk extends to
longer-term use, i.e., beyond several months. However, there is substantial
evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with
depression that the use of antidepressants can delay the recurrence
of depression.
All
patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should
be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening,
suicidality, and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the
initial few months of a course of drug therapy, or at times of dose
changes, either increases or decreases.
The following symptoms, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia,
irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor
restlessness), hypomania, and mania, have been reported in adult and
pediatric patients being treated with antidepressants for major depressive
disorder as well as for other indications, both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric.
Although a causal link between the emergence of such symptoms and
either the worsening of depression and/or the emergence of suicidal
impulses has not been established, there is concern that such symptoms
may represent precursors to emerging suicidality.
Consideration should be given to changing the therapeutic regimen,
including possibly discontinuing the medication, in patients whose
depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent
suicidality or symptoms that might be precursors to worsening depression
or suicidality, especially if these symptoms are severe, abrupt in
onset, or were not part of the patient's presenting symptoms.
Families and caregivers of patients
being treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder or
other indications, both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric, should be
alerted about the need to monitor patients for the emergence of agitation,
irritability, unusual changes in behavior, and the other symptoms
described above, as well as the emergence of suicidality, and to report
such symptoms immediately to healthcare providers. Such monitoring
should include daily observation by families and caregivers. Prescriptions for ZYBAN should be written for the smallest quantity
of tablets consistent with good patient management, in order to reduce
the risk of overdose.
Screening Patients for Bipolar
Disorder
A major depressive
episode may be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder. It is
generally believed (though not established in controlled trials) that
treating such an episode with an antidepressant alone may increase
the likelihood of precipitation of a mixed/manic episode in patients
at risk for bipolar disorder. Whether any of the symptoms described
above represent such a conversion is unknown. However, prior to initiating
treatment with an antidepressant, patients with depressive symptoms
should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for
bipolar disorder; such screening should include a detailed psychiatric
history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder,
and depression. It should be noted that ZYBAN is not approved for
use in treating bipolar depression.
Patients should be made aware that ZYBAN contains
the same active ingredient found in WELLBUTRIN, WELLBUTRIN SR, and
WELLBUTRIN XL used to treat depression, and that ZYBAN should not
be used in combination with WELLBUTRIN (bupropion hydrochloride),
the immediate release formulation; WELLBUTRIN SR (bupropion hydrochloride),
the sustained-release formulation; WELLBUTRIN XL (bupropion hydrochloride),
the extended-release formulation; or any other medications that contain
bupropion.
Seizures
Because the use of bupropion
is associated with a dose-dependent risk of seizures, clinicians should not prescribe doses over
300 mg/day for smoking cessation. The risk of seizures is also related to patient factors, clinical
situation, and concomitant medications, which must be considered in
selection of patients for therapy with ZYBAN. ZYBAN should be discontinued
and not restarted in patients who experience a seizure while on treatment.
- Dose: For smoking cessation, doses above 300 mg/day
should not be used. The seizure
rate associated with doses of sustained-release bupropion up to 300 mg/day
is approximately 0.1% (1/1,000). This incidence was prospectively
determined during an 8-week treatment exposure in approximately 3,100
depressed patients.
Data for the immediate-release
formulation of bupropion revealed a seizure incidence of approximately
0.4% (4/1,000) in depressed patients treated at doses in a range of
300 to 450 mg/day. In addition, the estimated seizure incidence
increases almost tenfold between 450 and 600 mg/day.
- Patient factors: Predisposing factors
that may increase the risk of seizure with bupropion use include history
of head trauma or prior seizure, central nervous system (CNS) tumor,
the presence of severe hepatic cirrhosis, and concomitant medications
that lower seizure threshold.
- Clinical situations: Circumstances
associated with an increased seizure risk include, among others, excessive
use of alcohol or sedatives (including benzodiazepines); addiction
to opiates, cocaine, or stimulants; use of over-the-counter stimulants
and anorectics; and diabetes treated with oral hypoglycemics or insulin.
- Concomitant medications: Many medications
(e.g., antipsychotics, antidepressants, theophylline, systemic steroids)
are known to lower seizure threshold.
Recommendations for Reducing
the Risk of Seizure
Retrospective analysis
of clinical experience gained during the development of bupropion
suggests that the risk of seizure may be minimized if
- the total daily dose of ZYBAN does not exceed 300 mg (the maximum recommended dose for smoking cessation),
and
- the recommended daily dose for most
patients (300 mg/day) is administered in divided doses (150 mg
twice daily).
- No single dose should exceed 150 mg
to avoid high peak concentrations of bupropion and/or its metabolites.
ZYBAN should be administered
with extreme caution to patients with a history of seizure, cranial
trauma, or other predisposition(s) toward seizure, or patients treated
with other agents (e.g., antipsychotics, antidepressants, theophylline,
systemic steroids, etc.) that lower seizure threshold.
Hepatic Impairment
ZYBAN should be used with
extreme caution in patients with severe hepatic cirrhosis. In these
patients a reduced frequency of dosing is required, as peak bupropion
levels are substantially increased and accumulation is likely to occur
in such patients to a greater extent than usual. The dose should not
exceed 150 mg every other day in these patients (see CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY, PRECAUTIONS, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Potential for Hepatotoxicity
In rats receiving
large doses of bupropion chronically, there was an increase in incidence
of hepatic hyperplastic nodules and hepatocellular hypertrophy. In
dogs receiving large doses of bupropion chronically, various histologic
changes were seen in the liver, and laboratory tests suggesting mild
hepatocellular injury were noted.
PRECAUTIONS
General
Allergic Reactions
Anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions characterized
by symptoms such as pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, and dyspnea requiring
medical treatment have been reported at a rate of about 1 to 3 per
thousand in clinical trials of ZYBAN. In addition, there have been
rare spontaneous postmarketing reports of erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson
syndrome, and anaphylactic shock associated with bupropion. A patient
should stop taking ZYBAN and consult a doctor if experiencing allergic
or anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions (e.g., skin rash, pruritus,
hives, chest pain, edema, and shortness of breath) during treatment.
Arthralgia, myalgia, and fever with rash and other symptoms
suggestive of delayed hypersensitivity have been reported in association
with bupropion. These symptoms may resemble serum sickness.
Insomnia
In the
dose-response smoking cessation trial, 29% of patients treated with
150 mg/day of ZYBAN and 35% of patients treated with 300 mg/day
of ZYBAN experienced insomnia, compared to 21% of placebo-treated
patients. Symptoms were sufficiently severe to require discontinuation
of treatment in 0.6% of patients treated with ZYBAN and none of the
patients treated with placebo.
In the comparative
trial, 40% of the patients treated with 300 mg/day of ZYBAN,
28% of the patients treated with 21 mg/day of NTS, and 45% of
the patients treated with the combination of ZYBAN and NTS experienced
insomnia compared to 18% of placebo-treated patients. Symptoms were
sufficiently severe to require discontinuation of treatment in 0.8%
of patients treated with ZYBAN and none of the patients in the other
3 treatment groups.
Insomnia may be minimized
by avoiding bedtime doses and, if necessary, reduction in dose.
Psychosis, Confusion, and
Other Neuropsychiatric Phenomena
In clinical trials with ZYBAN conducted in nondepressed
smokers, the incidence of neuropsychiatric side effects was generally
comparable to placebo. Depressed patients treated with bupropion in
depression trials have been reported to show a variety of neuropsychiatric
signs and symptoms including delusions, hallucinations, psychosis,
concentration disturbance, paranoia, and confusion. In some cases,
these symptoms abated upon dose reduction and/or withdrawal of treatment.
Activation of Psychosis and/or
Mania
Antidepressants can precipitate manic episodes in
bipolar disorder patients during the depressed phase of their illness
and may activate latent psychosis in other susceptible individuals.
The sustained-release formulation of bupropion is expected to pose
similar risks. There were no reports of activation of psychosis or
mania in clinical trials with ZYBAN conducted in nondepressed smokers.
Depression and Nicotine Withdrawal
Depressed mood
may be a symptom of nicotine withdrawal. Depression, rarely including
suicidal ideation, has been reported in patients undergoing a smoking
cessation attempt (see WARNINGS: Clinical
Worsening and Suicide Risk).
Cardiovascular Effects
In clinical practice, hypertension, in some cases
severe, requiring acute treatment, has been reported in patients receiving
bupropion alone and in combination with nicotine replacement therapy.
These events have been observed in both patients with and without
evidence of preexisting hypertension.
Data from
a comparative study of ZYBAN, nicotine transdermal system (NTS), the
combination of sustained-release bupropion plus NTS, and placebo as
an aid to smoking cessation suggest a higher incidence of treatment-emergent
hypertension in patients treated with the combination of ZYBAN and
NTS. In this study, 6.1% of patients treated with the combination
of ZYBAN and NTS had treatment-emergent hypertension compared to 2.5%,
1.6%, and 3.1% of patients treated with ZYBAN, NTS, and placebo, respectively.
The majority of these patients had evidence of preexisting hypertension.Three
patients (1.2%) treated with the combination of ZYBAN and NTS and
1 patient (0.4%) treated with NTS had study medication discontinued
due to hypertension compared to none of the patients treated with
ZYBAN or placebo. Monitoring of blood pressure is recommended in patients
who receive the combination of bupropion and nicotine replacement.
There is no clinical experience establishing the safety
of ZYBAN in patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction
or unstable heart disease. Therefore, care should be exercised if
it is used in these groups. Bupropion was well tolerated in depressed
patients who had previously developed orthostatic hypotension while
receiving tricyclic antidepressants, and was also generally well tolerated
in a group of 36 depressed inpatients with stable congestive heart
failure (CHF). However, bupropion was associated with a rise in supine
blood pressure in the study of patients with CHF, resulting in discontinuation
of treatment in 2 patients for exacerbation of baseline hypertension.
Hepatic Impairment
ZYBAN
should be used with extreme caution in patients with severe hepatic
cirrhosis. In these patients, a reduced frequency of dosing is required.
ZYBAN should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment
(including mild to moderate hepatic cirrhosis) and reduced frequency
of dosing should be considered in patients with mild to moderate hepatic
cirrhosis.
All patients with hepatic impairment
should be closely monitored for possible adverse effects that could
indicate high drug and metabolite levels (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY,
WARNINGS, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Renal Impairment
There
is limited information on the pharmacokinetics of bupropion in patients
with renal impairment. An inter-study comparison between normal subjects
and patients with end-stage renal failure demonstrated that the parent
drug Cmax and AUC values were comparable in the 2 groups,
whereas the hydroxybupropion and threohydrobupropion metabolites had
a 2.3– and 2.8–fold increase, respectively, in AUC for
patients with end-stage renal failure. Bupropion is extensively metabolized
in the liver to active metabolites, which are further metabolized
and subsequently excreted by the kidneys. ZYBAN should be used with
caution in patients with renal impairment and a reduced frequency
of dosing should be considered as bupropion and the metabolites of
bupropion may accumulate in such patients to a greater extent than
usual. The patient should be closely monitored for possible adverse
effects that could indicate high drug or metabolite levels.
Information for Patients
Although ZYBAN is not indicated for treatment of
depression, it contains the same active ingredient as the antidepressant
medications WELLBUTRIN, WELLBUTRIN SR, and WELLBUTRIN XL. Prescribers
or other health professionals should inform patients, their families,
and their caregivers about the benefits and risks associated with
treatment with ZYBAN and should counsel them in its appropriate use.
A patient Medication Guide about “Antidepressant Medicines,
Depression and Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts
or Actions” and other important information about using ZYBAN
is available for ZYBAN. The prescriber or health professional should
instruct patients, their families, and their caregivers to read the
Medication Guide and should assist them in understanding its contents.
Patients should be given the opportunity to discuss the contents of
the Medication Guide and to obtain answers to any questions they may
have. The complete text of the Medication Guide is reprinted at the
end of this document.
Patients should be advised
of the following issues and asked to alert their prescriber if these
occur while taking ZYBAN.
Clinical Worsening and Suicide
Risk
Patients, their families, and their caregivers should
be encouraged to be alert to the emergence of anxiety, agitation,
panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness,
impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, mania,
other unusual changes in behavior, worsening of depression, and suicidal
ideation, especially early during antidepressant treatment and when
the dose is adjusted up or down. Families and caregivers of patients
should be advised to look for the emergence of such symptoms on a
day-to-day basis, since changes may be abrupt. Such symptoms should
be reported to the patient’s prescriber or health professional,
especially if they are severe, abrupt in onset, or were not part of
the patient’s presenting symptoms. Symptoms such as these may
be associated with an increased risk for suicidal thinking and behavior
and indicate a need for very close monitoring and possibly changes
in the medication.
Patients should be made aware that ZYBAN contains the same
active ingredient found in WELLBUTRIN, WELLBUTRIN SR, and WELLBUTRIN
XL used to treat depression and that ZYBAN should not be used in conjunction
with WELLBUTRIN, the immediate-release formulation; WELLBUTRIN SR,
the sustained-release formulation; WELLBUTRIN XL, the extended-release
formulation; or any other medications that contain bupropion hydrochloride.
Laboratory Tests
There are no specific laboratory tests recommended.
Drug Interactions
In vitro studies indicate that bupropion is primarily
metabolized to hydroxybupropion by the CYP2B6 isoenzyme. Therefore,
the potential exists for a drug interaction between ZYBAN and drugs
that are substrates or inhibitors of the CYP2B6 isoenzyme (e.g., orphenadrine,
thiotepa, and cyclophosphamide). In addition, in vitro studies suggest
that paroxetine, sertraline, norfluoxetine, and fluvoxamine as well
as nelfinavir, ritonavir, and efavirenz inhibit the hydroxylation
of bupropion. No clinical studies have been performed to evaluate
this finding. The threohydrobupropion metabolite of bupropion does
not appear to be produced by the cytochrome P450 isoenzymes. Few systemic
data have been collected on the metabolism of ZYBAN following concomitant
administration with other drugs or, alternatively, the effect of concomitant
administration of ZYBAN on the metabolism of other drugs.
Multiple oral doses of bupropion had no statistically
significant effects on the single dose pharmacokinetics of lamotrigine
in 12 healthy volunteers.
Animal data indicated
that bupropion may be an inducer of drug-metabolizing enzymes in humans.
However, following chronic administration of bupropion, 100 mg
t.i.d to 8 healthy male volunteers for 14 days, there was no evidence
of induction of its own metabolism. Because bupropion is extensively
metabolized, the coadministration of other drugs may affect its clinical
activity. In particular, certain drugs may induce the metabolism of
bupropion (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), while other
drugs may inhibit the metabolism of bupropion (e.g., cimetidine).
The effects of concomitant administration of cimetidine on the pharmacokinetics
of bupropion and its active metabolites were studied in 24 healthy
young male volunteers. Following oral administration of two 150-mg
ZYBAN tablets with and without 800 mg of cimetidine, the pharmacokinetics
of bupropion and its hydroxy metabolite were unaffected. However,
there were 16% and 32% increases, respectively, in the AUC and Cmax of the combined moieties of threohydro- and erythrohydro-
bupropion.
Drugs Metabolized by Cytochrome
P450IID6 (CYP2D6)
Many drugs, including most antidepressants (SSRIs,
many tricyclics), beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics, and antipsychotics
are metabolized by the CYP2D6 isoenzyme. Although bupropion is not
metabolized by this isoenzyme, bupropion and hydroxybupropion are
inhibitors of the CYP2D6 isoenzyme in vitro. In a study of 15 male
subjects (ages 19 to 35 years) who were extensive metabolizers of
the CYP2D6 isoenzyme, daily doses of bupropion given as 150 mg
twice daily followed by a single dose of 50 mg desipramine increased
the Cmax, AUC, and t1/2 of desipramine by an
average of approximately 2-, 5- and 2-fold, respectively. The effect
was present for at least 7 days after the last dose of bupropion.
Concomitant use of bupropion with other drugs metabolized by CYP2D6
has not been formally studied.
Therefore, coadministration
of bupropion with drugs that are metabolized by CYP2D6 isoenzyme including
certain antidepressants (e.g., nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine,
paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline), antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol,
risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and
Type 1C antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone, flecainide), should be
approached with caution and should be initiated at the lower end of
the dose range of the concomitant medication. If bupropion is added
to the treatment regimen of a patient already receiving a drug metabolized
by CYP2D6, the need to decrease the dose of the original medication
should be considered, particularly for those concomitant medications
with a narrow therapeutic index.
MAO Inhibitors
Studies in animals demonstrate that the acute toxicity
of bupropion is enhanced by the MAO inhibitor phenelzine (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).
Levodopa and Amantadine
Limited clinical data suggest a higher incidence
of adverse experiences in patients receiving bupropion concurrently
with either levodopa or amantadine. Administration of ZYBAN to patients
receiving either levodopa or amantadine concurrently should be undertaken
with caution, using small initial doses and gradual dose increases.
Drugs that Lower Seizure Threshold
Concurrent
administration of ZYBAN and agents (e.g., antipsychotics, antidepressants,
theophylline, systemic steroids, etc.) that lower seizure threshold
should be undertaken only with extreme caution (see WARNINGS).
Nicotine Transdermal System
(see PRECAUTIONS: Cardiovascular Effects).
Smoking Cessation
Physiological changes resulting from smoking cessation
itself, with or without treatment with ZYBAN, may alter the pharmacokinetics
of some concomitant medications, which may require dosage adjustment.
Blood concentrations of concomitant medications that are extensively
metabolized, such as theophylline and warfarin, may be expected to
increase following smoking cessation due to de-induction of hepatic
enzymes.
Alcohol
In post-marketing experience, there have been rare
reports of adverse neuropsychiatric events or reduced alcohol tolerance
in patients who were drinking alcohol during treatment with ZYBAN.
The consumption of alcohol during treatment with ZYBAN should be minimized
or avoided (also see CONTRAINDICATIONS).
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis,
Impairment of Fertility
Lifetime carcinogenicity studies were performed
in rats and mice at doses up to 300 and 150 mg/kg per day, respectively.
These doses are approximately 10 and 2 times the maximum recommended
human dose (MRHD), respectively, on a mg/m2 basis. In the
rat study, there was an increase in nodular proliferative lesions
of the liver at doses of 100 to 300 mg/kg per day (approximately
3 to 10 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis); lower doses were
not tested. The question of whether or not such lesions may be precursors
of neoplasms of the liver is currently unresolved. Similar liver lesions
were not seen in the mouse study, and no increase in malignant tumors
of the liver and other organs was seen in either study.
Bupropion produced a positive response (2 to 3 times control
mutation rate) in 2 of 5 strains in the Ames bacterial mutagenicity
test and an increase in chromosomal aberrations in 1 of 3 in vivo
rat bone marrow cytogenic studies.
A fertility
study in rats at doses up to 300 mg/kg revealed no evidence of
impaired fertility.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects
Pregnancy Category C: In studies conducted in rats
and rabbits, bupropion was administered orally at doses up to 450
and 150 mg/kg/day, respectively (approximately 14 and 10 times the
maximum recommended human dose [MRHD], respectively, on a mg/m2 basis), during the period of organogenesis. No clear evidence
of teratogenic activity was found in either species; however, in rabbits,
slightly increased incidences of fetal malformations and skeletal
variations were observed at the lowest dose tested (25 mg/kg/day,
approximately 2 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis) and greater.
Decreased fetal weights were seen at 50 mg/kg and greater.
When rats were administered bupropion at oral doses of
up to 300 mg/kg/day (approximately 10 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis) prior to mating and throughout pregnancy and lactation,
there were no apparent adverse effects on offspring development.
One study has been conducted in pregnant women. This retrospective,
managed-care database study assessed the risk of congenital malformations
overall, and cardiovascular malformations specifically, following
exposure to bupropion in the first trimester compared to the risk
of these malformations following exposure to other antidepressants
in the first trimester and bupropion outside of the first trimester.
This study included 7,005 infants with antidepressant exposure during
pregnancy, 1,213 of whom were exposed to bupropion in the first trimester.
The study showed no greater risk for congenital malformations overall,
or cardiovascular malformations specifically, following first trimester
bupropion exposure compared to exposure to all other antidepressants
in the first trimester, or bupropion outside of the first trimester.
The results of this study have not been corroborated. ZYBAN should
be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the
potential risk to the fetus. Pregnant smokers should be encouraged
to attempt cessation using educational and behavioral interventions
before pharmacological approaches are used.
To monitor fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to ZYBAN, GlaxoSmithKline
maintains a Bupropion Pregnancy Registry. Healthcare providers are
encouraged to register patients by calling (800) 336-2176.
Labor and Delivery
The effect of ZYBAN on labor and delivery in humans
is unknown.
Nursing Mothers
Bupropion and
its metabolites are secreted in human milk. Because of the potential
for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from ZYBAN, a decision
should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the
drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population
have not been established (see BOX WARNING and WARNINGS: Clinical
Worsening and Suicide Risk). Anyone considering the use of ZYBAN in
a child or adolescent must balance the potential risks with the clinical
need.
Geriatric Use
Of the approximately
6,000 patients who participated in clinical trials with bupropion
sustained-release tablets (depression and smoking cessation studies),
275 were 65 and over and 47 were 75 and over. In addition, several
hundred patients 65 and over participated in clinical trials using
the immediate-release formulation of bupropion (depression studies).
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between
these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience
has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and
younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals
cannot be ruled out.
A single-dose pharmacokinetic
study demonstrated that the disposition of bupropion and its metabolites
in elderly subjects was similar to that of younger subjects; however,
another pharmacokinetic study, single and multiple dose, has suggested
that the elderly are at increased risk for accumulation of bupropion
and its metabolites (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).
Bupropion is extensively metabolized in the liver to active metabolites,
which are further metabolized and excreted by the kidneys. The risk
of toxic reaction to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired
renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased
renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may
be useful to monitor renal function (see PRECAUTIONS: Renal Impairment
and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
ADVERSE REACTIONS (see also
WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS)
The information included under ADVERSE REACTIONS
is based primarily on data from the dose-response trial and the comparative
trial that evaluated ZYBAN for smoking cessation (see CLINICAL TRIALS).
Information on additional adverse events associated with the sustained-release
formulation of bupropion in depression trials, as well as the immediate-release
formulation of bupropion, is included in a separate section (see Other
Events Observed During the Clinical Development and Postmarketing
Experience of Bupropion).
Adverse Events Associated
With the Discontinuation of Treatment
Adverse events were sufficiently troublesome to
cause discontinuation of treatment in 8% of the 706 patients treated
with ZYBAN and 5% of the 313 patients treated with placebo. The more
common events leading to discontinuation of treatment with ZYBAN included
nervous system disturbances (3.4%), primarily tremors, and skin disorders
(2.4%), primarily rashes.
Incidence of Commonly Observed
Adverse Events
The most commonly observed adverse events consistently
associated with the use of ZYBAN were dry mouth and insomnia. The
most commonly observed adverse events were defined as those that consistently
occurred at a rate of 5 percentage points greater than that for placebo
across clinical studies.
Dose Dependency of Adverse
Events
The incidence of dry mouth and insomnia may be related
to the dose of ZYBAN. The occurrence of these adverse events may be
minimized by reducing the dose of ZYBAN. In addition, insomnia may
be minimized by avoiding bedtime doses.
Adverse Events Occurring at
an Incidence of 1% or More Among Patients Treated With ZYBAN
Table 5
enumerates selected treatment-emergent adverse events from the dose-response
trial that occurred at an incidence of 1% or more and were more common
in patients treated with ZYBAN compared to those treated with placebo.
Table 6 enumerates selected treatment-emergent adverse events from
the comparative trial that occurred at an incidence of 1% or more
and were more common in patients treated with ZYBAN, NTS, or the combination
of ZYBAN and NTS compared to those treated with placebo. Reported
adverse events were classified using a COSTART-based dictionary.
Table 5. Treatment-Emergent
Adverse Event Incidence in the Dose-Response Trial*
|
Body System/
Adverse
Experience
|
ZYBAN 100 to 300 mg/day
(n = 461)
%
|
Placebo
(n = 150)
%
|
|
Body
(General)
|
|
|
|
Neck
pain
Allergic reaction
|
2
1
|
<1
0
|
|
Cardiovascular
|
|
|
|
Hot
flashes
Hypertension
|
1
1
|
0
<1
|
|
Digestive
|
|
|
|
Dry
mouth
Increased appetite
Anorexia
|
11
2
1
|
5
<1
<1
|
|
Musculoskeletal
|
|
|
|
Arthralgia
Myalgia
|
4
2
|
3
1
|
|
Nervous
system
|
|
|
|
Insomnia
Dizziness
Tremor
Somnolence
Thinking abnormality
|
31
8
2
2
1
|
21
7
1
1
0
|
|
Respiratory
|
|
|
|
Bronchitis
|
2
|
0
|
|
Skin
|
|
|
|
Pruritus
Rash
Dry skin
Urticaria
|
3
3
2
1
|
<1
<1
0
0
|
|
Special
senses
|
|
|
|
Taste
perversion
|
2
|
<1
|
Table 6. Treatment-Emergent Adverse
Event Incidence in the Comparative Trial*
|
Adverse Experience
(COSTART Term)
|
ZYBAN
300 mg/day
(n = 243)
%
|
Nicotine Transdermal System (NTS)
21 mg/day
(n = 243)
%
|
ZYBAN
and NTS
(n = 244)
%
|
Placebo
(n = 159)
%
|
|
Body
|
|
|
|
|
|
Abdominal
pain
Accidental injury
Chest pain
Neck pain
Facial edema
|
3
2
<1
2
<1
|
4
2
1
1
0
|
1
1
3
<1
1
|
1
1
1
0
0
|
|
Cardiovascular
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hypertension
Palpitations
|
1
2
|
<1
0
|
2
1
|
0
0
|
|
Digestive
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nausea
Dry mouth
Constipation
Diarrhea
Anorexia
Mouth ulcer
Thirst
|
9
10
8
4
3
2
<1
|
7
4
4
4
1
1
<1
|
11
9
9
3
5
1
2
|
4
4
3
1
1
1
0
|
|
Musculoskeletal
|
|
|
|
|
|
Myalgia
Arthralgia
|
4
5
|
3
3
|
5
3
|
3
2
|
|
Nervous
system
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insomnia
Dream abnormality
Anxiety
Disturbed concentration
Dizziness
Nervousness
Tremor
Dysphoria
|
40
5
8
9
10
4
1
<1
|
28
18
6
3
2
<1
<1
1
|
45
13
9
9
8
2
2
2
|
18
3
6
4
6
2
0
1
|
|
Respiratory
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rhinitis
Increased cough
Pharyngitis
Sinusitis
Dyspnea
Epistaxis
|
12
3
3
2
1
2
|
11
5
2
2
0
1
|
9
<1
3
2
2
1
|
8
1
0
1
1
0
|
|
Skin
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
site reaction†
Rash
Pruritus
Urticaria
|
11
4
3
2
|
17
3
1
0
|
15
3
5
2
|
7
2
1
0
|
|
Special
Senses
|
|
|
|
|
|
Taste
perversion
Tinnitus
|
3
1
|
1
0
|
3
<1
|
2
0
|
ZYBAN was well-tolerated in the long-term maintenance
trial that evaluated chronic administration of ZYBAN for up to 1 year
and in the COPD trial that evaluated patients with mild-to-moderate
COPD for a 12-week period. Adverse events in both studies were quantitatively
and qualitatively similar to those observed in the dose-response and
comparative trials.
Other Events Observed During
the Clinical Development and Postmarketing Experience of Bupropion
In addition to the adverse events noted above, the
following events have been reported in clinical trials and postmarketing
experience with the sustained-release formulation of bupropion in
depressed patients and in nondepressed smokers, as well as in clinical
trials and postmarketing clinical experience with the immediate-release
formulation of bupropion.
Adverse events for
which frequencies are provided below occurred in clinical trials with
bupropion sustained-release. The frequencies represent the proportion
of patients who experienced a treatment-emergent adverse event on
at least one occasion in placebo-controlled studies for depression
(n = 987) or smoking cessation (n = 1,013), or
patients who experienced an adverse event requiring discontinuation
of treatment in an open-label surveillance study with bupropion sustained-release
tablets (n = 3,100). All treatment-emergent adverse events
are included except those listed in Tables 5 and 6, those events listed
in other safety-related sections of the insert, those adverse events
subsumed under COSTART terms that are either overly general or excessively
specified so as to be uninformative, those events not reasonably associated
with the use of the drug, and those events that were not serious and
occurred in fewer than 2 patients.
Events
are further categorized by body system and listed in order of decreasing
frequency according to the following definitions of frequency: Frequent
adverse events are defined as those occurring in at least 1/100 patients.
Infrequent adverse events are those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1,000
patients, while rare events are those occurring in less than 1/1,000
patients.
Adverse events for which frequencies
are not provided occurred in clinical trials or postmarketing experience
with bupropion. Only those adverse events not previously listed for
sustained-release bupropion are included. The extent to which these
events may be associated with ZYBAN is unknown.
Body (General)
Frequent were asthenia, fever, and headache. Infrequent
were back pain, chills, inguinal hernia, musculoskeletal chest pain,
pain, and photosensitivity. Rare was malaise. Also observed were arthralgia,
myalgia, and fever with rash and other symptoms suggestive of delayed
hypersensitivity. These symptoms may resemble serum sickness (see
PRECAUTIONS).
Cardiovascular
Infrequent were flushing, migraine, postural hypotension,
stroke, tachycardia, and vasodilation. Rare was syncope. Also observed
were cardiovascular disorder, complete AV block, extrasystoles, hypotension,
hypertension (in some cases severe, see PRECAUTIONS), myocardial infarction,
phlebitis, and pulmonary embolism.
Digestive
Frequent were dyspepsia, flatulence, and vomiting.
Infrequent were abnormal liver function, bruxism, dysphagia, gastric
reflux, gingivitis, glossitis, jaundice, and stomatitis. Rare was
edema of tongue. Also observed were colitis, esophagitis, gastrointestinal
hemorrhage, gum hemorrhage, hepatitis, increased salivation, intestinal
perforation, liver damage, pancreatitis, stomach ulcer, and stool
abnormality.
Endocrine
Also
observed were hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and syndrome of inappropriate
antidiuretic hormone.
Hemic and Lymphatic
Infrequent was ecchymosis. Also observed were anemia,
leukocytosis, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy, pancytopenia, and thrombocytopenia.
Altered PT and/or INR, infrequently associated with hemorrhagic or
thrombotic complications, were observed when bupropion was coadministered
with warfarin.
Metabolic and Nutritional
Infrequent
were edema, increased weight, and peripheral edema. Also observed
was glycosuria.
Musculoskeletal
Infrequent
were leg cramps and twitching. Also observed were arthritis and muscle
rigidity/fever/rhabdomyolysis, and muscle weakness.
Nervous System
Frequent
were agitation, depression, and irritability. Infrequent were abnormal
coordination, CNS stimulation, confusion, decreased libido, decreased
memory, depersonalization, emotional lability, hostility, hyperkinesia,
hypertonia, hypesthesia, paresthesia, suicidal ideation, and vertigo.
Rare were amnesia, ataxia, derealization, and hypomania. Also observed
were abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG), aggression, akinesia, aphasia,
coma, delirium, delusions, dysarthria, dyskinesia, dystonia, euphoria,
extrapyramidal syndrome, hallucinations, hypokinesia, increased libido,
manic reaction, neuralgia, neuropathy, paranoid ideation, restlessness,
and unmasking tardive dyskinesia.
Respiratory
Rare was bronchospasm. Also observed was pneumonia.
Skin
Frequent was sweating. Infrequent was acne and dry
skin. Rare was maculopapular rash. Also observed were alopecia, angioedema,
exfoliative dermatitis, and hirsutism.
Special Senses
Frequent was blurred vision or diplopia. Infrequent
were accommodation abnormality and dry eye. Also observed were deafness,
increased intraocular pressure, and mydriasis.
Urogenital
Frequent was urinary frequency. Infrequent were
impotence, polyuria, and urinary urgency. Also observed were abnormal
ejaculation, cystitis, dyspareunia, dysuria, gynecomastia, menopause,
painful erection, prostate disorder, salpingitis, urinary incontinence,
urinary retention, urinary tract disorder, and vaginitis.
DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE
ZYBAN is likely to have a low abuse potential.
Humans
There have been few reported cases of drug dependence
and withdrawal symptoms associated with the immediate-release formulation
of bupropion. In human studies of abuse liability, individuals experienced
with drugs of abuse reported that bupropion produced a feeling of
euphoria and desirability. In these subjects, a single dose of 400 mg
(1.33 times the recommended daily dose) of bupropion produced mild
amphetamine-like effects compared to placebo on the Morphine-Benzedrine
Subscale of the Addiction Research Center Inventories (ARCI), which
is indicative of euphorigenic properties and a score intermediate
between placebo and amphetamine on the Liking Scale of the ARCI.
Animals
Studies in rodents and primates have shown that
bupropion exhibits some pharmacologic actions common to psychostimulants.
In rodents, it has been shown to increase locomotor activity, elicit
a mild stereotyped behavioral response, and increase rates of responding
in several schedule-controlled behavior paradigms. In primate models
to assess the positive reinforcing effects of psychoactive drugs,
bupropion was self-administered intravenously. In rats, bupropion
produced amphetamine- and cocaine-like discriminative stimulus effects
in drug discrimination paradigms used to characterize the subjective
effects of psychoactive drugs.
The possibility
that bupropion may induce dependence should be kept in mind when evaluating
the desirability of including the drug in smoking cessation programs
of individual patients.
OVERDOSAGE
Human Overdose Experience
Overdoses of up to 30 g or more of bupropion
have been reported. Seizure was reported in approximately one third
of all cases. Other serious reactions reported with overdoses of bupropion
alone included hallucinations, loss of consciousness, sinus tachycardia,
and ECG changes such as conduction disturbances or arrhythmias. Fever,
muscle rigidity, rhabdomyolysis, hypotension, stupor, coma, and respiratory
failure have been reported mainly when bupropion was part of multiple
drug overdoses.
Although most patients recovered
without sequelae, deaths associated with overdoses of bupropion alone
have been reported in patients ingesting large doses of the drug.
Multiple uncontrolled seizures, bradycardia, cardiac failure, and
cardiac arrest prior to death were reported in these patients.
Overdosage Management
Ensure an adequate
airway, oxygenation, and ventilation. Monitor cardiac rhythm and vital
signs. EEG monitoring is also recommended for the first 48 hours
post-ingestion. General supportive and symptomatic measures are also
recommended. Induction of emesis is not recommended. Gastric lavage
with a large-bore orogastric tube with appropriate airway protection,
if needed, may be indicated if performed soon after ingestion or in
symptomatic patients.
Activated charcoal should
be administered. There is no experience with the use of forced diuresis,
dialysis, hemoperfusion, or exchange transfusion in the management
of bupropion overdoses. No specific antidotes for bupropion are known.
Due to the dose-related risk of seizures with ZYBAN, hospitalization
following suspected overdose should be considered. Based on studies
in animals, it is recommended that seizures be treated with intravenous
benzodiazepine administration and other supportive measures, as appropriate.
In managing overdosage, consider the possibility of multiple
drug involvement. The physician should consider contacting a poison
control center for additional information on the treatment of any
overdose. Telephone numbers for certified poison control centers are
listed in the Physicians’ Desk
Reference (PDR).
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Usual Dosage for Adults
The recommended
and maximum dose of ZYBAN is 300 mg/day, given as 150 mg
twice daily. Dosing should begin at 150 mg/day given every day
for the first 3 days, followed by a dose increase for most patients
to the recommended usual dose of 300 mg/day. There should be
an interval of at least 8 hours between successive doses. Doses
above 300 mg/day should not be used (see WARNINGS). ZYBAN should be
swallowed whole and not crushed, divided, or chewed. Treatment with
ZYBAN should be initiated while the patient
is still smoking, since approximately 1 week of treatment
is required to achieve steady-state blood levels of bupropion. Patients
should set a “target quit date” within the first 2 weeks
of treatment with ZYBAN, generally in the second week. Treatment with
ZYBAN should be continued for 7 to 12 weeks; longer treatment
should be guided by the relative benefits and risks for individual
patients. If a patient has not made significant progress towards abstinence
by the seventh week of therapy with ZYBAN, it is unlikely that he
or she will quit during that attempt, and treatment should probably
be discontinued. Conversely, a patient who successfully quits after
7 to 12 weeks of treatment should be considered for ongoing therapy
with ZYBAN. Dose tapering of ZYBAN is not required when discontinuing
treatment. It is important that patients continue to receive counseling
and support throughout treatment with ZYBAN, and for a period of time
thereafter.
Individualization of Therapy
Patients are more likely to quit smoking and remain
abstinent if they are seen frequently and receive support from their
physicians or other healthcare professionals. It is important to ensure
that patients read the instructions provided to them and have their
questions answered. Physicians should review the patient’s
overall smoking cessation program that includes treatment with ZYBAN.
Patients should be advised of the importance of participating in the
behavioral interventions, counseling, and/or support services to be
used in conjunction with ZYBAN. See information for patients at the
end of the package insert.
The goal of therapy
with ZYBAN is complete abstinence. If a patient has not made significant
progress towards abstinence by the seventh week of therapy with ZYBAN,
it is unlikely that he or she will quit during that attempt, and treatment
should probably be discontinued.
Patients who
fail to quit smoking during an attempt may benefit from interventions
to improve their chances for success on subsequent attempts. Patients
who are unsuccessful should be evaluated to determine why they failed.
A new quit attempt should be encouraged when factors that contributed
to failure can be eliminated or reduced, and conditions are more favorable.
Maintenance
Nicotine dependence is a chronic condition. Some
patients may need continuous treatment. Systematic evaluation of ZYBAN
300 mg/day for maintenance therapy demonstrated that treatment
for up to 6 months was efficacious. Whether to continue treatment
with ZYBAN for periods longer than 12 weeks for smoking cessation
must be determined for individual patients.
Combination Treatment With
ZYBAN and a Nicotine Transdermal System (NTS)
Combination treatment with ZYBAN and NTS may be
prescribed for smoking cessation. The prescriber should review the
complete prescribing information for both ZYBAN and NTS before using
combination treatment. See also CLINICAL TRIALS for methods and dosing
used in the ZYBAN and NTS combination trial. Monitoring for treatment-emergent
hypertension in patients treated with the combination of ZYBAN and
NTS is recommended.
Dosage Adjustment for Patients
with Impaired Hepatic Function
ZYBAN should be used with extreme caution in patients
with severe hepatic cirrhosis. The dose should not exceed 150 mg every
other day in these patients. ZYBAN should be used with caution in
patients with hepatic impairment (including mild to moderate hepatic
cirrhosis) and a reduced frequency of dosing should be considered
in patients with mild to moderate hepatic cirrhosis (see CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY, WARNINGS, and PRECAUTIONS).
Dosage Adjustment for Patients
with Impaired Renal Function
ZYBAN should
be used with caution in patients with renal impairment and a reduced
frequency of dosing should be considered (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
and PRECAUTIONS).
HOW SUPPLIED
ZYBAN Sustained-Release
Tablets, 150 mg of bupropion hydrochloride, are purple, round,
biconvex, film-coated tablets printed with “ZYBAN 150”
in bottles of 60 (NDC 0173-0556-02) tablets and the ZYBAN Advantage
Pack® containing 1 bottle of 60 (NDC 0173-0556-01)
tablets.
Store at
controlled room temperature, 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)
(see USP). Dispense in tight, light-resistant containers as defined
in the USP.
MEDICATION GUIDE
ZYBAN® (zi ban)
(bupropion hydrochloride) Sustained-Release Tablets
Read this Medication Guide carefully before you start
using ZYBAN and each time you get a refill. There may be new information.
This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor
about your medical condition or your treatment. If you have any questions
about ZYBAN, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to read both sections
of this Medication Guide. The first section is about the risk of suicidalthoughts and actions with antidepressant medicines; the second section
is entitled “What other important information should I know
about ZYBAN?”
Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and Other Serious
Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions
Although ZYBAN is not a treatment for depression, it contains
the same active ingredient as the antidepressant medications WELLBUTRIN®, WELLBUTRIN SR®, and WELLBUTRIN XL®.
This section of the Medication
Guide is only about the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions with
antidepressant medicines. Talk to your,
or your family member’s, healthcare provider about:
What is the most important
information I should know about antidepressant medicines, depression
and other serious mental illnesses, and suicidal thoughts or actions?
-
Antidepressant medicines
may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers,
and young adults within the first few months of treatment.
-
Depression and other serious
mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts
and actions. Some people may have a particularly high risk of having
suicidal thoughts or actions. These include people who have
(or have a family history of) bipolar illness (also called manic-depressive
illness) or suicidal thoughts or actions.
-
How can I watch for and
try to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions in myself or a family
member?
-
Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden
changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important
when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed.
-
Call the healthcare provider right away to report
new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings.
Call a healthcare provider
right away if you or your family member has any of the following symptoms,
especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:
-
thoughts about suicide or dying
-
attempts to commit suicide
-
new or worse depression
-
new or worse anxiety
-
feeling very agitated or restless
-
panic attacks
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trouble sleeping (insomnia)
-
new or worse irritability
-
acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
-
acting on dangerous impulses
-
an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
-
other unusual changes in behavior or mood
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What else do I need to
know about antidepressant medicines?
-
Never stop an antidepressant
medicine without first talking to a healthcare provider. Stopping an antidepressant medicine suddenly can cause other symptoms.
-
Antidepressants are medicines
used to treat depression and other illnesses. It is important
to discuss all the risks of treating depression and also the risks
of not treating it. Patients and their families or other caregivers
should discuss all treatment choices with the healthcare provider,
not just the use of antidepressants.
-
Antidepressant medicines
have other side effects. Talk to the healthcare provider
about the side effects of the medicine prescribed for you or your
family member.
-
Antidepressant medicines
can interact with other medicines. Know all of the medicines
that you or your family member takes. Keep a list of all medicines
to show the healthcare provider. Do not start new medicines without
first checking with your healthcare provider.
-
Not all antidepressant
medicines prescribed for children are FDA approved for use in children. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider for more information.
ZYBAN has not been studied in children under the
age of 18 and is not approved for use in children and teenagers.
What other important information
should I know about ZYBAN?
There is a chance of having a seizure (convulsion,
fit) with ZYBAN, especially in people:
- with certain medical problems.
- who take certain medicines.
The chance of having seizures increases with higher
doses of ZYBAN. For more information, see the sections “Who
should not take ZYBAN?” and “What should I tell my doctor
before using ZYBAN?” Tell your doctor about all of your medical
conditions and all the medicines you take. Do not take any other medicines while you are using ZYBAN unless
your doctor has said it is okay to take them.
If you have a seizure while
taking ZYBAN, stop taking the tablets and call your doctor right away. Do not take ZYBAN again if you have a seizure.
What is ZYBAN?
ZYBAN is a prescription medicine to help people quit smoking. Studies
have shown that more than one third of people quit smoking for at
least 1 month while taking ZYBAN and participating in a patient support
program. For many patients, ZYBAN reduces withdrawal symptoms and
the urge to smoke. ZYBAN should be used with a patient support program.
It is important to participate in the behavioral program, counseling,
or other support program your healthcare professional recommends.
Who should not take ZYBAN?
Do not take ZYBAN
if you:
- have or had a seizure disorder or epilepsy.
- are taking WELLBUTRIN, WELLBUTRIN
SR, WELLBUTRIN XL, or any other medicines that contain bupropion hydrochloride. Bupropion is the same active ingredient that is in ZYBAN.
- drink a lot of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking, or use medicines
called sedatives (these make you sleepy) or benzodiazepines and you
stop using them all of a sudden.
- have taken within the last 14 days medicine for depression called
a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), such as NARDIL®*(phenelzine sulfate), PARNATE®(tranylcypromine sulfate),
or MARPLAN®*(isocarboxazid).
- have or had an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
- are allergic to the active ingredient in ZYBAN, bupropion, or
to any of the inactive ingredients. See the end of this leaflet for
a complete list of ingredients in ZYBAN.
Can I take ZYBAN if I
have mild-to-moderate chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema (also called
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD)?
Yes, ZYBAN combined with a behavior modification program
has been shown to help people with COPD quit smoking. It is important
to participate in the behavior program, counseling, or other support
program your healthcare professional recommends.
What should I tell my doctor before using
ZYBAN?
- Tell your doctor about your medical
conditions. Tell your doctor if you:
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ZYBAN can harm your unborn baby. If you can
use ZYBAN while you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about how you
can be on the Bupropion Pregnancy Registry.
- are breastfeeding. ZYBAN
passes through your milk. It is not known if ZYBAN can harm your baby.
- have liver problems, especially
cirrhosis of the liver.
- have kidney problems.
- have an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
- have had a head injury.
- have had a seizure (convulsion, fit).
- have a tumor in your nervous system (brain or spine).
- have had a heart attack, heart problems, or high blood pressure.
- are a diabetic taking insulin or other medicines to control
your blood sugar.
- drink a lot of alcohol.
- abuse prescription medicines or street drugs.
- Tell your doctor about all the medicines
you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines,
vitamins, and herbal supplements. Many medicines increase your chances
of getting seizures or other serious side effects if you take them
while you are using ZYBAN.
How should I take ZYBAN?
- Take ZYBAN exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not chew, cut, or crush ZYBAN Tablets.You must swallow the tablets whole. Tell
your doctor if you cannot swallow medicine tablets.
- Take ZYBAN at the same time each day.
- Take your doses of ZYBAN at least 8 hours apart.
- If you miss a dose, do not take an extra tablet to make up for
the dose you forgot. Wait and take your next tablet at the regular
time. This is very important. Too
much ZYBAN can increase your chance of having a seizure.
- If you take too much ZYBAN, or overdose, call your local emergency
room or poison control center right away.
- Do not take any other medicines while
using ZYBAN unless your doctor has told you it is okay.
- Do not change your dose or stop taking ZYBAN without talking
with your doctor first.
How long should I take
ZYBAN?
Most people should take ZYBAN
for at least 7 to 12 weeks. Some people may need to take ZYBAN for
a longer period of time to assist in their smoking cessation efforts.
Follow your doctor’s instructions.
When should I stop smoking?
It takes about 1 week for ZYBAN to reach the right
levels in your body to be effective. So, to maximize your chance of
quitting, you should not stop smoking until you have been taking ZYBAN
for 1 week. You should set a date to stop smoking during the
second week you’re taking ZYBAN.
Can I smoke while taking ZYBAN?
It is not physically dangerous to smoke and use ZYBAN
at the same time. However, continuing to smoke after the date you
set to stop smoking will seriously reduce your chance of breaking
your smoking habit.
Can ZYBAN be used at the same time as nicotine patches?
Yes, ZYBAN and nicotine patches can be used
at the same time but should only be used together under the supervision
of your doctor. Using ZYBAN and nicotine patches together may raise
your blood pressure, sometimes severely. Tell your doctor if you are
planning to use nicotine replacement therapy because your doctor will
probably want to check your blood pressure regularly to make sure
that it stays within acceptable levels.
DO NOT SMOKE AT ANY TIME if you are using
a nicotine patch or any other nicotine product along with ZYBAN. It
is possible to get too much nicotine and have serious side effects.
What should I avoid while taking
ZYBAN?
- Do not drink a lot of alcohol while taking ZYBAN. If you usually
drink a lot of alcohol, talk with your doctor before suddenly stopping.
If you suddenly stop drinking alcohol, you may increase your chance
of having seizures.
- Do not drive a car or use heavy machinery until you know how
ZYBAN affects you. ZYBAN can impair your ability to perform these
tasks.
What are possible side
effects of ZYBAN?
- Seizures. Some patients
get seizures while taking ZYBAN. If you
have a seizure while taking ZYBAN, stop taking the tablets and call
your doctor right away. Do not take ZYBAN again if you have
a seizure.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure). Some patients get high blood pressure, sometimes severe, while taking
ZYBAN. The chance of high blood pressure may be increased if you also
use nicotine replacement therapy (for example, a nicotine patch) to
help you stop smoking(see “Can ZYBAN be used at the same time
as nicotine patches?”).
- Severe allergic reactions: Stop taking
ZYBAN and call your doctor right away if you get a rash,
itching, hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the
mouth or around the eyes, swelling of the lips or tongue, chest pain,
or have trouble breathing. These could be signs of a serious allergic
reaction.
- Unusual thoughts or behaviors. Some patients have unusual thoughts or behaviors while taking ZYBAN,
including delusions (believe you are someone else), hallucinations
(seeing or hearing things that are not there), paranoia (feeling that
people are against you), or feeling confused. If this happens to you,
call your doctor.
The most common side effects of ZYBAN are dry mouth
and difficulty sleeping. These side effects are generally mild and
often disappear after a few weeks. If you have difficulty sleeping,
do not take your medicine too close to bedtime.
Tell your doctor right away about any side effects that bother you.
These are not all the side effects of ZYBAN. For a complete
list, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How should I store ZYBAN?
- Store ZYBAN at room temperature. Store out of direct sunlight.
Keep ZYBAN in its tightly closed bottle.
- ZYBAN may have an odor.
General Information about
ZYBAN.
- Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those
listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use ZYBAN for a condition for
which it was not prescribed. Do not give ZYBAN to other people, even
if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. Keep ZYBAN
out of the reach of children.
This Medication Guide summarizes important information
about ZYBAN. For more information, talk with your doctor. You can
ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about ZYBAN that is
written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in ZYBAN?
Active ingredient: bupropion hydrochloride.
Inactive ingredients: carnauba wax, cysteine hydrochloride,
hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene
glycol, polysorbate 80 and titanium dioxide. The tablets are printed
with edible black ink. In addition, the 150-mg tablet contains FD&C
Blue No. 2 Lake and FD&C Red No. 40 Lake.
*The following are registered trademarks of their respective
manufacturers: NARDIL®/Warner Lambert Company; MARPLAN®/Oxford Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
Rx only
This Medication Guide has been approved
by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
August 2007 ZYB:4MG
Distributed by:
GlaxoSmithKline
Research Triangle
Park, NC 27709
Manufactured by:
GlaxoSmithKline
Research Triangle Park
or
DSM Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Greenville, NC 27834
©2007,
GlaxoSmithKline. All rights reserved.
August
2007 ZYB:2PI
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Revised: 08/2007GlaxoSmithKline