Expert: John - 8/18/2003

Question
My fiance' has hepatitis C and smokes.  I have hated smoking all of my life.  He's tried to quit using nicotine gum, but he always goes back to the real thing.  I would like to know if he could take Zyban.  I think it's his only hope.  He claims he wants to quit, but says the addiction is stronger than he is.  Also, what are the effects of smoking on hepatitis C?  I've read conflicting reports.

Answer
Dear Stacy,

I am not an expert on smoking cessation programs.  This question should be forwarded to a pulmonologist for further evaluation.  However, in regards to the use of Zyban (bupropion) on patients with hepatitis C.  It is generally recommended that patients are initially screened for the level of liver damage.  Once that is completed, the patient is placed on low doses of Zyban because the drug is toxic to both the liver and the kidney.  Any individuals, like your fiance, may have an increase risk of liver damage due to the use of Zyban.

Hence, if he does decide to undergo Zyban treatment, your physician must closely monitor his liver functions.

As far as smoking and hepatitis C.  Cigarettes released hundreds of toxic chemicals into the body and the liver is the main organ which detoxifies it.  However, in patients with liver disease, the detoxification process is deficient and may not be complete.  Hence, these toxic chemicals will continue to cause damage to the liver, as well as other organs in the body by means of the bloodstream.

Good luck.