A NEW drug is set to be introduced in Swindon to help smokers kick their habit.

Wiltshire Health Authority says it is likely to introduce the drug Zyban in September.

It will be brought in as part of a Smoking Cessation Programme, which will also offer addicts practical support and counselling.

Zyban is the trade name for the drug Bupropion, which is currently under review by Wiltshire Health Authority.

WHA pharmaceutical adviser, Jill Loader, said : If the new drug lives up to expectations, it should prove to be a vital weapon in the war against smoking.

In order to achieve the most benefit from prescribing Bupropion, we must ensure we set up a service that can support people who are trying to quit smoking. Bupropion will be another tool to use as this service is developed.

Both Ridgeway and Swindon Primary Care Groups are recruiting co-ordinators to develop the new service.

People following the smoking cessation course will be assessed to draw up an action plan for those wishing to quit which could include Bupropion or Nicotine Replacement Therapy.