Bupropion
Summary
Persistence. Bupropion is potentially persistent.
Bioaccumulation. Bupropion has low potential for bioaccumulation.
Toxicity. Bupropion has very high chronic toxicity.
Risk. The use of bupropion (sales data Sweden 2021) has been considered to result in insignificant environmental risk. See comment under the heading "Detailed information" if using PNEC value for bupropion from the assessment report of Mysimba (naltrexone/bupropion).
This summary information comes from Fass except from the toxicity information that comes from the assessment report. Data for bioaccumulation is also supported by information in the assessment report.
Detailed information
Assessment report
Assessment report for Mysimba (naltrexon/bupropion) 18 december 2014, EMA/805547/2015.
Hazard
Persistence: "OECD 301: 1.21 % in 14 days. Not ready biodegradable. OECD 301B: 0.2–1.0 % CO2. Not ready biodegradable. OECD 302: 90 % in 14 days. Inherent biodegradable. [---] CHMP recommends the following points for further investigation: The Applicant is requested to perform all the planned studies for the environmental risk assessment for bupropion (e.g. OECD 106, 210 and 211) and naltrexone (OECD 106, 201, 209, 210, 211 and 301) as well as OECD 308 for both compounds, should the results from the respective OECD 301 studies deem this necessary." According to contact person at the Swedish Medical Products Agency, no new data has been received (email 2018-09-04).
Bioaccumulation: log Kow pH 5: -0.207, pH 7: 1.83, pH 9: 3.18. Conclusion: not B.
Toxicity: There are data for 2 trophic levels, most sensitive algae (Pseudokirchneriella sucapitata) NOEC = 11.1 microg/L.
Risk
The risk, PEC/PNEC, calculated from data in the assessment report from a European perspective:
PEC = 0.068 microg/L
PNEC = Lowest NOEC, 11.1 microg/L/50 (assessment factor (AF) for two chronic studies) = 0.222 mikrog/L.
PEC/PNEC = 0.306 gives the risk low.
Fass environmental information
Fass environmental information for Voxra (bupropion) from GlaxoSmithKline (downloaded 2023-03-15).
Hazard
Persistence: "Bupropion is not readily degradable but it does undergo inherent primary biodegradation. This substance is predicted to degrade via hydrolysis and the half-life is less than 40 days. However, the relevant degradation products have not been identified or characterised. The phrase “Bupropion is potentially persistent” is thus chosen."
Bioaccumulation: Log Dow = 1.54 vid pH 7.4.
Toxicity: There are data for 3 trophic levels, most sensitive NOEC for fish 100 microg/L.
Risk
PEC/PNEC is based on sales data in Sweden in year 2021. PEC/PNEC = 0.38/10 = 0.038 which gives the risk insignificant. If one instead use the PNEC value according to the assessment report above and uses the PEC value from Fass, the risk becomes moderate (PEC/PNEC = 0.38/0.222 = 1.712).
Report from Goodpoint from a Swedish perspective
Concentrations of bupropion in the environment have been well below the lowest effect concentrations. Bupropion has been found in wild fish, though quite far below therapeutic concentrations. Mechanism based efficacy data is lackning.
Pharmaceuticals residues in the aquatic environment in Region Stockholm
Bupropion has been found in treated wastewater and surface water within Region Stockholm during measurements in 2021.
References
- European Medicines Agency. European public assessment report (EPAR) for Mysimba (naltrexon/bupropion) 18 december 2014, EMA/805547/2015.
- Fass.se för vårdpersonal.
- Goodpoint. Prioritering av läkemedel med miljörisk inom SLL. Stockholm: Goodpoint; 2016. Rapport LS 2016–0634.
- Provtagningar av läkemedelsrester i vatten, sediment och fisk för Region Stockholm.
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute Ltd. Fick J, Lindberg RH, Kaj L, Brorström-Lundén E. Results from the Swedish National Screening Programme 2010. Subreport 3, B 2014 Pharmaceuticals.
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute Ltd Fick J, Lindberg RH, Fång J, Magnér J, Kaj L, Brorström-Lundén E. Screening 2014. Analysis of pharmaceuticals and hormones in samples from WWTPs and receiving waters. Rapport C 135.
Author: Health and Medical Care Administration, Region Stockholm