NHS to Launch Revolutionary Stop-Smoking Pill Varenicline

2024-11-13

NHS England is set to launch an improved stop-smoking pill, varenicline, which is expected to be a significant advancement in smoking cessation efforts. The once-daily pill is designed to help thousands of smokers across the country by effectively reducing nicotine cravings and alleviating withdrawal symptoms.

Varenicline has been demonstrated to be as effective as vaping and superior to traditional nicotine replacement therapies such as gums and patches. When combined with behavioural support, such as counselling, it can help around 25% of users quit smoking for at least six months. The NHS anticipates that this initiative could support over 85,000 individuals in quitting smoking annually, potentially preventing approximately 9,500 smoking-related deaths over the next five years, according to research from University College London.

The new formulation of varenicline replaces the previously marketed drug, Champix, which was withdrawn in 2021 due to safety concerns over impurities. The relaunched version has been deemed safe for use and approved by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency as a generic medication.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive, has labelled varenicline a “game-changer,” emphasising its importance in linking preventive measures with effective treatments for smokers. She noted that the NHS incurs annual costs of around £2.5 billion related to health issues stemming from smoking, and varenicline is anticipated to significantly ease this financial burden.

Health officials project that with the introduction of varenicline, alongside existing NHS stop-smoking services, the overall public health landscape could improve, aiming towards a smoke-free generation through broader legislative efforts, such as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, intended to reduce smoking rates among future populations.

As the rollout approaches, experts are advocating for comprehensive support systems that combine effective medication with counselling to maximise the likelihood of successful smoking cessation.

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Varenicline has been shown to work as well as vapes and better than nicotine patches. It could prevent 9,500 deaths in the next five years.

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The NHS in England is launching Varenicline, a once-daily pill designed to help smokers quit by reducing nicotine cravings and easing withdrawal sympt

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