Miracle anti-smoking pill being rolled out on the NHS in England could save THOUSANDS of lives By SHAUN WOOLLER HEALTH EDITOR FOR THE DAILY MAIL Published: 00:29, 12 November 2024 | Updated: 00:49, 12 November 2024 e-mail View comments A daily pill that triples the odds of quitting smoking will be offered on the NHS in a bid to save thousands of lives. Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, hailed the drug as a ‘game-changer’ and a major step towards creating a ‘smoke-free generation’. Studies show varenicline is three times more effective than a placebo at helping people kick the habit.
It also works as well as vapes and better than nicotine-replacement gum or patches. The drug reduces cravings for nicotine and blocks its effect on the brain, while also helping with withdrawal symptoms such as feeling irritable or having difficulty sleeping. When used alongside behavioural support, such as counselling, the treatment has been shown to help around one in four people to stop smoking for at least six months.
The NHS expects 85,000 smokers a year to try the drug and believes it will prevent 9,500 smoking-related deaths in the next five years. Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, hailed the drug as a ‘game-changer’ and a major step towards creating a ‘smoke-free generation’ The drug reduces cravings for nicotine and blocks its effect on the brain, while also helping with withdrawal symptoms such as feeling irritable or having difficulty slee.