Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The NHS is set to introduce a new once-a-day pill that could be instrumental in helping tens of thousands quit smoking.
It could prevent thousands of deaths related to the habit each year, according to NHS England's chief executive Amanda Pritchard. She has called the medication a "game changer" ahead of a speech today, Tuesday, November 12. Varenicline, produced by Teva UK, is a generic version of the previously available branded drug Champix, which was pulled from shelves in 2021 due to an impurity.
The pill combats nicotine cravings and eases withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and sleep disturbances. It is most effective when paired with behavioural support, increasing cessation success to about one quarter of smokers for a duration of at least six months. The NHS forecasts it could help over 85,000 people each year to stop smoking within five years.
It could prevent up to 9,500 deaths resulting from smoking annually, officials believe. Amanda Pritchard will highlight during her speech at the NHS Providers' Annual Conference and Exhibition in Liverpool that "this simple, daily pill could be a game changer for people who want to quit smoking and is another vital step in shifting our NHS further towards prevention." Additionally, she will emphasise the severe public health threat posed by smoking, impacting not just lungs but al.