A daily pill that could help tens of thousands of people give up cigarettes and prevent thousands of smoking-related deaths each year will be rolled out on the health service. NHS England’s chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, hailed the drug as a “game changer” ahead of the announcement in a speech on Tuesday (November 12). Varenicline, which is made by pharmaceutical company Teva UK, is the generic version of a previously used branded pill called Champix which was withdrawn in 2021 after an impurity was discovered.
The once-a-day pill tackles nicotine cravings and helps with withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability and trouble sleeping. The daily pill could help tens of thousands of people give up smoking (Image: Getty) According to NHS England, when the pill is used alongside behavioural support, it can help about one in four people stop smoking for at least six months. Officials estimate it could help more than 85,000 people give up smoking annually over the next five years as well as prevent up to 9,500 smoking-related deaths.
During a keynote speech at NHS Providers’ Annual Conference and Exhibition in Liverpool, taking place this week, Ms Pritchard will say: “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. “Smoking remains one of the biggest public health issues facing the NHS and has devastating impacts on the body – from the lungs, to the heart, .
