A new anti-smoking pill that experts say is a “game changer” when it comes to helping people quit the habit is being made available in the United Kingdom’s national health service (NHS).
A daily tablet
Varenicline comes in the form of a daily tablet, which smokers can take to reduce nicotine cravings. Experts say it acts as well as nicotine replacement aids, such as vaping or wearing patches, to lessen the negative side-effects smokers suffer when they stop, including sleep disturbances and personality changes like heightened anger. Dr Nicola Lindson, associate professor at Oxford University, has described the drug as “one of the most effective ways to quit smoking, especially when combined with behavioural support, such as counselling.”
Previously available under the name Champix, the pill was withdrawn from the NHS in 2021 when it was found to contain impurities. But that issue has now been resolved and with approval granted again by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the drug is set once more to help an estimated 85,000 people per year free themselves from their nicotine dependency.
9,500 smoking-related deaths could be avoided
The move is expected to save 9,500 people from smoking-related deaths over the next five years. “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,” NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard told delegates at an NHS Providers conference. “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, blood and brain, while also increasing risk of cancer, diabetes and stroke.”
Despite strong anti-smoking public messaging, advertising and branding bans, and warnings on tobacco packaging, around one in eight adults in the UK population still smoke, according to NHS figures, and there were 400,000 smoking-related hospital admissions in England alone from 2022 to 2023. Further measures being considered to release nicotine’s grip in the UK include a potential prohibition on smoking by anyone born after January 1, 2009.
Save money, reduce pressure, save lives
Meanwhile, the UK’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care welcomed the comeback of the anti-smoking pill and its potential not only to reduce the ill-health that comes with nicotine addiction, but also to alleviate financial strain and demand on the NHS over time.
“Prevention is better than cure. The rollout of this pill can save the NHS millions of pounds, save appointments to help other patients be seen faster, and save lives,” the UK’s health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting, said.
