The NHS is to start offering a ‘game-changing’ stop smoking pill to those in Gedling borough who want to quit cigarettes.
NHS England say Varenicline is more effective than nicotine-replacement gum or patches, and as effective as vapes in helping people to stop smoking.
The daily pill helps reduce cravings and the pleasurable effects of nicotine that keep people addicted.
It also helps with withdrawal symptoms such as irritability or sleeping problems and patients who are usually prescribed a 12-week course.
It’s estimated it could help more than 85,000 people per year and prevent up to 9,500 smoking-related deaths over the next five years, according to University College London (UCL).
Varenicline will become another option for people using NHS stop smoking services in England.
A branded version of the smoking cessation pill – known as Champix – was previously prescribed, but then withdrawn by manufacturers Pfizer in 2021 after an impurity was discovered.
However, the NHS said a generic version of the drug, from pharmaceutical firm Teva UK, has now been approved as safe by the Medicines Health and Regulatory Authority (MHRA).
Supplying varenicline is part of an effort to make more effective treatments available while saving more than £500m for the taxpayer, said NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard.
In a speech later, she will say the pill could be “a game-changer” for smokers.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said varenicline would save lives and millions of pounds for the NHS.
Dr Ian Walker, Cancer Research UK’s policy chief praised the move.
“It’s great news that the NHS is making varenicline an option for people trying to quit,” he said.
“Along with funding for cessation services, making tools like this available will help more people stop smoking.”
