Key points from article :
The NHS in England is reintroducing varenicline, an effective medication to support smoking cessation, to help thousands quit smoking. This move follows the removal of the drug's previous version, Champix, due to impurities. Varenicline reduces nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability and sleep issues, by blocking nicotine’s effect on the brain. NHS England reports that, when combined with behavioral support like counseling, varenicline helps one in four people quit smoking for at least six months.
Studies by University College London suggest this initiative could help over 85,000 people quit each year and potentially prevent around 9,500 smoking-related deaths over the next five years. Although e-cigarettes will also be offered in some regions as part of NHS stop-smoking services, they are not as effective as varenicline. Vapes are recommended only as a temporary aid for those actively trying to quit smoking, as they carry some health risks despite being less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
Health experts stress that access to medications alone may not be sufficient to reduce smoking rates. This approach offers smokers the best chance to overcome tobacco dependence. He encourages smokers to seek NHS Smokefree services or speak with healthcare providers about varenicline, especially if previous methods like nicotine patches or gum have failed.
This expanded access to varenicline aims to save NHS resources by reducing smoking-related healthcare costs and potentially improving appointment availability for other patients.
