NHS Reintroduces Varenicline Stop-Smoking Pill

The NHS in England is reintroducing Varenicline, a daily pill deemed a 'game-changer' for smoking cessation, which triples the odds of quitting smoking. Expected to be used by 85,000 smokers annually, the drug could prevent up to 9,500 smoking-related deaths over the next five years. Varenicline reduces nicotine cravings and blocks its effects on the brain, proving more effective than gum and patches, and as effective as vapes. The original branded version, Champix, was withdrawn in 2021 due to impurities, but a new generic version produced by Teva UK has been approved. It will be available through NHS Stop Smoking Services, with patients receiving additional support such as counseling. NHS chief Amanda Pritchard emphasizes the pill's role in supporting the government's smoke-free generation goals by preventing public health issues caused by smoking.