The NHS has introduced a ‘stop smoking’ pill to try and encourage people to quit
An improved anti-smoking pill being rolled out on the NHS could help save lives as it’s been shown to work just as well as vapes to help people quit.
NHS supports those who want to quit smoking
Varenicline is set to be announced today by the head of the health service, as a way to curb smoking addictions across the UK.
The pill that reduces the craving for nicotine and blocks its effects on the brain, will be offered by the NHS to tens of thousands of smokers each year.
The daily pill will also help with withdrawal symptoms, for example, feeling irritable or having trouble sleeping. Making the transition easier for those who are trying to quit smoking.
A smoke-free generation
It has been proven that when the pill is used with behavioural support, the treatment helps one in four people quit smoking for at least six months.
As the use of vapes and cigarettes continues to rise the rollout of this pill is hoping to create a smoke-free generation. The UK government has taken steps to protect the well-being of our future generations by banning the selling of vapes and the introduction of this pill contributes to the NHS’ drive to make more effective treatment options available for patients. It will also deliver over £500m in savings for the taxpayer.
NHS Providers annual conference
As the NHS Providers annual conference takes place today in Liverpool the focus continues to be on the commitment to reform patient care and provide maximum value for taxpayers.
Each year varenicline is expected to help over 85,000 to try and stop smoking. If it continues to be used over the next five years it could prevent up to 9,500 smoking-related deaths.
The treatment is being made available through a collaboration between NHS England and pharmaceutical company Teva UK, and the pill will provide additional treatment options for patients in England through NHS Stop Smoking Services. The is also potentially a second option second drug (cytisine) currently under review.
Smoking can cause significant health impacts so using a pill such as varenicline will deliver significant cost savings for the health service, while also saving lives.
