In a significant move to combat smoking-related health issues, the NHS is set to provide an enhanced version of the stop smoking medication varenicline to thousands of individuals in England. This daily tablet, which is administered over several months, has been shown to be as effective as e-cigarettes and surpasses traditional nicotine replacement therapies like gum and patches.
Varenicline, previously marketed under the brand name Champix, was withdrawn from the NHS a few years ago due to safety concerns related to impurities. The newly approved formulation is deemed safe and effective for helping users manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.
According to NHS England, when combined with behavioral support such as counseling, this medication aids approximately one in four users in quitting smoking for at least six months.
With over 85,000 potential quitters benefiting from this initiative annually, research estimates that it could prevent around 9,500 smoking-related deaths over the next five years.
Currently, about one in eight adults in the UK—approximately six million people—are smokers. The consequences of smoking are dire; last year, there were more than 400,000 hospital admissions linked to smoking-related conditions. The NHS spends around £2.5 billion annually on treating health issues caused by smoking—the leading cause of preventable illness and death.
To obtain varenicline, individuals must consult their GP or an NHS stop smoking service since it is a prescription-only medication. While e-cigarettes may also be offered as part of quit programs, they are not licensed as medications and can only be prescribed under specific local agreements.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized that making varenicline widely available could lead to substantial cost savings for the NHS while expediting care for other patients.
Hazel Cheeseman from Action on Smoking and Health pointed out existing disparities in access to cessation services across different regions. She remarked on the importance of ensuring that all smokers have access to effective treatments like varenicline alongside necessary support services.
Professor Nick Hopkinson, an expert in respiratory medicine, noted that while varenicline is one of the most effective medications for quitting smoking, a holistic approach combining counseling and medication is crucial for success.
As the NHS implements these changes, it represents a proactive step toward addressing one of public health’s most pressing challenges. With ongoing commitment and support services, there lies potential for reducing smoking rates significantly across the country.
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