Stop Smoking Pill: What We Know So Far About The New NHS Treatment

The NHS has revealed that the introduction of a better anti-smoking medication could save thousands of lives in England.

On their website, the health service stated that Varenicline is as effective as vaping for helping individuals quit smoking. Additionally, it proves to be more beneficial than nicotine replacement options like gum or patches.

It will be made available to tens of thousands of smokers in England as an additional alternative to assist them in overcoming their addiction.

The NHS explained that the medication helps by decreasing the urge to smoke and preventing nicotine from affecting the brain. It also assists with withdrawal symptoms like irritability and trouble sleeping.

When combined with behavioral assistance like counseling, this treatment has been found to help about 25% of individuals quit smoking for at least six months.

During her address at the NHS Providers annual conference today, NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard will emphasize, "This easy-to-take daily tablet has the potential to significantly help individuals looking to stop smoking, marking another important move for our NHS toward a greater focus on prevention."

Smoking continues to be a significant public health challenge for the NHS and has severe effects on the body. It harms various organs, including the lungs, heart, blood vessels, and brain, and raises the chances of developing cancer, diabetes, and experiencing a stroke.

"In addition to backing the Government's goal of achieving a smoke-free generation, we are providing existing smokers with effective resources to help them quit. With established treatment methods and expert support, we aim to save countless lives and reduce treatment expenses for the NHS by millions."

Approximately one out of every eight adults in the UK smokes, which amounts to about six million individuals. In the period of 2022-23, there were over 400,000 hospital admissions in England linked to smoking-related issues.