UK NHS rolls out a new 'stop-smoking' pill: Could this be the game-changer smokers need?
NHS Launches Varenicline To Help Smokers Quit
On August 29, 2024, a woman is seen smoking outside a pub in Covent Garden, London. This is a file photo from Reuters.
The NHS in England is launching a new solution to assist smokers in permanently quitting — a once-daily medication known as Varenicline.
Described as a “revolutionary breakthrough” by NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard, this medication is anticipated to help tens of thousands of individuals each year in their battle against smoking addiction.
The introduction of this initiative marks an important move for the NHS in its efforts to tackle health issues and fatalities caused by smoking. It also aligns with the government’s goal of achieving the first smoke-free generation.
What Is Varenicline And Its Reintroduction?
Varenicline is a generic version of the smoking cessation medication that was formerly marketed as Champix, and it is produced by Teva UK.
The initial version was removed from sale in 2021 because of concerns about impurities. However, the updated and purified formulation has received approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), confirming its safety for use.
NHS England reports that Varenicline might assist more than 85,000 smokers in quitting annually, which could lead to a reduction of approximately 9,500 deaths linked to smoking over the next five years.
"This easy-to-take daily pill could significantly help those looking to stop smoking," stated Pritchard. "Smoking continues to be one of the major public health challenges for the NHS, causing serious harm to the body—from the lungs to the heart, blood, and brain—while also raising the likelihood of conditions like cancer, diabetes, and strokes."
How Does Varenicline Function?
The drug helps lessen the desire for nicotine and interferes with its impact on the brain, which makes the idea of smoking less attractive.
Varenicline, which is known as a “selective nicotine-receptor partial agonist,” helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms like irritability and trouble sleeping. Unlike products that replace nicotine, Varenicline is nicotine-free.
The treatment usually spans 12 weeks, beginning with one daily pill that eventually increases to two pills each day before slowly decreasing. According to NHS England, when combined with behavioral support like counseling, this method can assist approximately 25% of individuals in quitting smoking for at least six months.
UK Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting commended the program, stating, “Preventing issues is more effective than treating them. The distribution of this pill has the potential to save the NHS millions of pounds, reduce the number of appointments needed, allowing for quicker care for other patients, and ultimately save lives.”
Understanding The Possible Side Effects
While Varenicline is successful at assisting individuals in stopping smoking, it does have some potential side effects. Frequently reported issues include headaches, feelings of nausea, changes in appetite, constipation, and a dry mouth.
In less common situations, some people might face anxiety, changes in mood, or even seizures. NHS England recommends that anyone thinking about this medication speak with their general practitioner or the local NHS Stop Smoking Service. They will evaluate whether the medication is appropriate for you, taking your overall health into consideration.
The pill is anticipated to be released “by the end of 2024,” though an exact launch date has not been confirmed yet.
How Is The UK Government Tackling Addiction?
The return of varenicline fits in with the government's and NHS's efforts to foster a generation without smoking. The new Tobacco and Vapes Bill is set to gradually increase the legal smoking age, with the goal of making it illegal for anyone born after January 1, 2009, to purchase tobacco products.
Moreover, the new law suggests limitations on vaping and expands the existing indoor smoking prohibitions to include specific outdoor areas, such as hospital premises and playgrounds.
Amanda Pritchard emphasized how crucial it is to move towards prevention, pointing out that lowering smoking rates would enhance public health and ease the financial strain on the NHS.
"In addition to backing the Government’s goal of establishing the first smoke-free generation, we are equipping current smokers with the resources to stop—offering effective treatment methods and expert support to help save countless lives and save the NHS millions on treatment expenses," she said.
The Impact Of Smoking On The NHS In The UK
Smoking contributes to major health issues in the UK, impacting about one in every eight adults, which equates to approximately six million individuals.
During the 2022-23 timeframe, illnesses linked to smoking led to more than 400,000 hospitalizations. This includes about 16% of respiratory diseases, 8% of cancer cases, and 7% of heart-related diseases.
Smoking is a major cause of deaths that could be avoided, responsible for over 70% of lung cancer cases and related to many other health issues, including strokes, diabetes, and dementia.
The NHS is believed to allocate around £2.5 billion each year for treatments related to smoking. This makes Varenicline a financially sensible option.
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A study conducted by University College London found that for every pound spent on the medication in conjunction with behavioral support, approximately £1.65 could be saved in healthcare expenses. This could mean total savings exceeding £500 million for the NHS, which has already achieved £2 billion in savings this financial year by improving efficiency in patient care.
Dr. Ian Walker, the Executive Director of Policy at Cancer Research UK, emphasized that smoking is the leading cause of cancer in the UK and that quitting entirely is the best action for your health. He expressed happiness that the NHS is now offering varenicline to help those looking to stop smoking.
As part of its broader initiative to help people quit smoking, the NHS will keep working together with pharmacy services and local councils. They will offer support for changing habits and, in certain regions, may also supply e-cigarettes as a temporary help for individuals trying to stop smoking.
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With contributions from various organizations
