UK NHS rolls out a new 'stop-smoking' pill: Could this be the game-changer smokers need?

The National Health Service (NHS) in England is introducing a new treatment to help smokers quit for good — a once-a-day pill called Varenicline.

Hailed as a “game changer” by NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard, this drug is expected to assist tens of thousands of people annually in overcoming smoking addiction.

Its introduction is a significant step in the NHS’s drive to combat smoking-related illnesses and deaths and to support the government’s mission to create the first smoke-free generation.

What is Varenicline? Why is it being reintroduced?

Varenicline is a generic form of the smoking cessation drug previously known under the brand name Champix, manufactured by Teva UK.

The original version was taken off the market in 2021 due to impurity concerns, but the new, purified formulation has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as safe for use.

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According to NHS England, Varenicline could help over 85,000 smokers quit each year, potentially preventing around 9,500 smoking-related deaths over the next five years.

“This simple daily pill could be a game-changer for people who want to quit smoking,” said Pritchard. “Smoking remains one of the biggest public health issues facing the NHS and has devastating impacts on the body—from the lungs, to the heart, blood, and brain, while also increasing the risk of cancer, diabetes, and stroke.”

How does Varenicline work?

The medication works by reducing cravings for nicotine and blocking nicotine’s effect on the brain, thus making smoking less appealing.

Classified as a “selective nicotine-receptor partial agonist,” Varenicline also eases withdrawal symptoms, including irritability and difficulty sleeping. Unlike nicotine replacement products, Varenicline does not contain nicotine.

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The treatment typically lasts 12 weeks, starting with one pill daily, which then increases to two pills a day before gradually tapering off. “When used alongside behavioural support, such as counselling, it has been shown to help around one in four people stop smoking for at least six months,” noted NHS England.

UK Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting praised the initiative, saying, “Prevention is better than cure. The rollout of this pill can save the NHS millions of pounds, save appointments to help other patients be seen faster, and save lives.”

What are the side effects?

Although Varenicline is effective in helping people quit smoking, it does come with some side effects. Common side effects include headaches, nausea, abnormal appetite, constipation, and dry mouth.

In rarer cases, individuals may experience anxiety, mood swings, and seizures. NHS England advises individuals interested in the medication to consult with their GP or local NHS Stop Smoking Service, which will assess their suitability for the drug based on overall health.

The pill is expected to be available “before the end of 2024,” although an official release date has not yet been announced.

What is the UK government to combat addiction?

Varenicline’s reintroduction aligns with broader government and NHS initiatives to create a smoke-free generation. The recently introduced Tobacco and Vapes Bill will gradually raise the minimum legal age for buying tobacco products, aiming to make smoking illegal for individuals born after January 1, 2009.

Additionally, the legislation proposes vaping restrictions and extends indoor smoking bans to certain outdoor spaces, including hospital grounds and playgrounds.

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Amanda Pritchard highlighted the importance of this shift toward prevention, noting that reducing smoking rates would both improve public health and alleviate the financial burden on the NHS.

“Alongside supporting the Government’s ambition to create the first smoke-free generation, we are giving current smokers the tools they need to quit—with proven treatment options like this, alongside specialist care, helping to save thousands of lives and the NHS millions of pounds in treatment costs,” she stated.

How has smoking impacted the NHS in the UK?

Smoking is responsible for significant health burdens in the UK, affecting around one in eight adults — or roughly six million people.

In the 2022-23 period, smoking-related illnesses accounted for over 400,000 hospital admissions, including approximately 16 per cent of respiratory disease cases, 8 per cent of cancer cases, and 7 per cent of cardiovascular disease cases.

Smoking is also a leading factor in preventable deaths, linked to more than seven out of ten lung cancers and numerous other conditions such as strokes, diabetes, and dementia.

The NHS spends an estimated £2.5 billion annually on smoking-related treatments, which makes Varenicline a cost-effective solution.

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According to research by University College London, for every £1 invested in the drug alongside behavioural support, an estimated £1.65 is saved in healthcare costs. The total savings could be over £500 million for the NHS, which has already saved £2 billion in this financial year by enhancing productivity in patient care.

Dr. Ian Walker, Cancer Research UK’s Executive Director of Policy, stated, “Smoking is the biggest cause of cancer in the UK, and stopping completely is the best thing you can do for your health. It’s great news that the NHS is making varenicline an option for people trying to quit."

As part of the wider approach to smoking cessation, the NHS will continue to collaborate with pharmacy and council-led services, offering behavioural support and, in some areas, even providing e-cigarettes as a short-term aid for those attempting to quit.

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With inputs from agencies