The NHS has launched a pill aimed at helping people stop smoking. The daily pill is set to be offered to tens of thousands of smokers each year in England, saving thousands of lives.

The pill contains varenicline which has been shown to work as well as vapes to help people stop smoking and be a more effective aid than nicotine-replacement gum or patches.

The drug works by reducing cravings for nicotine and blocking its effect on the brain, while also helping with withdrawal symptoms such as feeling irritable or having difficulty sleeping. When used alongside behavioural support, such as counselling, the treatment has been shown to help around one in four people to stop smoking for at least six months.

Alongside government efforts to create a smokefree generation, Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, has said the move to provide varenicline comes as part of a major NHS drive to make more effective treatment options available for patients while delivering over £500m in savings for the taxpayer.

In a speech at the NHS Providers annual conference, Amanda said, “This simple daily pill could be a game-changer for people who want to quit smoking and is another vital step in shifting our NHS further towards prevention

“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 risk of cancer, diabetes and stroke.

“Alongside supporting the government’s ambition to create the first smokefree 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.”

It is estimated the use of varenicline on the NHS could help over 85,000 people try to stop smoking each year and its use over the next five years could prevent up to 9,500 smoking-related deaths, according to research by University College London.

Varenicline is being offered in conjunction with pharmacy and council-led stop smoking services across the country, with smokers wanting to quit able to self-refer to these services by visiting the NHS Better Health website.

Wes Streeting, health and social care secretary, said, “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.

“Taken alongside our tobacco and vapes bill, the government and NHS are building a healthy society to help power a healthy economy.”

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