Soon a revolutionary pill to stop smoking!

The NHS, the British national health service, will launch a new program to help smokers quit: an anti-smoking pill, varenicline. This drug could mark a turning point for people seeking to free yourself from tobacco addictionby offering them an option of choice to quit smoking for good.

Varenicline: an alternative to nicotine substitutes

This drug has already been available for several years but had been withdrawn from the market due to impurities. The new version will be delivered free in the UK, on ​​prescription, and will not be available over the counter in pharmacies.

Varenicline acts directly on the brain by reducing cravings and blocking the effects of nicotine. This medication also eases withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability or trouble sleeping. The NHS believes that this pill is as effective as electronic cigarettes in supporting smokers in their process, even surpassing traditional substitutes like nicotine patches or gum.

Comprehensive support to optimize the chances of success

People who take varenicline will also benefit personalized support, including advice and regular monitoring. This behavioral support aims to increase the chances of success by helping participants remain smoke-free in the long term. With this combined approach, approximately a quarter of users manage to abstain from smoking for at least six months.

Prevention instead of cure: health savings for the NHS

NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard calls the new pill a “revolutionary solution” for those who want to quit smoking. She highlights that the NHS aims to strengthen its prevention efforts to reduce the harmful impacts of smoking on public health. Tobacco is still a major cause of serious illnesses, affecting lungs, heart and increasing the risk of cancer and stroke. Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable mortality in France with 75,000 deaths per year and a quarter of 18-75 year olds say they smoke every day.

Towards a tobacco-free generation

By launching varenicline, the NHS is part of a wider effort to create a “tobacco-free generation”. With this medication and specialized support, the health service wants to give smokers the means to successfully weanwhile helping to reduce the costs linked to diseases caused by tobacco. We just have to wait for it to be available in France!