Varenicline Returns to NHS: Effective Pill for Quitting Smoking Now Available Again

For the first time since 2021, the NHS will again offer varenicline, a pill that helps people quit smoking. Varenicline is recognized as one of the most effective smoking cessation aids and is considered an essential medicine by the World Health Organization.

What is Varenicline?

Varenicline is a once-a-day pill that became available in 2007. It was withdrawn in 2021 due to higher-than-permitted impurities found in some batches. These impurities, known as nitrosamines, are associated with cancer risk in humans when exposure exceeds certain levels over time. The new version of varenicline has been approved by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and is once again available through the NHS.

How Does Varenicline Work?

Varenicline acts as a nicotine receptor partial agonist. It blocks nicotine from binding to brain receptors, reducing smoking’s pleasurable effects. It also helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making quitting easier. This increases a person’s chances of successfully stopping smoking.

Effectiveness of Varenicline

About 12 to 16 out of every 100 people using varenicline successfully quit smoking. In comparison, only about six out of 100 who try to quit without aids succeed. Thus, varenicline can double or triple chances of quitting.

Comparison with Other Treatments

Varenicline is not the only option for quitting smoking in the UK. Nicotine vapes help about ten to 19 people per 100 quit. Using two types of nicotine replacement therapy also yields similar results. Single types, like patches or gum, and the medication bupropion, are less effective, helping around eight to nine out of 100 quit.

Side Effects

Varenicline can cause side effects. Common, non-serious effects include nausea, trouble sleeping, vivid dreams, and mood changes. Earlier concerns suggested it could lead to thoughts of suicide. However, recent studies found no evidence supporting this.

Potential Health Benefits

The benefits of quitting smoking begin almost immediately. Heart rate can drop to healthier levels within minutes. Within just a few years, the risk of heart disease is cut in half. Overall health continues to improve over time.

There are numerous ways to quit smoking today, including vapes and medications. Combining these aids with counseling increases success rates. It may take several attempts to quit, but many people eventually succeed in stopping smoking for good.

For more information and support to quit smoking, visit NHS Better Health.