The UK National Health Service has unveiled plans to prescribe the anti-smoking drug varenicline free of charge as part of a move to battle smoking-related health problems. The prescription of varenicline – far more effective than more conventional nicotine replacement therapy like patches and gum – will likely extend to at least 85,000 smokers across the country. This initiative is a part of a larger strategy toward reducing the public health burden placed by tobacco use, through both pharmacological and behavioral support towards quitting smoking.
Varenicline, new quit-smoking medication newly launched in the UK acts on a patient’s brain nicotine receptors, thus reducing his desire for cigarettes and withdrawal symptoms-when quitting, therefore reducing further the risk of relapse. And the efficacy rate it carries doubles the ability to stop smoking compared to other treatments. After research and evidence were suggested that such a pill will work, the NHS is free distribution to anyone who needs it. A study by University College London suggests that varenicline could prevent up to 9,500 smoking-related deaths in the next five years.
The Chief executive of NHS Amanda Pritchard said: “The move to prescribe varenicline represents a significant step forward in the prevention approach of the UK, and it relates to reducing morbidity through smoking-related illnesses before they progress to those requiring expensive treatment”. “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,” Pritchard said.
Smoking remains the biggest public health challenge in the UK. The 2023 Annual Population Survey has shown that nearly 11.9 percent of adult’s smoke; that is, around 6 million people. Smoking remains one of the primary causes of preventable diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke, among others, even to this day. It also puts too much pressure on the NHS. Quit rates improved by the NHS while also reducing long-term costs on smoking-related conditions after bringing together behavioral programs with varenicline.
Anti-Smoking Pill
Still, though, there are questions about how far the initiative will get. Importantly, though, varenicline has shown clear benefit in clinical trials, and its real-world effectiveness will depend on a number of factors, including public awareness and accessibility, as well as willingness for quitting. This move is hopeful, however, by the UK in its continued efforts to curb one of the major public health issues across the nation.
