November 12, 2024

expert reaction to NHS rollout of ‘stop-smoking’ pill Varenicline

Scientists comment on the NHS rollout of the ‘stop-smoking’ pill Varenicline. 

Dr Sarah Jackson, Principal Research Fellow at the UCL Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group, said:

“It is excellent news that varenicline is now available again in England. Large evidence reviews have consistently found it to be one of the most effective treatments for helping people to stop smoking. Smoking is incredibly harmful and the sooner people quit, the more healthy life expectancy they recover. The availability of varenicline can help more people to quit and avoid years of ill health and early death.”

Prof Nick Hopkinson, Professor of Respiratory Medicine, Imperial College London, said:

“This is fantastic news for people who smoke and their families. Varenicline is the most effective smoking cessation medication, so the fact that it has not been available for the last few years has been a real problem. We know that quitting smoking is the best thing anyone who smokes can do to improve their health and the health of people around them, especially children and young people. 

“People are most likely to quit successfully if they have a combination of counselling support and medication to relieve cravings and help break their tobacco dependence. They can get help by looking online for NHS Smokefree and should ask their healthcare provider about varenicline, especially if they have not managed to quit successfully using other medications like nicotine patches or gum in the past.”

Declared interests

Sarah Jackson: No COIs.

Prof Nick Hopkinson is Chair of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH).