For the first time since 2021, varenicline, a drug that helps people quit smoking, will be available on the NHS again.
Varenicline is one of them. most effective It is considered a way to quit smoking. “Essential medical care” According to the World Health Organization.
What is this “new” smoking cessation drug?
Varenicline first became available as a once-daily pill. 2007. It was withdrawn in 2021 after inspection revealed that it exceeded the permitted value. impurities In certain batches.
These impurities, called nitrosamines, are found in foods, beverages, and medicines, but they are not allowed above a certain level in these products. This is because animal studies have shown that nitrosamines may be associated with: human cancer When exposed above a certain level for an extended period of time.
Now, a new version of varenicline has been approved for use by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK and is once again available. NHS.
How does it work?
Varenicline belongs to a group of drugs known as. “Nicotinic receptor partial agonist”. It works by blocking the addictive nicotine in cigarettes from binding to receptors in the brain, reducing the pleasurable effects of smoking.
At the same time, it acts on these brain receptors to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and suppress the desire to smoke. This makes quitting smoking easier. Varenicline increases your chances of successfully quitting smoking by reducing the craving and beneficial effects of nicotine.
How effective is it?
For every 100 people using varenicline, approximately 12 to 16 completed successfullyCompared to about 6 out of 100 people who successfully quit smoking without any assistance. This means that taking varenicline may double or even triple your chances of quitting smoking.
How does it compare to other smoking cessation treatments?
Varenicline is not the only drug that helps people quit smoking in the UK. Evidence suggests that nicotine e-cigarettes are effective for approximately 10 to 19 out of every 100 people who quit smoking. Similar results can be achieved by combining two types of nicotine replacement therapy, such as a gummed patch.
Single types of nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or gum, or another drug called bupropion, used alone, are slightly less effective, helping about 8 to 9 out of every 100 people quit smoking.
Are there any side effects?
Like all medicines, varenicline can have side effects. Common non-serious side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping, vivid dreams, and mood changes. Previously, there were concerns that varenicline could cause suicidal thoughts or behavior. However, large-scale and well-conducted studies have shown that there is no evidence of this.
Antwon McMullen/Alamy Stock Photo
How many lives could it save?
The availability of varenicline for smoking cessation could have a major impact on the public’s health. Smoking is extremely deadly and at least one in two people smokes. Death from smoking-related disease.
NHS England estimates that varenicline could help more than 85,000 people quit smoking and prevent up to 9,500 smoking-related deaths each year. every year.
The benefits of quitting smoking begin almost immediately. Within minutes, your heart rate will drop to a healthier level, and your risk of heart disease will be cut in half within just a few years after quitting smoking. Overall health continues improve Beyond this.
From nicotine-filled e-cigarettes to pill-based medications, there are more ways to quit smoking than ever before. All of these smoking cessation aids are most effective when combined with: counseling.
It may take several attempts to quit smoking, but many people who fail eventually succeed in quitting for good.
In the UK, support for quitting smoking is available at www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/. access these services Make quitting smoking easier and more successful.
