Originally introduced in 2006 under the brand name Champix, varenicline was widely prescribed until its suspension in 2021 due to concerns over impurities. These issues have now been resolved, and the medication is returning in a more affordable generic form, making it accessible to more people. Its reintroduction marks a significant step in the NHS’s mission to combat smoking.
The medication is expected to help approximately 85,000 smokers annually and could prevent up to 9,500 smoking-related deaths over the next five years. Despite a steady decline in smoking rates in recent decades, around six million adults in England still smoke, and smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death, contributing to lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
As part of the NHS Stop Smoking Services, varenicline will be offered alongside behavioral support, such as counseling and group therapy, which have been shown to improve quit rates significantly. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to achieve a smoke-free generation by 2030, providing smokers with a range of tools and support to help them quit for good.
The reintroduction of varenicline also complements other harm-reduction strategies, including vaping, which health experts have endorsed as a safer alternative to smoking. Offering a variety of approaches ensures that smokers can choose the method that best suits their needs, increasing the likelihood of successful quitting.
By bringing varenicline back into its smoking cessation programs, the NHS is reinforcing its commitment to reducing smoking rates and improving public health.
