Read articles from United Kingdom

November 20, 2024 by theconversation.com

Varenicline, a highly effective smoking cessation pill, is back on the NHS after being withdrawn in 2021 due to impurities. A new version has been approved and can double or triple the chances of quitting compared to other methods. Varenicline works by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is estimated to help over 85,000 people quit smoking annually in the UK, potentially preventing 9,500 smoking-related deaths. While it can have side-effects like nausea, varenicline's benefits in improving public health make it a valuable tool in reducing smoking-related risks. Combining quitting aids with counselling enhances success rates. Support for quitting is available at www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/.

November 19, 2024 by independent.co.uk

Imperial Brands saw a 26% surge in e-cigarette sales, reaching £8.2 billion revenue with growing popularity of vape products like Blu. Traditional cigarettes still dominate sales despite a decrease in smokers. Their next generation products (NGPs) division showed a 43% decrease in losses. The company expects slow growth in tobacco and NGP revenue for the upcoming year. The rise in vaping helped boost overall operating profit by 4.6%. Despite increasing anti-smoking regulations and taxes worldwide, Imperial Brands aims to challenge the industry with its vape products. Analysts predict a positive outlook, but acknowledge vaping remains a loss-making sector for now.

November 14, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

Leading independent researchers at UK universities has expressed their opinions about the implications of the Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill. Professor Sean Semple at the University of Stirling, the University of East Anglia’s Professor Caitlin Notley, Professors Jamie Brown and Lion Shahab at University College London, and King’s College London’s Professor Ann McNeill have all responded to the changes to vape legislation.

November 13, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

British American Tobacco (BAT UK) has welcomed the proposed new retail licensing system as key intervention to stop underage vaping but warns fines for breaking the law are too low. It says the £200 fines need to be increased if it is to be an effective deterrent but goes on to say it also supports a ban on flavours that resemble dessert, sweets or soft drinks.

November 13, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

Labour’s crackdown on vaping could backfire and lead to more people smoking, the government’s own impact assessment warns. An “unintended consequence” of banning disposable vapes and certain flavours “is that it could encourage more people to try smoking” it says.

November 13, 2024 by theguardian.com

A former director at the tobacco giant Philip Morris International (PMI) was handed a role on an influential expert committee advising the UK government on cancer risks. Ruth Dempsey, the ex-director of scientific and regulatory affairs, spent 28 years at PMI before being appointed to the UK Committee on Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (CoC).

November 12, 2024 by bbc.com

NHS England will offer an "improved" stop smoking pill, Varenicline, to aid quitting smoking. The daily tablet is as effective as vaping and better than nicotine gum/patches. E-cigarettes may also be provided by NHS services. Varenicline fights cravings, approved as safe, and helps with withdrawal symptoms. It can assist around one in four individuals to quit smoking long-term. This initiative could help 85,000 people annually and prevent smoking-related deaths. Vapes are not prescribed by GPs but are recognized as a cessation aid. The NHS aims to enhance access to smoking cessation methods. Varenicline is considered highly effective, especially when combined with counseling. Online resources and healthcare providers can offer support for those seeking to quit smoking.

November 12, 2024 by firstpost.com

NHS England introduces Varenicline, a new pill to aid smoking cessation, aiming to help over 85,000 smokers annually and prevent 9,500 smoking-related deaths in the next five years. The drug reduces nicotine cravings, blocks its effects on the brain, and minimizes withdrawal symptoms. The pill, alongside behavioral support, has potential to help one in four people quit for at least six months. UK government initiatives, including raising the minimum tobacco-buying age, align with the NHS's goal of creating a smoke-free generation. Smoking burdens the NHS, with over 400,000 smoking-related hospital admissions yearly. Varenicline offers a cost-effective solution, saving millions in healthcare costs while improving public health.

November 12, 2024 by nottinghampost.com

Smokers looking to quit can benefit from Varenicline, a pill that reduces nicotine effects in the brain, aiding in reducing cigarette intake. A study showed that nearly 3 in 10 users were smoke-free after two years. Varenicline is available through NHS Stop Smoking Services, offering personalized consultations and various support options. Combining treatment with counseling enhances quitting success, with support provided by advisors. Initial meetings cover smoking habits and setting quit dates. Treatment recommendations are tailored to individuals, and continuous support is offered post-quit. Advisors offer understanding and assistance in case of relapse, ensuring a supportive environment for smokers on their quitting journey.

November 12, 2024 by telegraph.co.uk

A new anti-smoking pill, varenicline, will be provided to around 100,000 patients annually by the NHS. The drug helps combat smoking addiction by reducing nicotine effects, curbing cravings, and addressing withdrawal symptoms. Originally known as Champix, the drug was reissued by Teva UK after being temporarily withdrawn due to impurities. NHS officials anticipate preventing 9,500 smoking-related deaths with its usage over the next five years. This move coincides with the introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in Parliament, aiming to create a smoke-free generation. NHS England suggests that when paired with behavioral support, the pill could assist one in four users in quitting smoking for at least six months.