The new drug will help thousands of smokers to quit and could save the NHS millions, but what can patients expect from it?

The NHS outlines its strategy for helping smokers quit using Varenicline, which NHS data shows gives people the best chance of kicking the habit once and for all

A once-a-day pill that could help tens of thousands of people give up cigarettes and prevent thousands of smoking-related deaths each year will be rolled out on the health service, health officials in the UK say.

A daily pill designed to help people give up smoking will soon be rolled out on the NHS as experts hope it could prevent thousands of smoking-related deaths a year. Called Varenicline, the pill tackles nicotine cravings while also combatting withdrawal symptoms like irritability and sleeping issues.

Around £2.5bn is spent annually by the NHS on treating health issues caused by smoking - the leading cause of preventable illness and deaths.

An anti-smoking pill is set to be offered by the NHS. The daily pill, called varenicline, is claimed to be a more effective aid than nicotine-replacement gum or patches.

Speaking the at NHS Annual Conference and Exhibition in Liverpool, Ms Pritchard will say: “This simple, daily pill could be a game changer for people who want to quit smoking an