Champix fans in Medway are celebrating this April following the launch of the stop smoking drug Varenicline, available from the Medway Stop Smoking Service.

A branded version of the stop smoking pill called Champix was withdrawn in 2021 as a precaution after an impurity was discovered. The relaunched generic product, Varenicline, has now been approved as safe by the Medicines Health and Regulatory Authority.

Smokers will be able to take the drug as part of the Medway Stop Smoking Service’s twelve-week drop-in stop smoking programme. Varenicline has been shown to work as well as vapes to help people stop smoking and be a more effective aid than nicotine-replacement gum or patches.

The drug works by reducing cravings for nicotine and blocking its effect on the brain, while also helping with withdrawal symptoms such as feeling irritable or having difficulty sleeping.

Varenicline was made available from the Medway Stop Smoking Service on Tuesday 1 April. It will complement the other stop smoking treatments that have been helping smokers quit since 2004.

One satisfied customer is Luton resident Alan Baker. Facing a diagnosis of COPD and diabetes, Alan decided it was time for a change and with the support of his stop smoking advisor Vicky, successfully quit last year after 60 years as a smoker.

Stop Smoking Programme Manager Georgina Crossman said, “I’d say to any smoker who is thinking of going cold turkey and relying on willpower alone, get in touch. Most quit attempts done in this way don’t succeed.

“We’re a free service and using our support and treatment options to manage cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms will give you the best chance of quitting successfully.”

Recently the Medway Stop Smoking Service have trialled going into workplaces, like local business NutraDirect.

Employees Connor, Michaela and Megan have all stopped smoking thanks to the support they received. Megan adds, “I strangely don’t feel as stressed as I did when I was smoking. I’m pleasantly surprised, and I do feel better.”

For more information about Varenicline, click here.