Huge breakthrough as new pills make Britons 'twice as likely to quit' smoking

While it has been known for decades that smoking comes with multiple health risks, it is still a common habit worldwide. Globally there are thought to be around 1.3 billion cigarette users, and in the UK there are around 6.4 million.

One of the reasons smoking is so prevalent still is the fact it can be notoriously difficult to give it up. Nicotine, a chemical found in tobacco, is what makes smoking so addictive.

In recent years smokers trying to kick the habit have tried a range of quitting methods and tools including vapes, patches and gum. However, these do not prove successful for everyone.

But now the offer of a new wonder pill could be the solution smokers have been waiting for. According to a new study a plant-based tablet could make them “twice as likely” to quit.

The research from Argentina showed cytisine pills, a non-nicotine aid, were more than twice as effective as a placebo at helping people quit smoking. Luckily this drug was recently approved for use in the UK and is set to be offered on prescription by January 22.

As part of the study, which was published in the journal Addiction, the team analysed the results of eight different trials.

Of the up to 6,000 smokers taking part in the trials, those who took cytisine were twice as likely to give up smoking than those who took a placebo.

Further to this, researchers found that cytisine was more effective than nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches and vapes.

Study author and toxicologist Professor Omar de Santi, from the Posadas National Hospital in Argentina, said: “Our study adds to the evidence that cytisine is an effective and inexpensive stop-smoking aid.

“Worldwide, smoking is considered the main cause of preventable death.

“Cytisine can potentially be one of the big answers to that problem.”

However, researchers did note some side effects to taking cystine.

The most commonly reported in the study were gastrointestinal symptoms that were “mild and transient.”

Smoking is a major risk factor for a number of dangerous conditions including cancer, heart disease and stroke.

It is one of the biggest causes of death in the UK. According to the NHS, around 76,000 people in the UK die from smoking every year.

As reported by The Sun, a 25-day course of 100 cytisine pills will cost £115, which means it might not be available from all stop-smoking services.

Speaking to The Guardian, Hazel Cheeseman from Action on Smoking and Health, said: “It is welcome to have a non-nicotine aid to quitting back on the market as some smokers will prefer this.

“However, the decision about whether to include it in stop-smoking services will be local.

“While it is obviously cost-effective given the impact on public services of people continuing to smoke, it is currently more expensive than providing nicotine replacement therapy or vapes, and some areas may decide not to offer it to smokers.”

It comes as the Government announced its ambition for a “smoke-free” England and Wales by 2030, for which it’s aiming to reduce the smoking rate from 12.9 percent to less than five percent.

Part of this plan includes increasing the age of sale for cigarettes by one year yearly.

Tips for giving up smoking

Go Smoke Free spoke with Express.co.uk about some of the best ways to help quit smoking by managing the unwanted side effects that come with the process.

A spokesperson said: “For those who are finding it difficult to manage side effects, practice breathing exercises and meditation, build up your exercise routine so you have a healthy outlet for your frustrations, and contact a counselling service if you need to talk.

“One of the most common side effects when stopping smoking is developing a chesty cough. The best way to manage a chesty cough is to stay hydrated, take hot showers to loosen mucus in the respiratory passages, and use honey to reduce irritation in the throat.”

“And for those having trouble sleeping, cut out caffeine, create a relaxing atmosphere before bed with a bath or calming book, and stick to a strict bedtime so that winding down becomes second nature. Try to be especially wary of late-night tobacco cravings.”

They also advised avoiding the following foods and drinks:

• Spicy food
• Sugary snacks
• Coffee
• Fried foods
• Excessive salt.

They added: “It’s also key to be aware of your diet, as spicy and sugary foods can trigger nicotine.

“Furthermore, if you opt for excessively sugary foods when quitting smoking, you run the risk of forming a sugar addiction as a replacement for nicotine.”

If you want to quit smoking visit nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/nhs-stop-smoking-services-help-you-quit for more information.