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

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.

The daily tablet 'Varenicline' is different to gums and patches because it doesn't contain nicotine and is being reintroduced on the NHS

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

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, which provides drug guidance for the NHS, said there are some side effects that can be seen commonly and include an abnormal appetite, constipation and/or diarrhoea, dizziness, dry mouth, headaches and nausea. Muscle aches and an increase in weight can also be seen.

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. The drug works by "reducing cravings for nicotine and blocking its effect on the brain,

Varenicline, a simple daily pill, could be a game-changer for people who want to quit smoking and is another vital step in shifting our NHS further towar

A new pill could be a "game-changer" for thousands of smokers in England aiming to quit. NHS England has announced that varenicline, a daily pill, may be more effective than nicotine patches or gum and as effective as vaping in reducing cravings and the effects of nicotine addiction.