A daily anti-smoking pill that has been described as a possible game-changer is being rolled out through the health service in the UK. With nearly one in five people in Ireland still smoking, what should we know about the drug?

As the UK Government presses ahead with laws to create a smoke-free generation, tens of thousands of smokers will now benefit from an improved version of a smoking cessation pill thanks to a roll-out by the National Health Service (NHS).

The NHS will start offering an "improved" stop smoking pill to tens of thousands of people in England who want to quit cigarettes. Varenicline, a daily tablet given over a few months, is as effective as vapes and more effective than nicotine replacement gum or patches,

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

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.

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,