Stop smoking aids

A generic version of varenicline is now available in the UK which:

• is nitrosamine-compliant
  

• remains on the British National Formulary
  

• Summary of Product Characteristics remains the same as for Champix
  

First marketed in the UK by Pfizer in 2006, varenicline (Champix) was an important stop smoking aid until 2021 when it was withdrawn after it was found to contain nitrosamines above the acceptable level.

This section of the website contains resources for generic varenicline, but also historic documents relating to Champix for information.

Nicotine vapes and the behaviour change techniques associated with them are covered in our online training and assessment programme, specifically the Vaping: a guide for healthcare professionals module.

This section includes a number of briefings, including our latest guidance for health and social care professionals, and guidance on supporting clients who want to stop vaping.

We are, like you, gaining clinical experience and expertise in helping our clients to quit using cytisine. As we learn more, we will develop more training and support materials for you.

Note: we use the name Cytisine as opposed to Cytisinicline but you may need to use 'cytisinicline' if looking for the medication in the British National Formulary, and GPs will certainly need to use it to prescribe electronically as it will be listed as this.

Here we include a NEW briefing, a summary and dosing guide, and the Summary of Product Characteristics. Plus information for a Medicines Management application to add cytisine to your formulary.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and the behaviour change techniques associated with their use is covered in our online training and assessment programme, specifically the Stop smoking medications module.

This section includes links to the Summary of Product Characteristics for each NRT product.

This section includes a link to the Summary of Product Characteristics for bupropion (Zyban)