Twelve weeks ago, I walked into my local community pharmacy with hope, a little trepidation, and a long history of failed attempts to quit smoking.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto visited Abbey Chemist in Paisley this week to see first-hand the vital role community pharmacies play in helping people quit smoking through the NHS Quit Your Way service.

Eight weeks smoke-free with the help of Varenicline, and I am beginning to notice a real shift. Smoking no longer feels like a constant temptation. That change has come gradually, and it is starting to feel natural thank to the Varenicline service and the team at my local community pharmacy.

Follow Graham Le Tissier’s week three experience using the Varenicline Service to quit smoking, insights, challenges, and support from community pharmacy.

Join me Graham Le Tissier for week three of my quit journey using the Varenicline service.

Join me Graham Le Tissier for week two of my quit journey using the Varenicline service.

Join our very own Graham Le Tissier as he shares his personal journey to quit smoking with the help of the updated Varenicline Service.

This article includes guidance around the process of submitting claims for the generic version of Varenicline. This applies to dispensing against prescriptions and the use of the newly re-launched PGD.

Do you have questions about the updated Smoking Cessation Varenicline Service? Join us on Wednesday 7th May at 19:30 to 21:00 on Microsoft Teams - Click here to Register

This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors of an updated Patient Group Direction (PGD) that is to be implemented for smoking cessation under the community pharmacy Public Health Service.

Following on from the withdrawal of varenicline (Champix) tablets from the UK in 2021, a generic version of varenicline has been launched by Teva and is now available for supply through wholesalers. This includes initiation packs, 0.5mg and 1mg packs.

The Smoking Cessation Support Assessment Tool in the Pharmacy Care Record (PCR) has undergone a refresh to improve the user experience. The newly refreshed tool will launch on Monday, 8th April 2024.

The Scottish Government have released circular PCA(P)(2021)09 which advises of changes to the Drug Tariff with respect to remuneration arrangements to regulate the delivery of the remuneration Global Sum for 2020/21.