£3 anti-alcohol pill on the NHS to help drinkers cut back

The drug Nalmefene is said to help cut drinking by 61per cent when used in conjunction with counseling.

17:29 03 October 2014

A £3 anti-alcohol pill called Nalmefene is being offered to ‘mild alcoholics’ who drink at least half a bottle of wine or more than three pints every night.

The pill is said to help cut drinking by 61per cent when used with counseling. Currently, there are about 600,000 NHS patients who are eligible to receive the drug. 

Experts claim the drug can potentially save up to 1,854 lives over five years and prevent 43,074 alcohol-related diseases and injuries.

The pill, which is also known as Selincro, should be taken once a day when people feel the urge to drink. It then blocks the part of the brain that gives drinkers pleasure from alcohol. This effectively stops them from wanting to drink more.

The pill is only for people who need to reduce alcohol intake. Severe alcoholics will not be eligible to receive it.
Professor Carole Longson, for Nice health technology evaluation centre, said: "Alcohol dependence is a serious issue for many people.

"Those who could be prescribed nalmefene have already taken the first big steps by visiting their doctor, engaging with support services and taking part in therapy programmes.”