The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has approved the use of nalmefene to help people cut down on alcohol consumption.
Also called Selincro, Nalmefene is recommended for men who drink more than 7.5 units a day and for women who drink 5 units.
The pill, when consumed while receiving a psychosocial intervention, will reduce total alcohol consumption by 1.8 units/day.
Nice Health Technology Evaluation Centre director Carole Longson said: "Many people have a difficult relationship with alcohol even though they have a very stable lifestyle, maintain jobs and a social life and would not automatically assume they have a problem. But regularly drinking over the recommended daily amount of alcohol can seriously damage your health.
"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. We are pleased to be able to recommend the use of namelfene to support people further in their efforts to fight alcohol dependence.
"When used alongside psychosocial support nalmefene is clinically and cost effective for the NHS compared with psychosocial support alone."
Around 1.2 million hospital admissions associated with alcohol consumption were reported in England during 2012-13. Alcohol-related harms cost National Health Service around £3.5bn annually.
Image: Nalmefene is recommended for men who drink more than 7.5 units a day. Photo: courtesy of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
