E-Cigarettes Score Higher In The Study Than Nicotine Replacement Products

Long-term smokers have been twice as likely to do without tobacco smoking in a randomized study of e-cigarettes as with conventional nicotine replacement products.

The use of e-cigarettes as a smoking weaner is controversial. Proponents consider the vapor from the e-liquids to be less dangerous than the tobacco smoke products of combustion. Opponents point out that nicotine addiction is not defeated and the long-term risks of e-cigarettes are still unknown.

Both sides are likely to feel affirmed by the results of the randomized study conducted by the UK's National Institute for Health Research and Cancer Research UK at three centers in and around London.

A total of 886 smokers who turned to one of the National Health Service stop smoking services with the motivation to abstain were divided into 2 groups. One group received after a personal consultation a starter pack with e-cigarette and a first liquid (18 mg nicotine). Later, they should get more liquids to their taste of their choice at the store at their own expense.

The participants of the second group were offered a conventional nicotine replacement therapy after the same personal consultation, whereby the participants were free to choose between the various forms of application (patch, chewing gum, lozenge, nasal spray, inhaler, mouth strips and microtabs). They were also encouraged to try different combinations. The nicotine replacement products were provided free of charge for the first 3 months.

All participants were asked to attend weekly supportive therapy sessions for at least 4 weeks.

The participants were on average 41 years old and had previously smoked an average of 15 cigarettes a day. In the Fagerströmtest on cigarette dependence, they achieved an average of 4.6 points, indicating an average dependency. The score ranges from 0 (low dependence) to 10 points (very strong dependence).

The primary endpoint of the study was abstinence from tobacco after 52 weeks, as assessed by breath test (less than 8 ppm carbon monoxide).