According to the results of a clinical trial at Queen Mary University of London, E-cigarettes are more effective than nicotine replacement therapy in achieving long-term reduction and smoking cessation.

Smokers can benefit from ways to lessen the harm of smoking without stopping using nicotine or can choose to stop using it later. Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), such as nicotine patches, gums, nasal/oral sprays and inhalers have been ap proved to use for over 30 years. It will be more likely works if provided with behavioral support, but moderately effective.

There were 135 smokers recruited by researchers who had been unable to quit with conventional treatments and were randomly assigned to receive either an 8-week supply of NRT of their choice or an e-cigarette starter pack; with an instructions to buy strong flavor of their choice. This product comes with minimal behavioral support for smoking cessation.

Results published in the journal addiction found significant differences in reducing smoking. And this includes quitting altogether. After six months, 27 percent of participants in the e-cigarette group had reduced their smoking by at least half compared with the 6 percent in the NRT group. As well, Carbon monoxide readings in the participants’ breath confirmed significant differences in complete cessation rates. Plus 19 percent of participants in the e-cigarette group quit compared to 3 percent in the NRT group.

Furthermore, this suggest that for dependent smokers recommending a refill e-cigarette with the strength and taste of the solution chosen by the patient is more effective than prescribing NRT. The cost of an e-cigarette starter pack is also much cheaper than of an NRT.

Dr. Katie Myers Smith a lead researcher and health psychologist from Queen Mary University of London said: “These results have important clinical implications for smokers who have previously been unable to quit with conventional treatment. Also, e-cigarettes should be recommended to smokers who have previously had difficulty quitting using other methods, especially if there is limited behavioral support.”

Michelle Mitchell a chief executive of Cancer Research UK said: “This research shows that e-cigarettes can be a very effective tool for people who want to quit smoking including those who have tried to do so before. Research has shown that e-cigarettes are far less harmful than traditional smoking. Yet, e-cigarettes are not without risk and we don’t know their long-term effects”

Therefore, to completely reduce the risk of cancer, it’s better to talk to your GP or your local free quit service provider to know about how to find the best option for you.”