RCGP and CRUK joint position statement on e-cigarettes

• Based on the evidence to date, vaping is a lot less harmful alternative to smoking tobacco
• Evidence so far that e-cigarettes could be a gateway to smoking in the UK is not convincing
• Existing evidence suggests that exhaled vapour is not harmful to others, in contrast to second hand smoke which is
• Evidence suggests that e-cigarettes are more effective for smoking cessation compared to both over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy, and quitting unaided.
• Users need to stop smoking and switch completely to e-cigarettes to get the reduced exposure to key toxicants from cigarettes.

The recommendations for Primary Care Clinicians in the position statement are:

1. Firstly, Primary Care Clinicians (PCCs) should provide advice to smoking patients on the health risks of smoking

2. Secondly, patients should be advised that behavioural support and prescription medication from local Stop Smoking Services is the most effective quit method.

3. Thirdly, using their clinical judgement on an individual patient basis, Primary Care Clinicians may wish to discuss e-cigarette use as a means to stopping

4. Lastly, Primary Care Clinicians should bear in mind that e-cigarettes offer a wide reaching, relatively low-cost opportunity to reduce smoking prevalence