In recent years e-cigarettes have started to increase in popularity in the UK and have become a popular stop smoking aid.
Evidence is still developing on how effective they are, but many people have found them helpful for quitting.
You can learn more about e-cigarettes on this page and can then decide whether they are something that you want to use or not.
What is an e-cigarette?
An electronic cigarette is a device that lets you inhale nicotine without most of the harmful effects of smoking.
They work by heating up and creating a vapour from a solution that typically contains:
- nicotine
- a liquid called propylene glycol and/or glycerine
- flavourings
As there is no burning involved, there is no smoke.
E-cigarettes on prescription
Currently, there are no e-cigarettes on the market that are licensed as medicines, which means they are not available on prescription from the NHS.
What are the risks?
E-cigarettes are still a relatively new product and as such evidence is still emerging about their effectiveness.
E-cigarettes do not produce tar and carbon monoxide - two of the main toxins in conventional cigarette smoke.
E-cigarettes aren't completely risk free but Public Health England believe that they carry a fraction of the risk of smoking and are helping thousands of smokers to stop using conventional tobacco cigarettes.
Supporting you to stop smoking
The best way to stop smoking is with the support of a qualified stop smoking advisor who can advise you on, and supply you with, the most appropriate stop smoking medication.
However, if you still prefer to use an e-cigarette, although we cannot advise you on what e-cigarette to use or how to use it, our experienced stop smoking advisors can offer lots of advice and support to help you become tobacco free.
If you would like more information on stopping smoking then contact the Live Life Better team tel: 0800 0852299 or 01629 538200.
NHS Smokefree
There's lots of advice and information about e-cigarettes on the NHS website.