E-cigarette might be prescribed in England. In Portugal or so – Daily News – Lisbon

The English health authorities admit able to come to prescribe, through the public health system, electronic cigarettes for those who want to quit smoking. This is why will the report by experts at the request of Public Health England (PHE), equivalent to the Health Management. The same study states that the electronic cigarette is 95% less dangerous than normal tobacco. In Portugal is not in progress any similar study. But the door is not closed to the possibility. But experts stress and the General Directorate of Health, the decision has to be taken with caution and based on scientific studies, which do not yet exist on therapeutic effects, the composition of all the products that are part of the electronic cigarette and harm that may cause.

The study requested by PHE, say the English newspapers, says electronic cigarettes are 95% less dangerous than normal tobacco and recommend its prescription by the British National Health System (NHS) for those who want to quit tobacco consumption. Currently none of the products using liquid nicotine is recognized as a medicament. The PHE expects the national authority of the English drug may do so soon. Final approval must be given by the national health institute.

The World Health Organization made no therapy recommendation nor the European Commission and Portugal follow this trend. But it is aware of any new data. “We are following the studies and determinations that are made by the World Health Organization and the European Commission,” said Emilia Nunes, director of the National Programme for Prevention and Tobacco Control, adding that there is ongoing in Portugal no study as English. The possibility that electronic cigarettes can come be allowed as medicine is not closed. “To this must be subject to the same rules that came about smoking cessation medications already on the market, proving their therapeutic effects and side effects. The studies that exist are insufficient to know the effects on health medium and long term those who smoke such cigarettes, “says Emilia Nunes. Tobacco Law Review awaiting promulgation by the President of the Republic. Is expected to smoking ban of electronic cigarettes with nicotine in enclosed spaces.

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