E-cigarettes could be prescribed by England’s National Health Service under plans to cut smoking rates in the country.
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is publishing updated guidance which could allow e-cigarette products to be prescribed for those who want to stop smoking, the UK government said in a statement on Friday.
Manufacturers of e-cigarette products can now approach the MHRA with their products, which will go through the same regulatory approval process as other medicines available on the country’s NHS.
If products are approved, it would mean England would be the first country in the world to prescribe e-cigarettes licensed as a medical product, the government said.
In Australia, consumers require a doctor’s prescription to legally access nicotine e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine, according to legislation passed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (the TGA) that came into effect on 1 October.
Amy Woodyatt – CNN – 2021-10-29.