Case study - consultation in the pharmacy
Max is in his late 30s and is a regular customer in your pharmacy. One day he comes in and says that he has been trying to stop smoking and has tried different types of NRT with no success. He really wants to stop smoking and is determined to stop this time. A couple of his friends have managed to stop smoking using e-cigarettes but he isn’t sure about trying them as he thinks they are just as harmful as smoking.
Which of the following advice would you give to Max?
While e-cigarettes contain nicotine, they are likely to be less harmful than smoking
Correct! While e-cigarettes contain nicotine, they are likely to be less harmful than smoking
E-cigarettes contain nicotine and are likely to be as harmful as smoking cigarettes
Incorrect
Max says that he has tried nicotine patches and gum in the past; he wonders if he should perhaps try those again but asks if e-cigarettes would be more effective.
How would you reply to Max?
There is little data comparing the effectiveness of e-cigarettes to NRT
Incorrect
There is evidence that e-cigarettes containing nicotine increase quit rates compared with NRT.6 It is estimated that in 2017, more than 50,000 smokers stopped smoking with the aid of a vaping product23
Correct! There is evidence that e-cigarettes containing nicotine increase quit rates compared with NRT.6 It is estimated that in 2017, more than 50,000 smokers stopped smoking with the aid of a vaping product23
You show Max the range of e-cigarettes available in the pharmacy and he decides to try JUUL2.
After explaining to him how to use the device and how he can link it to the JUUL app, what additional advice would you give Max?
Any smoking is harmful, so people using e-cigarettes should stop smoking tobacco completely. JUUL2 is an alternative form of nicotine delivery and not a cessation device
Correct! Any smoking is harmful, so people using e-cigarettes should stop smoking tobacco completely. JUUL2 is an alternative form of nicotine delivery and not a cessation device
For adults interested in using nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, explain the importance of getting enough nicotine to overcome withdrawal symptoms13. JUUL2 is an alternative form of nicotine delivery and not a cessation device
Correct! Explain to adults who choose to use nicotine-containing e-cigarettes the importance of getting enough nicotine to overcome withdrawal symptoms13. JUUL2 is an alternative form of nicotine delivery and not a cessation device
Stop smoking support
You can signpost customers to the following websites for further advice:
NHS Stop Smoking Services
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/nhs-stop-smoking-services-help-you-quit/
NHS Smokefree
https://quitnow.smokefree.nhs.uk