E-cigarettes under attack by the FDA
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning letters to five electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) makers on Thursday, in the latest move in an ongoing battle between the FDA and the fast growing industry regarding the agency’s right to regulate the devices.
The FDA claims the e-cigarette companies are marketing their products as tools to help people quit using cigarettes. The agency suggested the companies would need to conduct clinical studies showing the products are an effective treatment for nicotine addiction. Under the act, a company cannot claim that its drug can treat a disease, such as nicotine addiction, unless the drug’s safety and effectiveness have been proven. The FDA argues that e-cigarettes are both a drug and a device, making them subject to U.S. government regulation under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
E-cigarettes work by delivering nicotine in a puff of hot gas that gives the user the sensation of smoking. Although e-cigarettes mimic the look and feel of smoking, they don’t contain tobacco or produce smoke.
While many manufacturers and consumers fear that the FDA is planning to ban the products, the agency is “interested in finding out whether e-cigarettes can be proven safe and effective,” Michael Levy, director of the FDA’s division of new drugs and labeling compliance, said in a news conference.
This is fine and well as long as the PROPER studies are being done. In the meantime they need to continue to be available and listed as an alternative to smoking. I finally broke free from the KNOWN “cancer causing” cigarettes that are APPROVED Feb. 18th 2010 and this is ONLY because I used the e-cigarette. I had smoked for 20+ years and PERSONALLY I did not intend on quitting. I just wanted to find a healthier alternative to supplement my cigarette smoking. I wanted to quit subjecting my children and others in the community to second-hand smoke, for ME however, I stopped altogether. (the very day I first began using the e-cig) My asthma had become increasingly hard to manage and NOW I can breathe again. I finally know what it feels like to take in a full lung capacity breath of air. I feel so much better since having the e-cig. Considering I did NOT intend on quitting and I basically quit smoking “accidentally” PLEASE keep your controls off of my e-cig. IF it’s not 100% safe, it’s OK with me. I put the horrible smoke filled analog cigarettes to my lips for all those years. MAIN benefit, I’m an adult who can choose the “risks” that I take, it’s just a great deal more important to me that I am no longer subjecting others to the harms that were manifested through tobacco cigarettes for MY own use. I guess what I want to say is that IF they are harmful, far happier causing ONLY myself harm, instead of my children, the environment, and all those around me. PLEASE keep my e-cigs available, I truly believe with the increased quality of life that I am experiencing and the fact that I am ONLY harming myself (If I even am at all) is well worth it. E-cigs in my opinion, SAVED my life! Quite possibly the life of my children, and maybe even my grandchildren, and so on for generations to come since the cycle/pattern has stopped with me. Sincerely,
C. Caldwell
EX-Smoker/Current Vaper!
I truly believe that ecigs have saved the lives of myself and my husband. For the past 86 days I have been using one and have prevented myself from smoking over 4900 cigarettes by doing so. I was a 3 pack a day smoker. My son is not smoking everyone of those cigarettes along with me and for me that’s one of the most important things. As far as the FDA ban and the letters that they sent out. I agree that there should be no health claims made on ecig products. I also think however that the FDA is trying to make an end run around our appeals system circumventing the previous judge’s decision AND ignoring the fact that it is still a pending issue in appeals court. That complete disregard for the judicial system of this country just really makes me angry.
I purchased an e cigarette kit 3 weeks ago and as a result of using it I am no longer smoking cigarettes. In purchasing my e cigarette supplies I have not come accross a vendor that claims this is a replacement for nicotine addiction, some may, it has just not been my experience.
I have had an almost 40 year history of smoking. As a result of not smoking I no longer cough, have shortness of breath, and have more energy. At my last doctors visit my lungs no longer had a wheeze and he was pleased with what I was doing.
I also agree that there should be no health claims made in regards to e cigarettes.
If the e cigarette is unsafe I am an adult and am more than willing to take that risk. I am another “accidental quitter” and couldn’t be happier about it.
Skyler E
Another Ex Smoker/Current Vaper
I smoked two packs a day for 40 years. After starting with the e-cig I completely stopped smoking cigarettes in less than six weeks. My health is like night and day since beginning my e-cig program. If the FDA follows through on their threats I would buy my supplies via a black market source. NObody and NOTHING will make me stop something I believe is safe and MY CHOICE! The FDA has a horrible record of approving proven dangerous drugs for the big pharm companies yet they continue to do this time after time. Why? $$$$!!!
I began using an e cigarette about 2 months ago. I had smoked for 40 years with my usage increasing until I was at 2.5 packs a day. I wanted to quit altogether but with all my failed attempts I had just accepted that I would die a smoker. I got the e cigarette for times when it wasn’t convenient for me to smoke. After 15 days I found I was choosing to use it rather than a cigarette. I was shocked. Told my sister and she has since had the same experience. Cigarettes are a known killer yet they are easily available. It seems to be a double standard to consider banning e cigarettes until further study is done. I don’t remember cigarettes ever being banned until their safety or lack thereof was determined.
Physically I feel so much better. I sincerely hope they will continue to be available. There are so many people who want a viable alternative to smoking.
I hope the FDA listens to (and hears) the actual people that will be affected by their decision.