The market for smoking cessation treatments grew by 21% in August, as did tobacco consultations.
Is the e-cigarette boom to quit smoking over? This is the question we ask ourselves if we look closely at the latest tobacco “dashboard” from the French Observatory for Drugs and Drug Addiction (OFDT) published this Friday. This shows that in August 2015, the market for smoking cessation treatments grew (+ 20.6%) again (+ 27% in July).
The end of the e-cigarette boom?
All are indeed experiencing a significant increase in their sales compared to August 2014. This goes for transdermal patches (+ 29.3%), through Zyban (+ 27.2%), but also Champix (+3, 8%). For this last drug (varenicline), it is indeed a revival, since its sales had fallen by almost -40% in one year. A plummet observed in the heart of the fashion effect that electronic cigarettes had caused among the French on its arrival. At this period, the vaping showed it is true staggering figures: 1.5 million users and 2000 points of sale in France.
In addition, lump-sum reimbursements for treatment to aid smoking cessation, as part of their prescription, are also increasing in 2015, as is the number of people admitted to tobacco consultations.
In fact, only the Tabac Info Service system recorded fewer calls in August, but its coaching service, now supported by a mobile application, is in full development (9,500 registered against barely 2,000 in August 2014).
Tobacco sales increase
In addition, the OFDT notes that in August 2015, tobacco sales increased in France, by 1.5% compared to August 2014, mainly due to the increase in roll-your-own tobacco (+9 , 7%). Cigarette sales for their part recorded a slight increase (+ 0.3%). Data to be taken seriously, since the Observatory indicates that between January and August, “these evolutions are confirmed”: + 7% for hand-rolled tobacco and + 1.2% for cigarettes.
However, it should be noted that this inventory does not indicate that the French smoke more than before. Large seizures of counterfeit cigarettes by customs as well as a sharp increase in gasoline can, for example, explain a sudden slowdown in the consumption of contraband tobacco. The latter is often brought back to France, from border countries, where it costs less (Spain, Belgium, etc.).
Source: OFDT
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