Nicotine vapes outperform traditional smoking cessation methods

A Cochrane systematic review involving approximately 30,000 participants across 80 clinical trials has concluded that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective for smoking cessation than traditional methods.

The review found that while conventional approaches—such as nicotine patches, gum, and behavioral support—resulted in a success rate of about 6 per 100 smokers, nicotine vapes increased that rate to approximately 1 in 10. Specifically, when compared to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), nicotine e-cigarettes showed a higher success rate with a risk ratio of 1.61, an outcome researchers described as having high certainty.

While the study highlights the efficacy of regulated vaping devices, experts emphasize the importance of using products that meet safety standards. Dr. Jamie Hartmann-Boyce warned that unlicensed e-cigarettes pose risks such as unstable batteries and harmful chemical compositions. Public health authorities maintain that while vaping is substantially safer than tobacco smoking, it is not without risk, and use should be avoided by children and non-smokers.