Study Finds Vaping More Effective Than Nicotine Gums, Patches for Quitting Smoking

Smokers trying to quit may have a higher chance of success with nicotine e-cigarettes than with conventional nicotine replacement products such as patches, gums and lozenges, according to a new Cochrane review.

The comprehensive analysis examined 80 randomised controlled trials involving nearly 30,000 people. Researchers found high-certainty evidence that regulated nicotine e-cigarettes were more effective than traditional nicotine replacement therapy at helping smokers achieve at least six months of abstinence.

Nicotine Vapes Show Better Quit Rates

The review found that for every 100 people attempting to quit smoking, around 10 to 14 successfully stopped smoking while using nicotine e-cigarettes. By comparison, about six out of 100 people managed to quit using traditional nicotine replacement therapies.

This represents roughly four additional successful quitters per 100 people using nicotine e-cigarettes compared with patches, gums and lozenges. Vaping also showed better results than non-nicotine e-cigarettes, behavioural support alone and making an unsupported attempt to quit.

Vaping and Harm Reduction

Researchers cautioned that e-cigarettes are not harmless and should not be considered risk-free. However, regulated nicotine vaping products generally expose users to fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes because they do not involve burning tobacco.

The review also found no evidence from the available trials of an increase in serious short- or medium-term health problems among people using nicotine e-cigarettes to stop smoking.

Experts stressed that the findings specifically concern regulated products. Illicit or black-market vaping products may have different risks and should not be assumed to offer the same benefits.

Evidence Challenges Public Perceptions

The findings come amid continued debate over the role of vaping in smoking cessation. While public health experts continue to warn non-smokers and young people against taking up vaping, the evidence suggests nicotine e-cigarettes can be a useful quitting tool for adults who already smoke.

For smokers who have struggled with patches, gums or other cessation methods, regulated nicotine e-cigarettes could offer another effective route away from combustible tobacco.