Nicotine e-cigarettes boost quit rates, Cochrane review shows

Analyzing 80 major trials with almost 30,000 subjects, the Cochrane team determined that nicotine-filled e-cigarettes outperform conventional cessation tools such as patches, gum and behavioural support, boosting success from about six per hundred smokers to one in ten. The review also found nicotine vapes superior to non-nicotine alternatives, though the latter might help with eventual nicotine tapering. Compared with the newly introduced anti-smoking pill cytisine, nicotine vapes showed greater efficacy, though further research is needed.

While vaping is not risk-free, experts stress it is considerably less harmful than combustible tobacco, yet the long-term safety profile is still unclear. The authors cautioned that only regulated, approved devices should be used, as unlicensed products can pose battery and chemical dangers. In the UK, the NHS now offers vaping options alongside other cessation support, and more adults use e-cigarettes than cigarettes.