Nicotine vapes best chance to quit smoking, major review finds

Smokers seeking to quit have their best chance of success by using nicotine e-cigarettes, a comprehensive review has concluded. The study, which analyzed 80 major trials encompassing nearly 30,000 participants, found that nicotine vapes were significantly more effective than conventional cessation methods, including nicotine patches, gum, and behavioral support plans. The review indicated that vapes boosted quit rates by approximately 60%, raising the success from about six in 100 individuals to one in 10.

The effectiveness of nicotine vapes also surpassed that of non-nicotine e-cigarettes. Researchers suggest that switching to non-nicotine vapes after initial success could aid in the process of weaning off nicotine entirely. The review also compared vaping to cytisine, a new anti-smoking pill being rolled out by the NHS, finding vapes potentially more effective, though further research is needed for a definitive comparison.

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Unlicensed e-cigarettes are potentially dangerous, with issues including unstable batteries and harmful chemicals.

Experts emphasize that while vaping is not entirely risk-free, it is considerably safer than smoking, which remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death globally, claiming over seven million lives annually. In the UK, e-cigarette use among adults now exceeds cigarette smoking. The review specifically examined regulated vapes that meet strict safety standards and are checked for quality, excluding unregulated products that may contain illicit substances.

Authors of the report cautioned against using unlicensed e-cigarettes due to potential dangers like unstable batteries and harmful chemicals. They advised individuals seeking to quit smoking via vaping to only purchase devices approved by their country's regulatory bodies. While the review found no evidence of increased serious harm from using e-cigarettes for cessation, the long-term health implications of vaping remain unclear. Consequently, health authorities like the NHS strongly advise children and non-smokers against vaping.

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Anyone looking to use e-cigarettes to quit smoking should only purchase devices that have been tested and approved by their country's regulatory body.