Vaping is better than patches or gums for quitting smoking - updated review

Key Points:

• An updated Cochrane review found that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes (vapes) are more effective than other nicotine-replacement therapies (patches, gums) and counselling in helping people quit smoking for six months.
• The review analyzed 80 randomized control trials with nearly 30,000 participants and concluded that 8-10% of people using nicotine vapes quit smoking successfully, compared to 6% using other nicotine therapies.
• Nicotine vapes did not cause more serious adverse events than other quitting aids, though the review noted limitations such as short follow-up periods and the use of older vape devices in studies.
• The review supports offering nicotine vapes to smokers who have failed to quit using other methods; however, Australia’s regulatory environment restricts vape access, with most users obtaining devices illicitly despite a recent special access scheme.
• Policy differences exist internationally: New Zealand encourages vaping as a harm reduction strategy, resulting in higher daily vaping rates than smoking, whereas Australia maintains cautious regulations due to concerns about youth uptake and long-term risks.