Finding 1: Nicotine Vapes vs Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
The review's primary comparison pitted nicotine e-cigarettes against traditional NRT (patches, gum, lozenges, sprays). The result:
- Approximately 8–10 out of 100 people using nicotine e-cigarettes successfully quit smoking for at least 6 months
- Approximately 6 out of 100 people using NRT achieved the same
- This translates to about 4 additional quitters per 100 people
- Certainty: High (further research is very unlikely to change this conclusion)
Quit Rates at 6+ Months: Key Comparisons
Rates are approximate, derived from Cochrane pooled analysis. Individual results vary based on support level, device type, and participant characteristics.
Finding 2: Nicotine Vapes vs Non-Nicotine Vapes
Nicotine e-cigarettes also outperformed non-nicotine e-cigarettes, resulting in approximately 2 additional quitters per 100. This confirms that the nicotine delivery itself plays a role in cessation effectiveness, not just the behavioral substitution of hand-to-mouth action.
Finding 3: Nicotine Vapes vs No Support / Behavioral Support
Compared to no support or behavioral support alone (counseling without medication), nicotine e-cigarettes led to higher quit rates. The review rated this evidence as moderate certainty — meaning the effect is likely real but future studies could shift the estimate.
