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Cochrane review finds nicotine vapes offer highest smoking cessation rates

A synthesis of 80 trials shows regulated e-cigarettes outperform traditional aids like patches and gum, though long-term health effects remain uncertain.

Updated Aug 26, 2026 · 00:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • A major Cochrane review of nearly 30,000 participants found nicotine vapes increase smoking cessation success rates by approximately 60% compared to traditional therapies like patches and gum.
  • The analysis applies strictly to regulated, tested e-cigarettes and found no evidence of increased risk of serious short-term harm from using them to quit smoking.
  • Health authorities stress that non-smokers and children should avoid vaping, as long-term health risks remain unknown and unregulated devices pose additional safety hazards.

Key facts

  • The Cochrane review analyzed 80 trials involving nearly 30,000 people to evaluate the effectiveness of nicotine vapes.[BBC News]
  • Nicotine e-cigarettes raised successful quitting rates from roughly 6 in 100 people using traditional methods to about 10 in 100.[BBC News]
  • In the UK, approximately 5.4 million adults use vapes, surpassing the estimated 5.3 million active cigarette smokers.[BBC News]
  • The review exclusively focused on legally regulated devices and excluded unapproved products that may contain illicit substances like THC or spice.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The long-term health risks associated with extended e-cigarette use remain unclear.[BBC News]
  • Further research is needed to determine whether nicotine vapes are more effective than cytisine, a newer anti-smoking pill recently introduced by the NHS.[BBC News]

Sources