The latest update from the Cochrane review on the use of vape in smoking cessation confirms that it is one of the most effective tools for quitting smoking, with very few side effects, and similar to those of other nicotine substitutes.
Since 2014, the Cochrane Institute has been conducting a systematic review on the effectiveness of vape for quitting smoking, which it updates regularly. The latest update, published in January 2025, incorporates two new scientific studies and confirms the conclusions of the previous version of January 28, 2024: electronic cigarettes with nicotine are the best ally for quitting smoking. The authors also note that there are no serious adverse effects.
Nicotine vape is the most effective withdrawal method
This meta-analysis included 90 studies and 29,044 adult smokers. The results are clear: "There is high confidence evidence that electronic cigarettes (ECs) with nicotine increase smoking cessation rates compared with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Moderate-confidence evidence indicates that they increase smoking cessation rates compared with nicotine-free ECs," say the study authors. Users are thus more likely to quit smoking for at least six months when using electronic cigarettes with nicotine, compared with those using NRT or nicotine-free e-cigarettes. In other words, e-cigarettes were more effective than the other methods analyzed (patches, gums, varenicline, heated tobacco, behavioral support or no support).
You can consult the study in French on the Cochrane website.
A previous Cochrane meta-analysis in 2023, involving 319 studies, had already confirmed that e-cigarettes were one of the most effective ways of quitting smoking.
Are there any side effects?
In addition to analyzing the efficacy of vape in smoking cessation, this study also tracks potential adverse effects associated with the use of electronic cigarettes. This new publication underlines that it is not certain that there is a significant difference between vape with nicotine and other cessation treatments. The adverse effects most frequently reported by users of electronic cigarettes with nicotine include irritation of the throat or mouth, headaches, coughing and feelings of discomfort. These effects are generally mild, and tend to diminish over time as users become accustomed to vaping.
Objective science
Since its appearance, the electronic cigarette has been scrutinized from every angle, often surrounded by controversy and misinformation. However, thanks to the rigorous work of the Cochrane Group and, in particular, the Tobacco Dependence Group (CTAG), vape has been independently, seriously and thoroughly studied. This has lifted the veil on many misconceptions and provided evidence, backed by solid scientific literature, confirming year after year that e-cigarettes with nicotine are an effective way to stop smoking.
To remember:
According to the journal's findings, out of 100 people using e-cigarettes with nicotine to quit smoking, 8 to 10 could successfully quit, compared with just 6 out of 100 people using nicotine replacement therapy, 7 out of 100 using nicotine-free e-cigarettes, or 4 out of 100 people receiving no support or only behavioral support.