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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 of the effectiveness of vaping as a smoking cessation aid, which it updates regularly. The latest update, published in January 2025, incorporates two new scientific Studies and confirms the conclusions of the previous version dated January 28, 2024: nicotine e-cigarettes are the best tool 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-certainty evidence that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes (e-cigarettes) increase smoking cessation rates compared with nicotine replacement therapies (NRT). Evidence of moderate certainty indicates that they increase smoking cessation rates compared to nicotine-free e-cigarettes,” state the study’s authors. Users are thus more likely to quit smoking for at least six months when using nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, compared to those using NRT or nicotine-free e-cigarettes. In other words, e-cigarettes appear to be more effective than the other methods analyzed (patches, gum, varenicline, heated tobacco, behavioral support, or no support).
You can view the study in French on the Cochrane website.
A previous Cochrane meta-analysis from 2023, involving 319, Studies, had already confirmed that e-cigarettes are one of the most effective ways to quit smoking.
Are there any side effects?
In addition to analyzing the effectiveness of vaping as a smoking cessation method, this study also examines potential adverse effects associated with the use of e-cigarettes. This new publication emphasizes that it is unclear whether there is a significant difference between nicotine vaping and other smoking cessation treatments. The most commonly reported side effects among users of nicotine e-cigarettes include throat or mouth irritation, headaches, coughing, and feelings of discomfort. These effects are generally mild and tend to decrease 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.