
Recently, the UK-based Cochrane Collaboration conducted 78 studies involving 22,052 smokers, comparing the use of electronic cigarettes with the following factors:
Nicotine replacement therapy (such as patches or gum);
Varenicline, a medication that helps people quit smoking;
Nicotine-free electronic cigarette;
Other types of electronic cigarettes that contain nicotine (such as pods);
Actions of support, such as advice or consultation.
The research was mostly conducted in the United States (34 studies), United Kingdom (16 studies), and Italy (8 studies).
Key Conclusion
Using nicotine-containing e-cigarettes is more effective than using nicotine replacement therapy or non-nicotine e-cigarettes for quitting smoking. The most common adverse effects of using e-cigarettes with nicotine are throat or oral irritation, headaches, coughing and nausea. As people continue to use nicotine e-cigarettes, these effects become lessened over time.
Research summary
There is strong evidence to suggest that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are more effective for smoking cessation than NRT, while moderate quality evidence suggests that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are more effective for smoking cessation than non-nicotine e-cigarettes. Comparing nicotine replacement therapy to standard care or no treatment also shows benefit, but with lower certainty and requiring further research to confirm the effect. In most cases, the confidence intervals for data on AEs, SAEs, and other safety indicators are broad, with no differences observed between nicotine and non-nicotine e-cigarettes in terms of AEs, or between nicotine e-cigarettes and NRT. The overall incidence rate of SAEs was low across all study groups. No evidence was found for serious harm from nicotine e-cigarettes, but the longest follow-up period was two years and the number of studies was limited. The primary limitation of the evidence base continues to be imprecision due to limited numbers of RCTs and typically low event rates, but further RCTs are currently ongoing. To ensure that this review continues to provide up-to-date information for decision-makers, it is a living system review. Searches are conducted monthly and the review is updated when new relevant evidence becomes available. Please refer to the Cochrane Systematic Reviews Database for the current status of this review.
Statement:
This article is based on third-party information that has been edited by machine translation, and is only intended for industry communication and learning purposes.
This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the truthfulness or accuracy of the article's content. The translation of this article is only for the purpose of industry-related communication and research.
Due to limitations in the translator's abilities, the translated article may not fully express the original content. Please refer to the original article for accuracy.
2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government in regards to any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or international statements and positions.
The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us to have it removed.
Disclaimer
This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.
Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.
The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.
This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.
Copyright Notice
This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.
No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.
For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.
AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice
Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.
Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.









