Quitting smoking can be approached in different ways, including behavioural support, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), prescription medications, and, in certain circumstances, prescription nicotine vaping products.
Research in this area continues to evolve. One widely referenced source of evidence is Cochrane, an independent global network that produces systematic reviews used to inform healthcare decision-making.
What did the Cochrane review examine?
A recent Cochrane Review analysed 78 studies involving more than 22,000 participants. Of these, 40 were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which are commonly used in evaluating safety and effectiveness in healthcare.
Systematic reviews such as this are designed to assess the overall body of evidence and identify patterns across multiple studies.
Findings on Smoking Cessation Outcomes
The review reported that nicotine e-cigarettes were associated with higher quit rates compared with some other cessation approaches in the studies analysed. However, results varied across trials and follow-up periods were limited.
Across the included studies, follow-up extended up to two years. While some evidence suggested improved quit rates in certain comparisons, the authors noted that the overall number of long-term studies remains limited.
It is important to interpret findings in the context of evolving research and differing study designs.
Reported Side Effects and Safety Considerations
The review did not identify clear evidence of serious harm within the duration of the included studies (up to two years). Reported short-to-medium term side effects included:
Some participants also reported dizziness, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and sleep disturbances. In many cases, these effects reduced over time.
However, long-term safety data beyond two years is currently limited, and further research is needed to better understand potential long-term cardiovascular and respiratory impacts.
What Does This Mean for Individuals Considering Quitting?
There is no single cessation approach that works for everyone. First-line smoking cessation therapies in Australia typically include:
Nicotine vaping products are prescription-only in Australia and are regulated therapeutic goods. Their use should be considered in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
When deciding on a cessation strategy, individual medical history, previous quit attempts, and personal circumstances should all be considered.
Disclaimer
Nicotine vaping products are prescription-only medicines in Australia and are regulated therapeutic goods.They are not approved as first-line smoking cessation therapies. They may be considered by a healthcare professional in certain circumstances, typically where other first-line smoking cessation therapies have not been successful.
Evidence regarding long-term safety and effectiveness remains limited, and further research is ongoing. Vaping is not risk-free, and dual use (continuing to smoke while vaping) is not recommended.
Decisions about smoking cessation strategies should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, who can assess individual health history and provide appropriate guidance.
DISCLAIMER: There are a number of ways to quit smoking. We have a range of tools that may help with smoking cessation such as nicotine patches, gums and vaping products. Vaping products, used as second-line tools may be useful for those who have not successfully quit smoking using traditional methods.
It’s important to acknowledge there’s limited available evidence on the efficacy, safety or long-term health effects of nicotine vaping products. There are potential side effects associated with vaping. Long-term vaping and dual-use (smoking and vaping concurrently) is not recommended and should be avoided. Regular review and monitoring by your regular GP is advised along your smoking cessation journey.
There are several evidence-based approaches available to support smoking cessation, including nicotine replacement therapy and behavioural support.
Research into the health effects of vaping is ongoing, with current evidence highlighting both known risks and areas where long-term outcomes remain uncertain.
Research into the side effects of vaping is ongoing, with reported symptoms varying between individuals and long-term health effects still under investigation.
Travelling with vaping devices is subject to airline safety rules and Australian regulations, including restrictions on carriage, use, and documentation requirements.
First Nations Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Nicotine is addictive, and the long term-risks of vaping are unknown. Complete abstinence from smoking and vaping is the safest for your health. Currently no nicotine vaping products have been approved by the TGA, and the safety of these products has not been determined. Long-term vaping and dual-use (smoking and vaping concurrently) must be avoided. Vaped nicotine products are only recommended for individuals that have tried but failed to quit smoking using approved first line smoking cessation therapies.Must be over 18 years old, not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Regular review and monitoring by your regular GP is advised along your smoking cessation journey
*To apply for your nicotine vape prescription please complete this FREE virtual consultation. If eligible, you will be requested to make a $20 script payment. This $20 fee will be credited towards your first purchase with Help Me Stop.
ET Pharmaceuticals trading as Help Me Stop is the pharmacy marketing group for pharmacy ET Research Pty Ltd trading as Precision Pharmacy.
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