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Vapes are more effective than nicotine gum and lozenges for quitting smoking
Last reviewed: 27.07.2025
A randomised controlled trial (RCT) assessed whether vaporised nicotine devices (VNPs) are more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for smoking cessation among socially disadvantaged people.
Researchers have found that VNPs are more effective than NRT for smoking cessation in low socioeconomic status (low SES) populations. Because this population suffers disproportionately from the consequences of smoking, VNPs may play a key role in promoting smoking cessation. The study results are published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Researchers from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, and colleagues conducted a two-arm, open-label RCT in 1,045 low-SES individuals in New South Wales, Australia, from 30 March 2021 to 8 December 2022.
Participants were aged 18 years or older, smoked daily, were willing to make a quit attempt within two weeks of screening, and were receiving government benefits or pensions (an indicator of low SES).
Participants were randomly assigned to either the VNP or NRT groups in a 1:1 ratio. The NRT group received a choice of an eight-week supply of nicotine gum or lozenges. The VNP group received an eight-week supply of nicotine liquid for use in a tank device or pod system. Participants in the VNP group could choose tobacco, menthol, or fruit flavored liquids.
All participants received behavioral support in the form of automated text messages for five weeks.
The primary outcome was six-month continuous abstinence. The researchers found that six-month continuous abstinence was 9.6% in the NRT group and 28.4% in the VNP group.
Subgroup analyses by age, gender, nicotine dependence, and mental illness also showed that VNPs were more effective than NRT. These results suggest that VNPs may have a role in promoting smoking cessation in both socioeconomically disadvantaged groups and the general population.