Published today, the Cochrane Library have released their latest review into the effectiveness of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.
This builds on previous reviews, adding five new studies to the overall body of work. The objectives of the review are to examine the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of using vape devices to help people who smoke tobacco achieving long-term smoking abstinence.
The inclusive of these new studies strengthens the case of e-cigarettes as a tool to achieving a smokefree generation.
Put simply, the research review finds that nicotine e-cigarettes help people to stop smoking for at least six months. They are also found to work better than nicotine replacement therapy and nicotine-free e-cigarettes.
The report goes further, identifying that they may work better than no support, or behavioural support alone, and they may not be associated with serious unwanted effects.
John Dunne, Direct-General of the UKVIA, welcomes the latest review from the Cochrane group.
Said Dunne, ‘Time and time again, the evidence is clear. E-cigarettes are less harmful and extremely effective in smoking cessation.’
‘As we approach the end of the year, where we expect the Department for Health and Social Care to release its response to the TRPR and publish its new TCP, the more evidence which demonstrates the public health benefits of switching to vaping the harder it is for the Government to renege on its commitment to always follow the evidence when adopting policy towards less harmful alternatives.’
‘The vaping sector has grown and continues to do so at a fast pace. It is thanks to research and evidence that allows it to do so, giving smokers the confidence to switch.’