E-Cigarettes Versus Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Smoking Cessation

Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that e-cigarettes containing nicotine can help people stop smoking compared to e-cigarettes without nicotine 1. However, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials comparing smoking cessation outcomes in patients using nicotine containing e-cigarettes (EC) versus nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Facts ¡ Design:-Two-group pragmatic, multicenter, unblinded randomized control trial 2-Participants were randomized to receive second generation refillable EC product (Aspire One Kit) or NRT (patch, gum, lozenge, nasal spray, inhalator, mouth strip, and microtabs) for smoking cessation treatment combined with weekly in-person be-havioral support/counseling in each treatment group-Primary outcome: sustained abstinence for 12 months by self-report validated with expired carbon monoxide levels-Secondary outcome: abstinence at 4, 26, and 26-52 weeks from target quit date, carbon monoxide validated reduction in smoking by 50%. THE BOTTOM LINE Among adults who smoke, use of e-cigarettes results in mild increase in abstinence rates at 1 year with minor adverse effects; however, emerging concerns around vaping-induced lung injury may limit its use.