JAMA Publishes First U.S. Clinical Guidance on Vaping for Smoking Cessation

JAMA has released the first systematic recommendations for U.S.-based clinicians on the use of nicotine e-cigarettes in adult smoking cessation. Developed by the Harm Reduction Workgroup of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco's Treatment Research Network, the guidance suggests including e-cigarettes alongside FDA-approved cessation medications in risk-benefit discussions. It cites high-certainty evidence that nicotine e-cigarettes lead to higher quit rates than nicotine replacement therapy and may be comparable to highly effective medications like varenicline and cytisine. For adults choosing vaping to quit, the recommendations include using FDA-authorized products, ensuring sufficient nicotine delivery, and making a rapid, complete transition away from traditional cigarettes.