Can electronic cigarettes help people stop smoking, and do they have any unwanted effects when used for this purpose?

Key messages:  

• Nicotine electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) can help people to stop smoking for at least six months. They work better than nicotine replacement therapy, and probably better than e‐cigarettes without nicotine.
• E‐cigarettes may work better than no support, or behavioural support alone, and may not be associated with serious unwanted effects.
• However, we still need more evidence, particularly about the effects of newer types of e‐cigarettes that have better nicotine delivery than older types, as better nicotine delivery might help more people quit smoking.