Summary
Introduction:
This article presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of common adverse events (AEs) associated with electronic cigarettes (ECs) and traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs). The study aims to understand how differences in AEs may impact user preferences and compliance.
Key Points:
1. The study identified 18 relevant articles, including 10 cross-sectional and 8 randomized controlled trials, for the meta-analysis.
2. Random-effects meta-analyses found no significant difference in AEs, such as cough, oral irritation, and nausea, between nicotine ECs and NRTs or between nicotine and non-nicotine placebo ECs.
3. Participants using ECs had a higher prevalence of dry mouth and skin irritation compared to NRT users in RCTs, but these differences were not statistically significant.
4. The review suggests that the variation in the incidence of AEs does not explain users' preferences for ECs over NRTs.
5. The incidence of common AEs reported due to EC and NRT use did not differ significantly.
6. The study highlights the need to quantify both the adverse and favorable effects of ECs to understand the experiential mechanisms that drive their high uptake relative to established NRTs.
7. Due to the small sample size of studies, the evidence on the incidence of AEs experienced when using ECs compared to NRTs is inconclusive.
Main Message:
The systematic review and meta-analysis reveal no significant differences in the incidence of common AEs between ECs and NRTs. This suggests that other factors, such as experiential mechanisms and favorable effects, may play a more significant role in driving ECs' high uptake compared to NRTs. Further research is needed to better understand the complex interplay of factors influencing users' preferences and compliance in smoking cessation therapies.
Citation
Anandan AS, Leung J, Chan GCK, et al. Common adverse events of electronic cigarettes compared with traditional nicotine replacement therapies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Drug and alcohol review. Published online May 2, 2023. doi:10.1111/dar.13674
