Adults from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds were nearly three times more likely to quit smoking using vaporized nicotine products than with nicotine replacement therapy, according to a recent study.

In a randomized clinical trial researchers evaluated the effectiveness of vaporized nicotine products (VNPs) compared with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for smoking cessation among adults. The trial was conducted in New South Wales, Australia, and enrolled 1,045 daily smokers receiving government pensions or allowances, a marker of low socioeconomic status. 

Participants were randomly assigned in equal numbers to receive an 8-week supply of either VNPs—using both pod and tank devices with nicotine salt and freebase formulations—NRT gum, or lozenges. All participants received 5 weeks of automated text-message behavioral support.

The primary outcome was 6-month continuous abstinence from smoking, verified via carbon monoxide breath testing at 7-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included self-reported abstinence, point prevalence abstinence at different time points, treatment adherence, and incidence of adverse events.

The study, led by Ryan J. Courtney of the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, demonstrated that 28.4% of participants in the VNP group achieved verified continuous abstinence, compared with 9.6% in the NRT group. Self-reported 6-month continuous abstinence was reported by 36.8% of participants in the VNP group and 16.3% in the NRT group. Seven-day point prevalence abstinence at the final follow-up was reported by 47.1% of VNP users and 23.7% of those assigned to NRT.

Treatment adherence favored the VNP group. Nearly all participants (97.5%) in the VNP group used at least one dose of the assigned product, compared with 91.6% in the NRT group. Only 2.2% of VNP users discontinued use by the second check-in, in contrast to 23.2% in the NRT group. Continued use of study-supplied product at 7 months was reported by 56.3% of participants in the VNP group versus 30.9% in the NRT group.

Adverse events were reported less frequently in the VNP group, with 355 events among 237 participants, compared with 442 events among 278 participants in the NRT group. No significant differences in respiratory symptoms were observed between the two groups. 

Full disclosures can be found in the published study.

Source: Annals of Internal Medicine