From the Guidelines
Nicotine gum is safer than vaping. Nicotine gum delivers nicotine without the harmful chemicals produced by heating and vaporizing e-liquids. Typical nicotine gum comes in 2mg or 4mg strengths, with users generally chewing one piece every 1-2 hours as needed for cravings, not exceeding 24 pieces per day. While nicotine itself is addictive, nicotine replacement therapies like gum have been thoroughly studied and approved for smoking cessation. Vaping, though potentially less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes, still exposes users to potentially harmful chemicals including propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and in some cases, vitamin E acetate which has been linked to lung injuries. Additionally, vaping devices may have inconsistent nicotine delivery and quality control issues. The long-term effects of vaping remain unclear due to its relatively recent emergence, whereas nicotine gum has decades of safety data supporting its use. For those trying to quit smoking or reduce nicotine dependence, medically approved options like nicotine gum provide a safer pathway than vaping. According to the most recent study 1, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends the use of nicotine replacement therapy, including nicotine gum, as a safe and effective way to aid in smoking cessation.
Some key points to consider when using nicotine gum include:
- Starting with a lower dose (2mg) and increasing to a higher dose (4mg) if necessary, especially for heavy smokers 1
- Using the gum in combination with other forms of nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches, for increased effectiveness 1
- Being aware of the potential for nicotine dependence and monitoring usage to avoid excessive consumption
- Considering the use of behavioral therapy in conjunction with nicotine gum to support cessation efforts 1
Overall, the evidence suggests that nicotine gum is a safer and more effective option for smoking cessation than vaping, with a longer history of safety data and fewer potential health risks. Nicotine gum is the recommended choice for those trying to quit smoking or reduce nicotine dependence.
From the Research
Comparison of Vaping and Nicotine Gum
- There are no direct studies comparing the safety of vaping and nicotine gum in the provided evidence.
- However, the studies provide information on the effectiveness and safety of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), including nicotine gum, for smoking cessation 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Nicotine gum is a form of NRT that has been shown to be effective in aiding smoking cessation, with a risk ratio of abstinence of 1.49 (95% CI 1.40 to 1.60) compared to placebo 6.
- The safety of NRT, including nicotine gum, has been evaluated in several studies, with minor irritation of the site of administration being a common adverse effect 5, 6.
- There is no evidence to suggest that NRT increases the risk of heart attacks 5.
- Vaping, on the other hand, is not mentioned in the provided studies as a form of NRT or a method for smoking cessation.
- Therefore, based on the available evidence, it is not possible to directly compare the safety of vaping and nicotine gum.
Effectiveness of Nicotine Gum
- Nicotine gum has been shown to be effective in aiding smoking cessation, with a risk ratio of abstinence of 1.49 (95% CI 1.40 to 1.60) compared to placebo 6.
- The effectiveness of nicotine gum is largely independent of the intensity of additional support provided or the setting in which it is offered 3, 5, 6.
- Higher doses of nicotine gum (4 mg) may be more effective than lower doses (2 mg) in highly dependent smokers 3, 4, 5.
Safety of Nicotine Gum
- The safety of nicotine gum has been evaluated in several studies, with minor irritation of the site of administration being a common adverse effect 5, 6.
- There is no evidence to suggest that nicotine gum increases the risk of heart attacks 5.
- Nicotine gum may cause non-ischaemic chest pain and palpitations in rare cases, but these events are extremely rare 6.