Can e-cigarettes (or vapes) be used to quit smoking?

Vapes are not recommended as a first line treatment for quitting smoking, and they have not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for safety, quality, efficacy or performance as a quitting aid. While evidence indicates that e-cigarettes can help some people to reduce or stop smoking tobacco, or to manage nicotine dependence, there are concerns about e-cigarettes’ safety and longer-term health effects. (See FAQ what are the physical health risks of using e-cigarettes (or vapes) for more information).

It is therefore recommended that you try other strategies to quit smoking first, such as behavioural therapy combined with nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) such as patches, gum, lozenges or mouth sprays. These products have been evaluated by the TGA for safety, quality and efficacy and are widely available in Australian pharmacies and supermarkets. Some of these products are also subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Speak to your doctor and/or specialised services such as Quitline if you would like to know more about quitting smoking or vaping, or using e-cigarettes as a quitting aid.

Sources: Lindson et al. Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2025, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD010216. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010216.pub9. and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2024) Supporting smoking & vaping cessation.