Even though they are generally not recommended and are considered temporary repairs at best, I have used them before. And never a problem. And when I did use one, it was permanent, meaning it never failed and I never replaced it with a permanent patch. If I had a flat, I took it in for repair. But if I had a slow leak, and saw a nail/screw sticking out of the tire, I would pull it out and insert one of those plugs, and add air.
I have not used one in several years, and not saying I would recommend it, but I never had a problem using it.