from today, October 1strecent changes to Australian laws around vaping products will make it easier for adults to acquire low-dose nicotine vapes as a smoking cessation tool.
Pharmacists will have the option to produce vapes containing 2% nicotine and not using a prescription after consultation with the patient.
People under the age of 18 will still need a prescription to access vapes, while anyone in search of a high-dose vape will likewise need a prescription.
So how did we get here? And are these changes going to make nicotine vapes easier to access to assist people quit smoking?
A series of changes to vape laws
Evidence suggests that vapes containing nicotine cans Help people quit smoking.and will be more practical than other nicotine substitute therapies. For those that haven’t been successful with other methods, using vapes To quit smoking Might be an inexpensive choice to try.
Vaping is definitely not without risks. However, the emission of vapes is removed from over Low levels of harmful chemicals Compared to cigarettes, the health risks of vaping are subsequently much lower than smoking.
Since 2012, the Australian Need a prescription? to access nicotine-containing vapes, while nicotine-free vapes were allowed to be sold as tobacco products in most parts of Australia.
However, many vapes sold under the guise of being nicotine-free contained undeclared nicotine. A couple of Australians Obtained a prescriptioneven when using vapes to quit smoking.
Encouraged by reports of a pointy rise in youth vaping, Health Minister Mark Butler initiated a series of changes to federal laws. Eliminating recreational vapors.
The reforms begin in 2024 with an entire ban on the import of disposable vaping products. From January 1st. As of March 1, general retailers equivalent to smokers were allowed to cut back their existing stock of vapes, but couldn’t legally restock. Individuals were also not allowed to import vapes for private use, even in the event that they had a prescription.
But July 1stfurther changes banned the final retail sale of vapes no matter their nicotine content. Only pharmacies can dispense vapes on prescription for therapeutic purposes.
Changes were also made to the varieties of vapes disbursed by pharmacies from July 1 – all flavored vapes except tobacco, mint or menthol flavors were banned. The idea is that these vaping products shall be less attractive to young people.
As of today, changes in federal laws allow pharmacists to dispense low-dose nicotine vapes and not using a prescription.
There could also be some obstacles.
The changes starting today aim to balance access to vapes for therapeutic use by adults and the necessity to stop youth from vaping while maintaining health professionals' oversight of supply. Eliminating the necessity for a prescription for some patients may even release GP time and reduce costs.
People with a high nicotine dependence, equivalent to those that smoke heavily, might have higher doses of nicotine to effectively manage withdrawal symptoms when quitting smoking. The 2% limit for over-the-counter supply is comparable to concentration limits imposed in another countries, e.g Great Britain.
Another advantage of the change is that it’s in keeping with the federal government's intention. Not punishing individuals To use vapes. Unauthorized possession of a prescription-only drug is a serious crime that carries potentially large fines and Prison conditions In some jurisdictions. There were concerns about whether this was probably the most appropriate classification for vapes when cigarettes remain widely available without similar restrictions and penalties.
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However, patients seeking to buy vapes directly from a pharmacy should face some hurdles. Many pharmacists haven’t welcomed the elimination of the prescription requirement for several reasons.
First, the amendment to remove the prescription requirement It was announced Without a A formal public consultation process And with a really short lead time for implementation (about three months).
While pharmacists have been shelling out vapes on prescription for a while, the first responsibility rests with the prescribing doctor. Some pharmacists have it. Expressed concern As as to if their skilled indemnity insurance will cover over-the-counter supplies, as vapes aren’t approved as medicines. Others may object to the provision of vapes because they see it as selling cigarettes.
There are also practical issues for some pharmacies, equivalent to having enough staff and personal space to supply adequate counseling. Under the New rulesa pharmacist is crucial. Consult the patient To confirm that the vape is medically appropriate before shelling out, and procure their consent to dispense a product that just isn’t an approved drug.
Given these concerns, some pharmacies may resolve to proceed to produce vapes to adults only with a prescription. Others might also select to not stock vapes.
Access might also vary across the country as states and territories may impose additional restrictions. An example is the Parliament of Tasmania. To consider a bill Which, if passed, would maintain existing restrictions on the provision of vapes in Tasmania (a prescription is required for adults and provide to under 18s just isn’t permitted).
Meanwhile, Western Australia has announced that it’ll also retain the prevailing prescription requirement. Other states may follow suit.
Nicotine vapes are one among several options.
Vapes are one among a lot of smoking cessation products available over-the-counter in pharmacies, including nicotine patches, oral sprays, gums and lozenges.
A recent option starting today is known as cytisinea non-nicotine smoking cessation medication might also be available. Without a prescription in some pharmacies.
So individuals who want help to quit smoking should talk over with their pharmacist. Quitline About the complete range of options available to seek out the perfect one for them.