Want help to stop vaping or smoking? Check out www.quit.org.au or call 13 7848. They can help.
Pharmacy requirements
Depending on which state or territory you live in, the rules for purchasing vapes from pharmacies can be different. Pharmacies are also not required by law to sell vapes if they don’t want to.
A pharmacist can only sell a vape if they consider it to be appropriate and only when all other quitting methods have been tried. You will need to show them your ID and you can only buy enough to last about a month. They will also give you cessation support service details to further help you to quit.
If you’re 18 or older, you can buy nicotine vapes with 20 mg/mL of nicotine or less from a pharmacy without a prescription. However, some states and territories will require a prescription.
If you’re under 18 and your state allows it, you’ll need to see a doctor to get a prescription.
You’ll also have to see a doctor first if you need a vape with more than 20 mg/mL of nicotine.
Quitting smoking
There isn’t strong evidence to promote the use of e-cigarettes for quitting smoking. As vapes have known serious health harms and unknown long-term health effects, Lung Foundation Australia does not recommend vapes as a good way to quit smoking.
Switching cigarettes for vapes still puts bad things into your lungs. Lungs are made to breathe clean air, not toxins.
The Australian Government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has yet to approve any nicotine vapes as a proven way to quit smoking. This means they haven’t been checked for safety and how well they work, unlike other ways to quit.
Safe and tested ways to quit smoking
There are many safe, proven, registered, quit-smoking methods and medicines available. A health care professional can help you with a personalised quit plan. This may include clinical counselling together with nicotine replacement therapy such as patches, gum, lozenges or medicines and counselling.
If you do want to quit smoking, speak with your doctor or pharmacist or call Quitline to talk about the best way to quit for you. Quitting can be hard, but getting help makes it easier.
Nicotine Pouches
Nicotine pouches are small rectangle bags that contain highly addictive nicotine, flavourings, sweeteners and other ingredients. They are placed between the gum and lip to deliver nicotine into the bloodstream.
In addition to nicotine, they may contain other toxic and cancer causing chemicals such as ammonia, chromium, formaldehyde and nickel. Nicotine pouches can contain very high levels of nicotine.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, headaches and heart palpitations.
There has been a concerning increase in their use, especially among young people.
Nicotine pouches are illegal in Australia and are not allowed to be sold by tobacconists or any other retail store.
They are not recommended or proven to help quit smoking or vaping.
Help to quit
- Visit Quitline or call 13 7848
- MyQuitBuddy
- PAVE app
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