THE recent bans on vape products can work with some "sensible policy tweaks", according to a manufacturer of Australian-standard therapeutic vape products (PD 29 Nov).
From the fields Pharmaceutical CEO Wilhelm David said he supports a pragmatic solution with nicotine vaping products under a therapeutics goods framework.
"This health policy's success requires greater support by GPs to prescribe the therapeutic product, ongoing transparency in the vaping black market, regulated vape product improvements around flavours, menthol concentrations and the role disposable vapes play in smoking cessation strategies."
Statements by the AMA in supporting these reforms are welcome, he added, but it is now "imperative more GPs are authorised and able to prescribe these therapeutic products".
"Govts need to support pharmacy distribution and the role doctors play in prescribing and selling vape products over the near term.
"This is because the illicit black market for illegal vapes and its players continue to have a window to trade," David warned.
With single-use disposable vapes being banned, he said, "19% of all prescriptions written for pharmacy dispensing are disposable vapes and one in two scripts are for flavoured products".
Over 80% of Australian adults who vape use fruit-flavoured vapes such as mango, blueberry, apple, along with mint and tobacco.
"We will continue to urge the TGA and the Govt to consider adopting a greater number of simple flavours, at realistic percentages, and formulating the products with safe, quality ingredients that meet global leading emission standards.
"The TGA proposal for menthol at 0.1% is extremely low for a smoker to transition to a therapeutic vape.
"In fact, the taste would be almost undetectable at this level and a more appropriate 1.5% - 2% concentration ceiling is recommended," David explained.
People need simple, easy-to-use therapeutic vape devices that doesn't involve complicated instructions, recharging or refilling of liquids, he added.
"They include the elderly, homeless, prisoners and people with disabilities who struggle with a complex vaping device." JG
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