STARTING from today, legislative changes empower pharmacists to prescribe vapes (20mg/ml and under) as Schedule 3 medicines.
However, higher dose vapes and nicotine liquids for mixing will still remain classified as Schedule 4, requiring prescriptions from a doctor or a nurse practitioner.
For anyone under 18, all vaping products will require a script, regardless of nicotine concentration.
The govt's updated framework aims to enhance pharmacists' role in smoking cessation efforts, allowing them to provide both counselling and prescriptions.
The approach is expected to improve long-term health outcomes for individuals seeking to reduce nicotine dependence.
Pharmacists will also play a critical role in guiding patients with higher nicotine needs, as these individuals will still need healthcare providers for S4 products.
The new TGA standards mandate that notified vaping products comply with specific packaging and ingredient guidelines, including limiting flavours to menthol, mint, and tobacco, with disposable vapes phased out.
Pharmacists can verify TGA-notified products via its website, though no vapes are currently registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.
One product in compliance with TGO 110 standards is Zefir Vape, which offers step-down nicotine dosing, and is available in three strengths (40mg/ml, 20mg/ml, and nicotine-free).
It can be ordered through major pharmaceutical distributors. JG
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