THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia says it strongly opposes the proposal that the vaping reforms bill, before Parliament, changes the current medicines schedule for nicotine-containing vapes from Schedule 4 (Prescription Only) to Schedule 3 (Pharmacist Only).
The result of the proposed change reported in general media is that nicotine-containing vapes could be available for purchase through a community pharmacy without the requirement for a prescription at a future date (PD breaking news).
A Guild spokesperson commented, "the Senate is about to make a bad decision".
"We urge the Senate to change course as pharmacists are healthcare professionals who dispense medication that provides a proven therapeutic benefit.
"No vaping product has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration based on its safety, efficacy or performance."
The Guild said no vaping product is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.
"Vaping has long-term patient harms, including cancer, lung-scarring and nicotine addiction.
"The Senate's expectation that community pharmacies become vape retailers, and vape garbage collectors, is insulting.
"Everyone wants to keep illegal vapes out of the hands of kids and teenagers, but the Senate wants pharmacists to stock vapes next to children's Panadol, cold and flu medicine, and emergency contraception."
Pharmacy Daily had contacted Health Minister Mark Butler's office for comments but didn't get any at the time of publishing. JG
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