THE Tasmanian Government announced on Fri new tighter regulations restricting the sale of nicotine-containing vapes to patients with a prescription from a GP or nurse practitioner.
The change effectively implements the previously attempted Commonwealth reform to classify such products as Schedule 4 (Prescription Only), which was supported by community pharmacists across the country and 63 patient, healthcare and school groups.
The state's Pharmacy Guild of Australia branch has welcomed the decision, emphasising its potential to safeguard public health, particularly among young Tasmanians who are disproportionately affected by vape usage.
"This is a common-sense decision to protect the health of Tasmanians," commented Tasmanian Guild President Helen O'Byrne (pictured), who attended the announcement alongside Health Minister Guy Barnett.
The reforms align with the stance of 63 patient, healthcare, and school groups, including the Australian Medical Association and the Cancer Council, which have supported tighter vape regulations.
O'Byrne highlighted concerns over the safety and efficacy of e-cigarette products, stating, "no vaping product has been approved by the TGA based on its safety, efficacy, or performance".
The new regulation is set to alleviate the burden on community pharmacists who, from 01 Oct 2024, will be the only suppliers of nicotine-containing vapes under prescription, a responsibility the Guild has consistently opposed (PD 28 Jun). JG
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