E-cigarettes intended to support someone to quit smoking are known as therapeutic e-cigarettes. In Australia, adults over 18 years old can buy e-cigarettes with a nicotine concentration of 20 mg/mL or less from participating pharmacies for this purpose. However, only one month's supply can be purchased each month. The pharmacist will discuss the product, dosage, other options to manage nicotine dependence, and ask for proof of age. E-cigarettes with nicotine concentrations higher than 20 mg/mL are only available with a prescription.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a type of treatment that can help people quit smoking. While no e-cigarettes are currently approved for use in NRT in Australia, e-cigarettes that meet product quality standards can be sold to support someone to quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence. The product standards include plain packaging, limited flavours (mint, menthol, or tobacco), and restricted nicotine concentrations. However, these products have not been evaluated for safety or effectiveness by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and are considered unapproved goods. For more information about quitting smoking or vaping, visit quit.org.au.
Myth: you can tell what you are vaping
Fact: when illegal e-cigarettes have been seized and tested, they often contain nicotine, even when the label states they are nicotine free. Other prohibited ingredients with known health risks have also been found
It’s important to note that e-cigarette labelling is not always correct when you are buying illegal e-cigarettes. You can’t be sure what is in an e-cigarette and whether you are being exposed to harmful ingredients such as nicotine.