Navigating Australia’s new pharmacy-only vaping rules – a guide for vapers

Posted on September 30, 2024 By Colin


FROM TOMORROW, 1 OCTOBER 2024, some vaping devices and low dose e-liquid (up to 20mg/mL nicotine) will be available in Australia without a prescription from brick-and-mortar pharmacies. Sale from online pharmacies is banned. This blog outlines the latest guidelines from the TGA  and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia that take effect tomorrow.

Finding a pharmacy

Most pharmacies will not be stocking vaping products, including major chains such as PriceLine, Terry White Chemmart, Blooms the Chemist, Pharmacy 777, and National Pharmacies.

Those that do are likely to have a limited range of products. Your preferred device and e-liquid may not be available, although they can be ordered from wholesalers if listed on the TGA “Notified vape list”.

Finding a participating pharmacy may be challenging, as pharmacies are not allowed to advertise that they sell vaping products.

Some pharmacies may decide to dispense prescribed vapes only. (see below)

Sales from online pharmacies banned

The TGA has confirmed that online pharmacies cannot supply Schedule 3 (pharmacist-only) or Schedule 4 (prescription) vaping products

Under the new regulations, vapes can only be supplied in person by the pharmacist to the patient or their carer. Delivery by taxi or courier is not allowed.

In response to a query, the TGA replied

"Therapeutic vaping goods can only be supplied in person directly to the patient or their carer. It will be unlawful to dispense and supply S4 therapeutic vaping goods online"

"Vapes can only be supplied directly to the patient or their carer, regardless of whether they are supplied as a Schedule 3 or Schedule 4 medicine"

This will be a significant problem for many vapers, where local pharmacies do not stock vapes, especially for those in rural and remote areas.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible to purchase a vape without a prescription you must

Who needs a prescription?

You will need a prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner to buy vaping products if you

What can you buy?

Pharmacies can only sell e-liquids and devices on the TGA Notified Vape List. These products comply with the relevant quality and safety standards. If your preferred product is on the list, the pharmacist may be able to order it.

First consultation with the pharmacist

A detailed consultation is required with the pharmacist at the first visit, which is likely to take 15-20 minutes. Some pharmacies will charge a fee for this service. At this visit, the pharmacist must

Follow-up visits will be shorter, but still require a consultation. Confirmation of your identity and reporting to the TGA are required at every visit.

Referral to a GP

Pharmacists are advised by the PSA guidelines to refer you to a GP if

Will the bill be disallowed?

A Senate committee recently issued a notice to disallow the Vaping Reforms bill, due to serious concerns about it. If these concerns are not resolved, the bill may be rejected. More here.

The likely outcome

The pharmacy model makes it much harder for vapers to access legally than to purchase deadly cigarettes. As with the failed prescription-only model, the likely outcomes will be

Overall, these changes will be harmful overall to public health and will fail within 12 months.

Sources

Handout. Changes to vaping in Australia from 1 October 2024. Information for people who vape. Dept of Health Care and Ageing

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. Professional practice guidelines for pharmacists. Nicotine dependence support. 26 September 2024

Therapeutic Goods Administration. Vaping hub

Therapeutic Goods Administration Notified vape list


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