An update on vaping and nicotine prescribing.

BACKGROUND

Under 2021 regulations, a prescription is required to import nicotine liquid for vaping or to purchase it from Australian pharmacies.

OBJECTIVE

This article outlines 1) the latest evidence on vaping, 2) devices and liquids available, 3) how to counsel smokers about vaping and 4) how to write nicotine prescriptions.

DISCUSSION: Vaping is a second-line quitting aid for adult smokers unable to quit with approved treatments and is the most popular quitting method in Australia. It is safer than smoking and more effective than nicotine replacement therapy. It is necessary that general practitioners (GPs) know how vaping works, what products are available, when to consider vaping for smoking patients and how to counsel smokers about it. GPs will be asked to write prescriptions for patients to purchase nicotine liquid from Australian pharmacies under the Authorised Provider Scheme or import it legally. Vaping should cease within 3-6 months if possible; however, long-term vaping is far safer than relapsing to smoking.