Nicotine for use in e-cigarettes will soon only be available to Australians via a prescription.
This decision is an interim one made by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in the interests of supporting smoking cessation.
The proposed implementation date of the amendment to the scheduling is the beginning of June 2021.
This decision is supported by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
The Guild also supports the delegate’s decision to delay the implementation date in order to provide enough time for the development of resources, including professional standards and clinical guidelines, and for community pharmacies to become familiar with the supply and distribution processes.
The Guild is also of the opinion that the products should be registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods to address concerns around safety and quality.
This is, however, not likely to occur before mid-year next year.
