Read articles from Australia

July 01, 2024 by ajp.com.au

TGA urged to review vapes and produce guidelines to allay pharmacists’ concerns about stocking products  The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) needs to review the safety, efficacy and performance of vaping products before pharmacists will feel comfortable stocking them, an NSW-based pharmacist says.  Speaking with ABC Illawarra about new vaping legislation, which came into effect today

July 01, 2024 by medicalxpress.com

A study led by UNSW Sydney revealed low usage of prescription quit smoking medicines like NRT among pregnant women, highlighting the need for more support to help them quit successfully. While counseling is recommended first, medicines like NRT are considered effective for quitting in the general population. Varenicline and bupropion are not recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety evidence. The study stresses the importance of better information for pregnant women and clinicians to make informed decisions about smoking cessation. More research is necessary to evaluate the safety of varenicline and bupropion for pregnant women.

July 01, 2024 by reuters.com

New vaping regulations in Australia came into force on Monday, moving e-cigarettes behind pharmacy counters in a bid to curb youth vaping although opponents forced the government to walk back a stricter prohibition. The laws, passed last week, will restrict vape sales to pharmacies and require customers to speak with the pharmacist before buying a vape. Those under 18 will need a prescription. The ruling Labor party was forced to water down a broader plan that would have limited sales to those with a medical prescription after opposition from Greens senators concerned it would restrict access for those looking to quit smoking and strain the health system.

July 01, 2024 by cnn.com

Australia introduced strict anti-vaping laws, requiring a prescription to buy nicotine vapes at pharmacies. The laws limit flavors to mint, menthol, and tobacco. While Australia aims to protect minors, some fear a black market may emerge. The Greens Party advocates for adult access without a prescription to avoid criminalization. Concerns about youth turning to cigarettes due to limited vape access arise. The cost of vaping may still be lower than smoking, despite rising tobacco prices. Other countries, like the US, are also addressing vaping issues but face criticism for allowing non-tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes.

June 28, 2024 by rnz.co.nz

Australia will restrict vape sales to pharmacies, diverging from New Zealand's approach. This move prioritizes public health, utilizing pharmacists' expertise to support smokers transitioning to vaping. Despite concerns about stricter regulation compared to tobacco, limiting young people's access to vaping is essential. New Zealand faces rising youth vaping rates, necessitating comprehensive and proportional policies. Recent regulations struggled to curb vaping trends, highlighting the need for stricter measures like removing displays in retail outlets and restricting proximity to schools. Advocates urge reintroducing evidence-based regulations and aligning vaping policies with tobacco controls to safeguard youth from nicotine addiction.

June 27, 2024 by ama.com.au

The Parliament passed vaping reforms to protect Australians from e-cigarette harms, banning their domestic manufacture, supply, and advertisement. Vapes can now be sold as schedule 3 medicine with stricter controls. The AMA played a key role in advocating for these reforms, successfully influencing the passing of the legislation. The AMA criticized the National Party's proposal to impose an excise on vapes and actively engaged with MPs, Senators, and media to support the reforms. The Therapeutic Goods Administration provides updates on vaping reforms on its Vaping Hub.

June 27, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

Australia has softened its ban on vapes, allowing adults to buy them in pharmacies without a prescription. The government made changes to the law to secure Green party support in the Senate, despite concerns about fueling a black market. Vapes will still have plain packaging and limited flavors. The new rules aim to prevent youth access while supporting adult smokers. The government emphasized the therapeutic purpose of vapes for quitting smoking. The laws will be reviewed in three years.

June 25, 2024 by sydney.edu.au

The Australian Senate will ban all vape sales from general retailers starting July 1, including non-nicotine vapes. Sales will only be allowed in pharmacies, behind the counter. This legislation tightens vape access and follows import restrictions that prohibited single-use disposable vapes. Experts from the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health discuss the new law's implications.

June 25, 2024 by filtermag.org

Australia and New Zealand present differing approaches to vaping regulation. While Australia heavily restricts vaping, New Zealand has adopted a consumer-friendly model. New Zealand's approach has led to a significant drop in smoking rates and a rise in vaping among adults, contributing to public health improvements. In contrast, Australia's tough regulations have fueled a thriving illicit vaping market, causing violence and undermining public health efforts. New Zealand's harm reduction strategy shows promise in achieving smoke-free goals, while Australia struggles to curb smoking rates. The comparison underscores the benefits of New Zealand's approach over Australia's restrictive policies.

June 24, 2024 by smh.com.au

The Albanese government in Australia will allow the purchase of plain-packaged nicotine vapes without a prescription starting October. Health Minister Mark Butler compromised with the Greens to pass legislation penalizing unlicensed shops selling illegal vapes, stepping back from the original plan requiring a doctor's prescription. Butler's move follows concerns of vapes aiding Big Tobacco in addicting youths to nicotine. The Coalition criticized the amendments as a backtrack on the hardline prescription-only approach.