Read articles from Australia

October 01, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

Starting October 1, 2024, some vaping products up to 20mg/mL nicotine will be available without a prescription in Australian pharmacies. Online sales are banned. Limited product range may be found, restrictions apply on nicotine levels and flavors. Detailed consultations and personal information are required. Referral to a doctor may be needed for certain cases. Concerns exist about the new regulations' effectiveness. The pharmacy model may hinder legal access to vaping, leading to continued black market purchases and potential relapses to smoking, impacting public health negatively. Senate may disallow the Vaping Reforms bill.

October 01, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

Starting October 1, 2024, some vaping products up to 20mg/mL nicotine will be available without a prescription in Australian pharmacies. Online sales are banned. Limited product range may be found, restrictions apply on nicotine levels and flavors. Detailed consultations and personal information are required. Referral to a doctor may be needed for certain cases. Concerns exist about the new regulations' effectiveness. The pharmacy model may hinder legal access to vaping, leading to continued black market purchases and potential relapses to smoking, impacting public health negatively. Senate may disallow the Vaping Reforms bill.

October 01, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

Starting tomorrow, , 1 October 2024, Australia allows some vaping products without a prescription at brick-and-mortar pharmacies, not online. Finding a pharmacy selling vapes might be challenging, and only TGA-approved items can be dispensed. Online pharmacies are banned from selling Schedule 3 and 4 vaping products. Vapers must be over 18 and consult with a pharmacist. Nicotine levels are capped, flavors limited, and no DIY mixing allowed. Pharmacists conduct detailed consultations and report to authorities. Referral to a GP is advised in certain cases. Senate may disallow the bill due to concerns. The pharmacy-only model may hinder legal access, leading to increased black-market sales and harm public health.

October 01, 2024 by heartfoundation.org.au

The Heart Foundation applauds Western Australia's decision to maintain strict vaping restrictions, prioritizing public health. Despite new national regulations allowing vape sales in pharmacies without a prescription, WA's stance underscores the risks associated with e-cigarettes. Dr. Helena Viola, the Foundation's WA General Manager, highlights the dangers of vaping, including a 33% higher heart attack risk and increased likelihood of youth smoking. Emphasizing the importance of prevention, the Foundation supports WA's commitment to curbing nicotine addiction and promoting cessation through healthcare providers.

September 30, 2024 by mja.com.au

Experts urge an inquiry into the toxicity of 6-methylnicotine, a dangerous nicotine alternative found in some vapes. Australia recently banned the sale and import of vapes but allows over-the-counter sales through pharmacies for individuals over 18. However, these banned products are still circulating on the black market, evading regulation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. A study revealed that vapes labeled as 'nicotine-free' contain the toxic 6-methylnicotine, posing health risks. Additional chemicals like benzoic acid were also detected. The authors highlight the compound's high toxicity compared to nicotine and call for further research on its health effects.

September 27, 2024 by archive.md

Experts have raised concerns about banned oral nicotine products freely available at Australian convenience stores, potentially hooking children post the national vape ban. Synthetic nicotine pouches like "VELO" and "Zyn" with high nicotine levels are being sold to minors. Despite warnings and labels, these products, replacing vapes, are easily accessible, with doubts on their safety due to cancer-causing chemicals. The rise of illicit nicotine items exemplifies the failure of bans. Health professionals and ministers emphasize the dangers, acknowledging the underground market's risks and the need for stricter regulation to protect youth from addiction.

September 26, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

Dr. Colin Mendelsohn points out inaccuracies in the ADA Tasmania's stance on vaping, highlighting vaping's effectiveness in smoking cessation compared to nicotine replacement therapy. He emphasizes that harmful substances in e-cigarettes are minimal and below safety limits. Mendelsohn disputes claims of vaping increasing health risks and youth smoking rates, advocating for an adult consumer model over the current prescription-only system to reduce the black market and provide safer access for adult smokers. His 40 years of experience in smoking cessation inform his recommendation for a regulated, accessible vaping system.

September 26, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

Australia enforces tough penalties for illegal vape sales, with fines and jail terms for offenders. The nationwide ban on non-pharmacy vape sales has not curbed the black market availability, leading to warnings of prosecutions from Health Minister Mark Butler. The government's initial stricter ban was diluted to allow vape sales in pharmacies under certain conditions. Despite some success in shutting down vape stores, illegal markets persist, prompting calls for a more robust enforcement strategy, involving police and border forces. Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston criticizes the government for failing to protect youth from the dangers of vaping. Despite challenges, efforts to control illegal vapes are ongoing, including seizures at the border.

September 25, 2024 by medicalrepublic.com.au

From October 1, vapes will be sold over the counter in Australian pharmacies to adults, and to those under 18 with a prescription, in line with new vaping laws. While critics argue this could increase vaping access, proponents emphasize the importance of restricting sales to adults using vapes for smoking cessation. Concerns about potential health risks and impact on youth addiction have been raised by experts, with the Pharmacy Guild opposing the change. The debate includes discussions on how pharmacies will manage counseling and age verification.

September 25, 2024 by medicalrepublic.com.au

From October 1, vapes will be sold over the counter in Australian pharmacies to adults, and to those under 18 with a prescription, in line with new vaping laws. While critics argue this could increase vaping access, proponents emphasize the importance of restricting sales to adults using vapes for smoking cessation. Concerns about potential health risks and impact on youth addiction have been raised by experts, with the Pharmacy Guild opposing the change. The debate includes discussions on how pharmacies will manage counseling and age verification.