Bulk-billed quit smoking telehealth providers
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Convenient phone-based consultations
Anytime, anywhere – no more waiting rooms -
AHPRA-registered clinicians
TGA-authorised prescribers of nicotine -
Multiple therapies available
including nicotine vaping prescriptions, if eligible* -
Local pharmacy pick-up
Pick up at over 5,500 pharmacies nationwide
Smokefree's trusted providers
healthy[u] by [CU]health
Bulk-billed (initial consultation) 12-month program available E-scripts
My Quit Clinic
Bulk-billed (initial consultation) 12-month program available E-scripts
Frequently asked questions
What's a telehealth consultation?
A telehealth consultation is just like a regular consultation, although it’s via the phone. This way you can skip the waiting rooms and get on with your day, while still receiving the same level of care as you would in-person.
How long will my consultation take?
Your initial consultation will take no more than 20 minutes, where you will discuss your smoking (or vaping) history with your consulting clinician and establish a personalised treatment plan aimed to get you to sustained nicotine abstinence.
Follow up consultations will usually take no more than 10 minutes.
Who are the clinicians?
All consulting clinicians on the above services are AHPRA-registered and are TGA-authorised prescribers of nicotine, including vaping prescriptions.
How do I get my prescription?
If your consulting clinician deems you eligible for a prescription, you'll receive your digital prescription via SMS as soon as they have finished reviewing your consultation.
How do I fill my digital prescription?
Simply take your phone into your local pharmacy, and your pharmacist will be able to process this for you right away and help you get started.
Am I guaranteed a prescription?
Your eligibility for a prescription is determined by your consulting clinician. They'll discuss your smoking and quitting history with you during the consultation to see what's best for you.
There's a solution for everyone
Overcoming dependence to nicotine can be complicated. Speaking to a specialist prescriber will allow them to tailor a solution best suited to your needs, and ensure that you are given appropriate support through your quitting journey
Nicotine vaping products (NVPs) are available under prescription at most major pharmacies, and deliver nicotine without the thousands of harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke.
Nicotine vaping products are used in a similar fashion to traditional smoking – a familiar hand-to-mouth motion, followed by an inhalation. They may assist in curbing your nicotine cravings during common triggers, such as your morning coffee, work break, or drinks with friends.
The latest Cochrane Update (Jan 2024) found “high-certainty evidence that electronic cigarettes with nicotine increase quit rates compared to NRT”.
PRESCRIPTION ONLY – You must hold a valid prescription to purchase and possess nicotine vaping products
Nicotine vaping products have not been approved as smoking cessation aids in Australia. These products are considered to be ‘unapproved’ therapeutic goods and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has not evaluated them for quality, safety and effectiveness. Nicotine vaping products are not first-line treatments for smoking cessation. However, for people who have tried to achieve smoking cessation with approved pharmacotherapies but failed, and who are still motivated to quit smoking and have discussed nicotine vaping product usage with their healthcare practitioner, nicotine vaping products may be a reasonable intervention to recommend.
Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) are available over-the-counter and also under prescription at most major pharmacies, and deliver nicotine to lessen your cravings and feelings of withdrawal.
They are available in a number of slower-acting and faster-acting formats, including:
• Patches
• Gum
• Spray
• Lozenges
• Inhalator
Many people find greater success with what’s called Combination Therapy; i.e. nicotine patches AND a faster-acting NRT such as gum, spray or lozenges. This ensures that you have a steady level of nicotine during the day with that little bit of a boost whenever you feel strong cravings.
Prescribed medications are available under prescription at most major pharmacies, and include options such as Bupropion (sold as Zyban) and Varenicline (sold as Champix*).
Both available in pill form, Bupropion and Varenicline are designed to imitate the effects that nicotine has on the body. This may help to reduce your cigarette cravings and ultimately help you to quit smoking.
PRESCRIPTION ONLY – You must hold a prescription to purchase and possess Bupropion / Varenicline
*The TGA has been advised that very low levels of the N-nitrosovarenicline have been detected in Australian varenicline products. As a precautionary measure, the sponsor of Champix, Pfizer Australia, has paused global distribution of this product while this issue is investigated.
Counselling and behavioural support from a specialist-trained medical professional can substantially increase your chances of successful abstinence from smoking.
The most successful approach to quitting is by using one of the above therapies to reduce your nicotine cravings PLUS counselling and behavioural therapy, which may include:
• Setting your quit date
• Information about quitting and withdrawal
• Strategies for coping with your triggers
• Addressing barriers to quitting
• Lifestyle changes
• Support from family and friends
• Rewarding yourself
Helpful articles
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If you’re over 18 years old in Australia, you can now buy therapeutic vaping products…
* Nicotine prescription eligibility is at the discretion of the prescribing clinician