Bulk-billed quit smoking telehealth

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 (Nov 2022) found “high-certainty evidence that electronic cigarettes with nicotine increase quit rates compared to NRT”. 

PRESCRIPTION ONLY – You must hold a nicotine 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