Nicotine vaping products are battery-powered devices that heat a pharmaceutical liquid formulation containing nicotine (known as e-liquid), into an aerosol (known as vapour) for inhalation into the lungs (known as vaping).

While the health effects of long-term use are unknown, vaping is recognised as a harm-minimisation strategy that may assist with smoking cessation.

Nicotine Vaping Products (NVP) when medically prescribed to assist with smoking cessation, are known as Inhaled Nicotine Replacement Therapy (INRT).

They offer a novel way of delivering nicotine that more closely mimics the hand-to-mouth experience and sensory aspects of smoking which some users require, without exposure to the myriad of harmful chemicals generated from tobacco combustion. These products may provide another efficacious pathway to smoking cessation when other quit-smoking methods have not yet been successful.

National and international studies suggest that using different NRT formats together, known as combination therapy, coupled also with behavioural support, can be the most effective way to help smokers quit for good.

For example, applying a slow-release NRT product like a nicotine patch to provide gradual support throughout the day, in combination with a faster-acting type of NRT like lozenges, gum, inhalers or mouth sprays to assist with breakout cravings. The recent introduction and support for prescribed Nicotine Vaping Products (NVPs) represents yet another option available that provides faster-acting nicotine delivery.

Nicotine replacement therapies can be especially helpful for people who struggle with a higher level of nicotine dependence. Australia’s Health Department lists the following as telltale signs of nicotine dependency:

Smoking more than 15 cigarettes a day;Having an urge to smoke within 30 minutes of waking up in the morning; and/orHaving a history of withdrawal symptoms during previous quit attempts.

As a relatively new technology, no nicotine vaping product has yet undergone the regulatory assessment process required for formal registration on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

Subsequently, being considered as unregistered therapeutic products in Australia, they are only legally available to patients under a prescription that has been issued by a suitably qualified doctor to assist with smoking cessation.