Therapeutic vapes for smoking cessation and nicotine dependence.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the regulatory framework and clinical guidelines for using nicotine-containing vapes as a smoking cessation aid under medical supervision in Australia.
Results Summary
The study found that therapeutic vapes may be considered for individuals unable to quit smoking using first-line therapies, with clinical review recommended after 1 week and a maximum recommended duration of 12 months. Adverse effects such as cough, irritated throat, headache, or nausea were noted, and dual use of vapes and conventional cigarettes was discouraged.
Population
Individuals requiring smoking cessation or treatment for nicotine dependence under medical supervision.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Up to 12 months
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
therapeutic vapes | increase | smoking cessation | people who have been unable to quit smoking using first-line therapies | - | may be considered for supporting | #1 |
clinical review | no change | progress | people using therapeutic vapes | 1 week after vape initiation | should occur | #2 |
clinical review | no change | adverse effects | people using therapeutic vapes | 1 week after vape initiation | should occur | #3 |
an attempt to wean or stop vaping | decrease | vape use | people using therapeutic vapes | after 12 weeks | is recommended | #4 |
transition to registered smoking cessation medicines | increase | smoking cessation | people using therapeutic vapes | - | possible | #5 |
vape use | no change | vape use | people using therapeutic vapes | 12 months | maximum recommended duration | #6 |
The Australian Government has enacted laws restricting the supply of electronic cigarettes (vapes) to people requiring them for smoking cessation or the treatment of nicotine dependence, under the care of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or pharmacist. Currently no vapes are included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, meaning that the prescription and supply of therapeutic vapes must be through the Special Access Scheme or Authorised Prescriber pathways. Clinical guidelines state that therapeutic vapes may be considered for supporting people who have been unable to quit smoking using first-line therapies (a combination of behavioural support and registered nicotine replacement therapies or oral smoking cessation medicines). Clinical review should occur 1 week after vape initiation, with additional follow-up according to an individualised management plan, to monitor progress, review adverse effects (e.g. cough, irritated throat, headache or nausea), encourage the use of behavioural smoking cessation supports, and discourage dual use of vapes and conventional cigarettes. An attempt to wean or stop vaping after 12 weeks is recommended, with a possible transition to registered smoking cessation medicines if required (in addition to ongoing behavioural support). The maximum recommended duration of vape use is 12 months.