Panacea Index Logo

Command Palette

Search for a command to run...

Therapeutic vapes for smoking cessation and nicotine dependence.

Australian prescriber
December 1, 2024
Eileen Cole et al. (5 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

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

Extracted Claims (6)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
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
Abstract

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.

Study Links
Quality Scores
Safety65
Efficacy75/10
Quality80/10
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score2.43
Normalized Score0.72
Related Supplements