Nicotine vaping products haven’t yet been registered as medicine in Australia, although they are authorised for smoking cessation by the TGA. Also, it’s important to remember that NVPs are just one of many cessation tools on the market.
So what about efficacy? Well, according to recent research, vaping is potentially a more effective quitting method than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Other studies have backed this up. But while these results are certainly promising, they’re not definitive, and more research needs to be done on vaping’s utility as a quitting aid.
Vaping efficacy
There’s a growing body of evidence that nicotine vapes can be an effective smoking cessation tool. Studies show that NVPs increase successful quit rates compared to nicotine replacement therapies, like gums and lozenges. More studies are needed to confirm this effectiveness long-term, however.
Relative harm reduction
Emphasis on ‘relative’. There’s no such thing as a ‘safe’ vape, but vaping is generally considered to be less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes. The combustion of tobacco in cigarettes produces smoke containing numerous toxic chemicals, whereas vaping e-liquids typically contain fewer harmful substances. However, it's important to note that while vaping may be less harmful, it is not without risks, and the long-term health effects are still being studied.
Types of vapes
Vaping comes in two basic categories: Mouth to Lung (MTL) and Direct to Lung (DTL). In MTL vapes, vapour is drawn into the mouth, then pulled down to the lungs. DTL vapes have a higher airflow and can be inhaled directly. Generally speaking, MTL vapes are a bit gentler, and they better resemble the ‘draw’ of a cigarette. DTL vapes are usually stronger, and can be harsher on your throat.
What to look out for
There are risks with any vaping product, and poor quality vapes may contain chemical compounds like diacetyl and acetyl propionyl. My Duke Pharmacy sources its vapes from established manufacturers around the world. All our products are made in ISO7 clean rooms and tested by an independent lab in Australia. Our medical team only prescribes products that meet these rigorous standards.
It’s good to be aware that the vaping market is still relatively new and evolving, and there have been concerns about the quality control of e-liquids, and the presence of harmful contaminants. That’s why it’s so important to choose reputable manufacturers, follow product safety guidelines, and be aware of local regulations regarding vaping.
Vaping for non-smokers
This is a big one. Vaping is not for young people or non-smokers. The use of vaping devices by non-smokers, especially young individuals, has become a public health concern. The use of vaping products by non-smokers can, in some cases, also lead to nicotine addiction.
What’s right for me?
NVPs aren’t for everybody. If your myduke® doctor thinks that nicotine vapes are the best way to quit, they’ll issue an authorised prescription, which you can fill at the My Duke Pharmacy.