Authorised Prescribers
The Authorised Prescriber Scheme allows authorised medical practitioners to supply therapeutic good (such as nicotine) to patients in Australia. Whilst these therapeutic goods are not listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) they can still be prescribed legally.
So, what products are we talking about?
Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) or e-cigs, are products that heat a liquid ('juice') to make vapour for inhalation ('vaping').
The products captured by the changes include:
- nicotine e-cigarettes
- nicotine vaping products (also known as e-Juice, vape juice, e-Liquid)
- novel nicotine delivery systems, such as heat-not-burn tobacco products.
New regulations for nicotine
In Australia and from the October 1st 2021, you will no longer be able to buy or import nicotine e-cigarettes or nicotine vaping products without a valid doctor's prescription. These changes reinforce the need to have a doctor's prescription before purchasing nicotine e-cigarettes from any source.
Nicotine is a Schedule 4 Prescription Only Medicine in the Poisons Standard.
An Authorised Prescriber is allowed to supply the product directly to specified patients without requiring separate approval for individual patients.
Ok, so what’s an Authorised Prescriber?
Only registered medical practitioners can be approved as Authorised Prescribers with the ability to prescribe specific unapproved therapeutic goods (like nicotine) directly to patients, however, they must be approved as Authorised Prescribers by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). An Authorised Prescriber can provide a prescription for any duration up to 12 months per patient. A patient will then require a new prescription every 12 months if vaping nicotine continuously.
Are all doctors Authorised Prescribers?
No, all doctors are not authorised prescribers. This bit is important. To be an Authorised Prescriber under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) a doctor must complete an application and approval process.
Are myduke® partner doctors Authorised Prescribers?
Yes, all myduke® partner doctors are Authorised Prescribers. They have specific approval to prescribe nicotine to you if it’s deemed suitable. myduke® connect you with these Authorised Prescribers and manage the entire process for you. All prescriptions are provided FREE as part of the myduke® service.
How do I find an Authorised Prescriber?
Authorised Prescribers are not allowed to advertise under the TGA guidelines. But luckily, we have them! All myduke® doctors are authorised under the Authorised Prescriber scheme, making your experience with myduke® a proper end-to-end solution. You can shop vapes, get a prescription, and get your script filled. All in the one spot.
Browse our range of products, choose the product that is suitable for you and complete the medical assessment to get started.