Pharmacy-only e-cigarettes decision slammed

Retailers and ‘smoke-free’ advocates have blasted the TGA’s interim decision to allow people to buy e-cigarettes from pharmacies if they have a script.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s interim decision means e-cigarettes containing nicotine will only be imported to Australia on the basis of a script from a medical practitioner. Picture: AFP

Retailers, convenience store owners and “smoke-free” advocates have blasted the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s interim decision to allow Australians to buy nicotine-based e-cigarettes from pharmacies if they have a script from their doctor.

The TGA, which published its decision on Wednesday after it was revealed in The Australian, said the requirement for a prescription would help prevent nonsmokers from being introduced to nicotine via vaping.

“The requirement for a prescription provides an opportunity for a medical practitioner to fully assess a patient’s need for e-cigarettes … and allow for the provision of advice to patients on all of the potential risks,” a TGA delegate said.

While Health Minister Greg Hunt wanted an import ban on nicotine-based e-cigarettes without a prescription to begin in January, the TGA said June next year was appropriate so doctors had time to establish processes to prescribe to their patients.

The Australasian Association of Convenience Stores said the TGA’s decision, due to be finalised by the end of the year, was a “slap in the face” to small business. “It makes no sense to make it harder for people to access products that are safer for them. There is a positive health outcome that is simply being ignored,” AACS chief executive Jeff Rogut said.

Legalise Vaping Australia said the health system would come under strain as “millions are forced to doctor’s clinics to seek prescriptions for this lifesaving alternative to smoking”.