1 March 2024 Vaping Reforms
From 1 March 2024, personal importation of vaping goods from overseas is not permitted, even with a prescription.
For further information, please visit TGA Vaping Hub
How can I access vaping products from 1 March 2024?
Most Australian pharmacies can order select nicotine vaping products.
See the list of TGA notified vaping products when you apply for an assessment/prescription.
Some pharmacies supply products outside of this list.
You will need a pharmacy e-script token for pharmacy vaping products.
Apply For Your Prescription Here
Complete a medical questionnaire to apply for your prescription
Vaping Products - Pharmacy Prescription
3 month - $39
6 month - $49
Only for 21 years and above, if you are younger, please speak to your GP regarding approved therapies
Prescriptions are sent to you via SMS and email.
* QuitRX does not prescribe single use disposable vapes, or products owned by Big Tobacco
Nicotine Pouch Importation Prescription
($75 - 12 months)
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Only for 21 years and above, if you are younger, please speak to your GP regarding approved therapies
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If you are using tobacco-free nicotine pouches (snus), the vaping importation ban does not apply.
* QuitRX does not prescribe tobacco-containing products ie heated tobacco
*This is a private-billing service which does not attract Medicare rebates, but we endeavour to keep fees as low as possible
The QuitRX Process
*QuitRX recommends patients to visit their local GP as first contact to discuss first-line therapies
Step 1
Complete the detailed questionnaire and payment.
Medicare or Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) required for verification.
All Australian residents (citizen or non-citizen) will have an IHI -instructions to apply is in the assessment.
Step 2
Dr Shu reviews your questionnaire within 1-2 business days.
She will contact you for further confirmation, and make a Quitline referral at your request.
Step 3
Your personalised prescription is sent to you by SMS e-token and email.
Step 4
About QuitRX
Helping you quit smoking for good
Quitting smoking is difficult. We get it! And we are here to help and support your quitting journey.
We are committed to helping Australia with affordable access and quality service. Our hope is for all patients to eventually lead smoke-free lives.
This service is owned and operated by Dr Shu who has genuine care and compassion for her patients. Dr Shu takes time to review each assessment and provides advice and follow up for patients. She also loves hearing encouraging patient experiences and stories of their smoking cessation journeys.
Please note that Dr Shu encourages all patients to visit their GP first to discuss smoking cessation methods including nicotine vaping, but is available if you are unable to get the help you need.
FAQ
What is QuitRX's advice for quitting smoking?
Nicotine dependence is complex.
Quitting cold turkey is recommended, but understandably difficult.
We recommend discussing with your regular GP regarding first-line pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation, in combination with behavioural modifications.
If your GP is unable to help for any reason, we are happy to assist in your smoking cessation journey.
We highly recommend behavioural intervention with Quitline, and will help send a referral for you if you wish.
Why do I need a prescription for nicotine vaping products?
According to the TGA website: On 21 December 2020, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced a decision that from 1 October 2021, consumers will need a valid prescription to import nicotine vaping products, such as nicotine e-cigarettes, nicotine pods and liquid nicotine. From 1 March 2024, personal importation of vaping goods and accessories is no longer legal without an import license and permit.
This ensures that only quality products that meet TGA standards are sold/dispensed, as there have been reports of lung injury from low quality e-liquids that have harmful additives. This means that it will be illegal for smoke shops to sell products for nicotine vaping, and patients can only access this via an Australian pharmacy.
Visit the TGA website for further information: https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/vaping-hub
Where can I purchase nicotine products for vaping?
Many pharmacies stock nicotine products for vaping that meet TGO-110 standards and regulations. All pharmacies should be able to order these products to dispense.
You will receive an e-script token and also evidence in your email.
Check with your local or preferred pharmacy if they stock the products you need.
QuitRx does not endorse any brands or products, but does not prescribe products owned by Big Tobacco.
I have an PDF prescription for importation of vaping products. Why can't I show this at the pharmacy to get products?
Due to pharmacy dispensing regulations, a digital image of a prescription presented by a patient is not a lawful prescription for pharmacy dispensing. This is because it is unknown if this has been presented to another pharmacy, or what quantity/repeats are left.
In Australia, we now prescribe medications via E-Script tokens (like QR codes), usually by SMS or email.
However, Australian Border Force (ABF) are unable to read these tokens and require different details, and hence importation prescriptions are provided as a PDF prescription.
Please complete a pharmacy e-script request here.
Can I discuss with a doctor before getting my prescription?
Yes, we appreciate that some patients are new to vaping and have questions about nicotine products for vaping, or would like to confirm details before the prescription is made. In the medical questionnaire, please note that you require phone contact and Dr Shu will give you a call.
How long is my prescription valid for?
To ensure follow up and accountability during your quitting journey, QuitRX supplies (if appropriate) prescriptions for 3 month or 6 month supplies.
I completed the questionnaire/payment or sent an email enquiry but did not receive a reply?
Dr Shu is very responsive to queries, and contact is usually made within 1-2 business days. Sometimes emails from QuitRX go into your junk/spam inbox. Often there are also issues with some email servers e.g. yahoo, bigpond, outlook, with receiving our emails. Please contact hello@QuitRX.com.au to enquire and leave your mobile number as an alternative contact.
Can I claim the prescription fee on Medicare?
QuitRx services are private billing only and are not medicare rebatable. However, we keep fees as low as reasonably possible but still be able to provide a good service.
I am a traveller. Do I need a prescription?
There are exemptions for travellers.
Information is available on the Office of Drug Control website.
What does RX mean?
RX (sometimes written ℞) is a common abbreviation for medical prescriptions derived from the Latin word for recipe meaning 'to take'. However, this is more than a prescription service. We help current or ex-smokers navigate the quitting smoking process.
Any Questions?
Email Dr Shu Here: Hello@QuitRX.com.au
You should receive a reply within 24 hours (often sooner) but if you don't please do check your junk/spam folder.