With vaping rates rising and regulatory changes reshaping access, pharmacists play an increasingly important role in supporting patients to address nicotine dependence. This article outlines practical approaches to assessment, counselling and evidence-based cessation support.
The evolving vaping landscape
Vaping remains a significant and evolving public health issue in Australia, and community pharmacists are increasingly likely to encounter patients seeking help to reduce or stop nicotine vape use.1,2
In the 2022–2023 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 19.8% of Australians aged 14 years and over reported ever using an e-cigarette, while current use rose from 2.5% in 2019 to 7.0% in 2022–2023. Use was highest among younger adults, with 21% of people aged 18–24 years reporting current use, and almost half of this group reporting daily use.1,2
What recent reforms mean for pharmacy practice
Recent regulatory changes have sharpened the practice environment for pharmacists supporting patients who vape. Since 2024, reforms have strengthened controls on vape supply, while enabling pharmacists to supply therapeutic vapes without a prescription under defined circumstances.3
In practice, this is likely to increase pharmacist-patient interactions around vaping, creating opportunities to shift the conversation from access to cessation.
For pharmacists, the clinical objective remains unchanged: to support patients in addressing nicotine dependence and progressing towards cessation using evidence-based strategies. Therapeutic vapes are not considered first-line pharmacotherapy, reinforcing the role of established approaches such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and behavioural support.4,5
Ask, Advise, Help
Pharmacists can apply the AAH framework (Ask, Advise, Help) to support structured, patient-centred vaping cessation.6,7
Ask
Begin by establishing a positive, non-judgemental environment that encourages open discussion about vaping behaviours and readiness to quit. Asking about smoking and vaping status should be a routine part of history-taking.6,7
Nicotine dependence can be further assessed by asking:5
- How soon after waking do you have your first vape?
- Do you experience cravings, urges to vape, or withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop?
- How often are you vaping per day?
Nicotine dependence is likely if a patient vapes within 30 minutes of waking, experiences withdrawal symptoms when unable to vape, or reports strong cravings or urges.5
When screening young people, consider how social circumstances, finances and access to nicotine may influence vaping patterns, and encourage honest discussions in a supportive environment.6
Advise
Provide clear, personalised advice to quit, reinforcing that addressing nicotine dependence and progressing towards cessation remains the clinical goal.6,7
Although evidence specific to vaping cessation is still emerging, Australian guidance supports established smoking cessation approaches, including NRT and behavioural support. Pharmacists should counsel patients on treatment options, correct use, expected outcomes and potential side effects to support informed decision-making.6
Help
Support patients by developing an individualised nicotine withdrawal management plan based on their level of nicotine dependence and previous quit experiences. Discuss what has and has not worked during prior quit attempts, including any previous use of pharmacotherapy.6
For patients who are ready to quit, consider a treatment plan that combines pharmacological and behavioural support, including referral to Quitline where appropriate. For patients who are not yet ready to quit, continue to offer support and revisit nicotine withdrawal management strategies at future interactions, particularly when withdrawal symptoms are anticipated or evident.6,7
Arrange follow-up to review progress, reinforce adherence and adjust the quit plan as needed. Ongoing behavioural support remains key to successful cessation.6
Where Nicorette® QuickMist can help
Nicorette® QuickMist is indicated in Australia as an aid in the treatment of tobacco and nicotine vaping dependence by relieving withdrawal symptoms and facilitating cessation in smokers and vapers motivated to quit.
It may also be used as part of a reduction strategy in people who are unable or not ready to stop abruptly.8
Reinforce correct use to support quit attempt
When talking patients through how to use Nicorette® QuickMist, you can remind them:8
- Use 1 spray when an urge to vape hits, and a second spray if needed a few minutes later
- Aim the nozzle as close to the open mouth as possible, spraying into the cheek or under the tongue
- Avoid inhaling while spraying
- Pause for a few seconds before swallowing to help it work effectively
- Try not to eat or drink at the same time as using the spray
For full instructions for use, refer to the Nicorette® QuickMist Product Information.
Pharmacists are critical to patients’ quit plan
A single conversation is rarely enough. Reviewing progress, checking technique, encouraging adherence, and referral to supports such as Quitline can all strengthen a patient’s quit attempt.6
In a changing vaping landscape, pharmacists remain among the most accessible healthcare professionals to provide structured, evidence-informed cessation support, and to help patients take practical steps towards becoming nicotine-free.6
References
- Australian Government. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023: Vaping and e-cigarette use in the NDSHS. Available at aihw.gov.au/reports/smoking/vaping-e-cigarette-use Accessed: July 2026.
- Australian Government. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Australia’s health 2024: data insights: Electronic cigarette use (vaping) in Australia in 2022–2023. Available at aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/vaping-e-cigarettes Accessed: July 2026.
- Australian Government. Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Changes to the regulation of vapes, 1 October 2024. Available at tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/therapeutic-vaping-goods/vaping-hub/changes-regulation-vapes Accessed: July 2026.
- The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). Supporting smoking & vaping cessation: A guide for health professionals, October 2024. Available at racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/supporting-smoking-cessation Accessed: July 2026.
- Pharmacy Society of Australia. Professional practice guidelines for pharmacists: Nicotine dependence support. Available at psa.org.au/practice-support-industry/nicotine-dependence-guidelines/ Accessed: July 2026.
- State of Queensland (Queensland Health). E-cigarette and vaping cessation guide: Queensland Respiratory and Sleep Clinical Network, November 2024. Available at health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0030/1427763/vaping-cessation-guide.pdf Accessed: July 2026.
- The National Best Practice Support Service for Nicotine and Smoking Cessation. Quit Centre. Pharmacy. Available at quitcentre.org.au/pharmacy Accessed: July 2026.
- Nicorette® QuickMist Product Information.
