TGA Notice of interim Decision (Nicotine Based E-Cigarette Products)

The TGA published on the 23rd September an interim decision under which the Poisons Standard would be amended to re-classify nicotine for human use as a prescription-only medication, rather than a dangerous poison.

The interim decision is open to public consultation and a final decision will be made by the end of the year.

Australians could be able to buy e-cigarettes with nicotine at chemists by mid-next year if they have a prescription from their doctor.

Reported in The Age - Australian Medical Association President Omar Khorshid said nicotine was a "highly addictive poison" and that doctors should be focused on getting people "off cigarettes completely and off nicotine completely", not replacing one form of the drug with another.

"The actual evidence for the effectiveness of e-cigarettes to get off nicotine altogether is not yet proven. It may not work at all," Dr Khorshid said.

Click here for TGA Interim Decision

Simon Chapman (23/6) examines the proposed changes and investigates positions

Megan Haggan reported in the AJP (26/6) anxiety of the change amongst medical professionals.

Emily Mcpherson discusses the published decision on 9News - September 23rd 2020

Dana McCauley reports in THE AGE (24/9) the position of concerned health professionals

For theLimbic members, Michael Woodhead (24/9) reports “E-cigarettes decision “will protect Australia’s lungs” respiratory groups say”