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Vaping vs. Gum and Lozenges: What Australian Pharmacists Need to Know About Supporting Smoking Cessation

Vaping vs. Gum and Lozenges: What Australian Pharmacists Need to Know About Supporting Smoking Cessation

Smoking remains a significant public health challenge in Australia, especially among socially disadvantaged populations where smoking rates can be up to three times higher than the national average. For pharmacists and healthcare professionals, staying informed about the most effective smoking cessation tools is critical in supporting patients toward better health outcomes.

A recent clinical trial from UNSW’s National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) provides valuable insights: regulated nicotine vapes were nearly three times more effective than traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) such as gum and lozenges for smoking cessation.

Key Study Insights

  • The trial involved over 1,000 daily smokers from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, all receiving government pensions or allowances.

  • Participants were randomly assigned to receive either an eight-week supply of nicotine vapes or NRT (gum/lozenges).

  • After seven months, verified six-month continuous abstinence rates were:

    • 28.4% in the vape group

    • 9.6% in the NRT group

This evidence suggests that vaping may be a powerful cessation aid—especially for priority groups with higher smoking prevalence.

What This Means for Pharmacists

Pharmacists are often the first point of contact for patients seeking help to quit smoking and play a pivotal role in recommending and dispensing cessation aids.

Understanding the nuances of vaping as a cessation tool is crucial:

  • Vaping is not a cure-all: Many patients who quit smoking using vapes continue to vape long-term. This underscores the importance of ongoing counselling and support to guide patients toward eventual nicotine freedom.

  • Regulated vaping products offer safer alternatives: Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved nicotine vaping products are manufactured under strict controls, reducing risks associated with illicit or unregulated devices.

  • Combined NRT remains important: While this study compared vapes to single-form NRT, combining long-acting (patches) with short-acting forms (gum or lozenges) remains a best practice, and pharmacists should continue to advocate for tailored, evidence-based approaches.

  • Supporting behavioural change is key: Nicotine replacement—whether through vapes or NRT—is only part of the equation. Pharmacists should incorporate behavioural support, motivational interviewing, and follow-up to maximize success.

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

Pharmacists should be mindful of the regulatory environment surrounding nicotine vaping products in Australia:

  • Only TGA-approved nicotine vaping products can be prescribed and dispensed legally.

  • The recent crackdown by the Australian Federal Police on illicit vape products highlights the risks of unregulated supply chains, including unknown contents and safety concerns.

  • Patient education on product use, safety, and disposal is essential.

Practical Tips for Pharmacists

  • Assess patient readiness: Explore where patients are in their quitting journey and tailor advice accordingly.

  • Discuss options openly: Present vaping as one of several cessation tools, highlighting its benefits and limitations.

  • Provide clear guidance: Ensure patients understand how to use vaping devices safely and effectively, including dosage and duration.

  • Encourage gradual reduction: Support patients in setting achievable goals for tapering off nicotine entirely.

  • Follow-up regularly: Monitor progress and provide ongoing encouragement or adjustments to the cessation plan.

Final Thoughts

This study strengthens the evidence that regulated nicotine vaping products can be a valuable addition to the smoking cessation toolkit, particularly for disadvantaged Australians who face greater barriers to quitting. For pharmacists, this represents an opportunity to broaden the scope of cessation support—combining clinical insight, patient education, and empathetic care to improve quit rates.

To stay updated on best practices and regulatory changes, pharmacists are encouraged to consult resources such as the RACGP’s updated Supporting Smoking and Vaping Cessation guide.

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