How Pharmacy Nicotine Vapes Work in Australia

How Pharmacy Nicotine Vapes Work in Australia

In Australia, nicotine vaping products intended to help with smoking cessation or nicotine dependence are tightly regulated and can only be supplied through pharmacies under a medical or nurse practitioner’s oversight.

Prescription required: If you need a higher nicotine concentration (>20 mg/mL) or are under 18, you’ll need a prescription from a medical or nurse practitioner.

  • Pharmacist consultation: For adults 18+ in most states, vapes with ≤20 mg/mL nicotine may be supplied without a separate doctor’s prescription, but only after a pharmacist consultation confirming it’s clinically appropriate for smoking cessation or nicotine dependence. 
  • Legal supply restricted to pharmacies: All nicotine vapes (and vaping products overall) must be supplied by a pharmacist — other retailers cannot legally sell them.

Closed Pod Systems

Closed pod systems use pre-filled nicotine pods or cartridges that are designed to work only with a specific device. Once the pod is empty, it’s disposed of and replaced with a new one.

Key Features

  • Pods come pre-filled with nicotine liquid
  • No refilling or liquid handling required
  • Designed as closed systems (no mixing or modifying)
  • Pods and compatible devices must appear on the TGA notified vape list

Pros

✔️ Very easy to use – ideal for beginners
✔️ Consistent nicotine delivery
✔️ Minimal maintenance and mess
✔️ Lower risk of incorrect refilling or leaks

Cons

❌ Less flexibility in nicotine strength options
❌ Limited flavour range (typically tobacco, menthol or mint only)
❌ Ongoing cost can be higher due to pod replacement

Best Suited For:

  • First-time vapers quitting smoking
  • People who want a simple, cigarette-like experience
  • Those who prefer convenience over customisation

Refillable Pod Systems & E-Liquids

Refillable pod systems use empty pods that you manually refill with a prescription nicotine e-liquid supplied by a pharmacy.

Key Features

  • Pods are reused and filled with bottled nicotine e-liquid
  • Nicotine e-liquids must be supplied as therapeutic vaping substances
  • Devices and liquids must comply with Australian regulations

Pros

✔️ Greater control over nicotine strength
✔️ Easier to step down nicotine levels gradually
✔️ Lower long-term cost compared to closed pods
✔️ Less plastic waste

Cons

❌ Requires more setup and basic maintenance
❌ Slight learning curve for new users
❌ Refilling must be done carefully to avoid leaks

Best Suited For:

  • Smokers planning a gradual nicotine reduction
  • People who want more control over their quit process
  • Longer-term vaping as a stepping stone to full nicotine cessation

Which Option Is Better for Quitting Smoking?

There’s no single “best” option — it depends on your goals and experience:

  • Closed pods are often best for starting out and replacing cigarettes quickly.
  • Refillable pods and e-liquids are often better for long-term quitting strategies and reducing nicotine over time.

Many people actually start with closed pods and later transition to refillable systems as they become more comfortable and focus on lowering nicotine dependence.

Important Australian Regulations to Remember

  • Nicotine vaping products are supplied only through pharmacies
  • Use is limited to smoking cessation or nicotine dependence
  • Flavours are restricted (generally tobacco, menthol, mint)
  • Products are not TGA-approved medicines, but are legally supplied under therapeutic vaping rules

Need Help Quitting?

Browse our Catalogue of Nicotine Vaping Products or contact us for advice on the best solution for your lifestyle.

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