Doctors warn nicotine pouches could spark repeat of the vaping epidemic
Health experts have sounded the alarm over nicotine patches, urging the government to intervene or risk a repeat of the vaping epidemic.
In a submission to the Therapeutic Goods Administration on the regulation of nicotine patches, the Australian Medical Association is calling on the Albanian Government to close existing loopholes that allow unapproved nicotine products to enter the local market.
Federal AMA vice-chair associate professor Julian Rait warned authorities needed to act quickly before the pouches settled in Australia.
“These sachets are marketed with branding that appeals to young people and are sold online with minimal friction, despite there being no approved treatment indication in Australia,” he said.
There are currently no approved nicotine sachets on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
Mr Rait pointed to a non-industry study showing some pouches contained up to 150 mg of nicotine.
He says a 30 mg nicotine pouch is comparable to a cigarette.
Mr. Rait noted that the sachets have some negative health side effects, such as mouth and gum irritation, stomach upset, nausea and high blood pressure.
The AMA also warned that increasing use of synthetic nicotine, as well as rapid growth in online promotion and sales, was exposing gaps in regulation and enforcement.
“Without stronger, technology-neutral rules and consistent national enforcement, suppliers will continue to exploit gray areas,” A/Prof Rait said.
“We need stronger safeguards, including effective online compliance and removal processes, clear and consistent health warnings, child-resistant packaging, and better monitoring of adverse events and toxicity presentations to inform ongoing regulatory action.”
The AMA presentation states that the proposed changes would create uniform national rules for nicotine pouches.
They note that this will make things easier for state and territory governments, which are currently grappling with this new product using a variety of inconsistent approaches.
“While some jurisdictions, such as South Australia and Queensland, have taken action under tobacco legislation, others have not,” Mr Rait said.
“Action at the federal government level will help align expectations, improve cross-jurisdictional consistency, and strengthen the overall practice environment.”
