Doctors warn nicotine pouches could spark repeat of the vaping epidemic

Health experts have sounded the alarm over nicotine patches, urging the government to step in or risk a repeat of the vaping epidemic.

In a submission to the Therapeutics Goods Administration about the regulation of nicotine patches, the Australian Medical Association urges the Albanese Government to close current loopholes that are allowing unapproved nicotine products to enter the local market.

Federal AMA vice president associate professor Julian Rait warns authorities need to act quickly before the pouches become entrenched in Australia.

“These pouches are being marketed with youth-attractive branding and sold online with minimal friction, despite having no approved therapeutic indication in Australia,” he said.

Currently there are no approved nicotine pouches on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

Mr Rait pointed to a non-industry study that showed some pouches contained up to 150mg of nicotine.

He says a 30mg nicotine pouch was comparable with one cigarette.

Mr Rait noted the pouches have some negative health side effects including mouth and gum irritation, upset stomachs, nausea and high blood pressure.

The AMA has also warned that the rapid growth of online promotion and sales, alongside the increasing use of synthetic nicotine, is exposing gaps in regulation and enforcement.

“Without stronger, technology-neutral rules and consistent national enforcement, suppliers will continue to exploit grey areas,” A/Prof Rait said.

“We need stronger safeguards, including effective online compliance and take-down processes, clear and consistent health warnings, child-resistant packaging, and better monitoring of adverse events and poisoning presentations to inform ongoing regulatory action.”

The AMA submission says the proposed changes would create uniform national rules for nicotine pouches.

They state it would make things easier for state and territory governments, who are currently dealing with this new product using various inconsistent approaches.

“While some jurisdictions have acted — such as South Australia and Queensland under their tobacco legislation — others have not,” Mr Rait said.

“Action at the federal government level will help harmonise expectations, improve inter-jurisdictional consistency, and strengthen the overall enforcement environment.”