FAQS

General

We are committed to providing convenient, reliable and legal access to smoking cessation products including prescription only vaping products, nicotine patches and gums

Stop Smoking Treatment Options

There are lots of options when deciding how to quit smoking. Which options you choose may depend on the level of your addiction, your smoking habits, your mental health, what your triggers are, and some other external factors. Visit our blog “How to Quit Smoking” to find out more information.

Vaping

The Help Me Stop affiliated pharmacy can dispense liquid nicotine, nicotine pods and nicotine e-cigarettes. Our doctors will only prescribe vaping products that we have assessed and deemed as compliant with the new regulations and satisfy quality, technical and manufacturing standards

Yes. In Australia, nicotine vaping products can only be supplied with a valid prescription from an Australian-registered medical practitioner.

Since 1 October 2021, it has been unlawful to purchase, possess, or use nicotine vaping products without a prescription. This includes nicotine e-cigarettes, refillable devices, pods, and nicotine liquid.

Nicotine vaping products must be supplied through authorised Australian pharmacies following a clinical consultation and prescription. Importing nicotine vaping products from overseas is no longer permitted, even with a prescription.

Penalties for unlawful possession or supply of nicotine vaping products can be significant and vary by state and territory.

At Help Me Stop, our doctors assess each patient individually through a telehealth consultation. If clinically appropriate, a prescription may be issued, allowing lawful supply through our partnered Australian pharmacy.

In Australia, nicotine vaping products may only be prescribed by an Australian-registered medical practitioner.

Whether a prescription is appropriate is a clinical decision made by the doctor, based on an individual assessment of your medical history, current health, and the potential risks and benefits of treatment in your circumstances.

At Help Me Stop, you can complete an online consultation, which is reviewed by one of our doctors. If, after assessment, a prescription is considered clinically appropriate, it will be issued in accordance with Australian regulations.

Prescriptions are dispensed through an authorised Australian pharmacy and supplied to you via secure delivery.

Getting started with Help Me Stop is simple.

01 Register account
Start your quit smoking journey with us

02 Apply for a free script
Complete a virtual consultation to apply for a free prescription ($20 charge credited on 1st purchase if deemed eligible).

03 Order products
Your script is sent to our pharmacy team. Start shopping our product range*.

04 Express delivery
Pharmacy express ships your order. Repeat prescriptions are kept on file for future orders.

*In order to comply with the latest TGA Health Regulations, all our vaping products will only be accessible through the Help Me Stop portal, regardless of nicotine content. This measure is designed to provide a safer and more controlled environment for accessing these products. 

 In Australia, it is unlawful to possess, supply, or purchase nicotine vaping products without a valid prescription.

Penalties for non-compliance vary by state and territory and may include significant fines and other enforcement action. In some jurisdictions, penalties can exceed $10,000, particularly for unlawful supply or repeated offences.

Regulation and enforcement are managed at both federal and state levels, and laws continue to evolve. To ensure compliance, nicotine vaping products should only be accessed following a medical consultation and supplied through authorised Australian pharmacies.

Importing nicotine vaping products from overseas for personal use is no longer permitted in Australia, including under the Personal Importation Scheme.

Nicotine vaping products must be supplied within Australia following a clinical consultation and a valid prescription from an Australian-registered medical practitioner. Supply can only occur through authorised Australian pharmacies in accordance with current federal and state regulations.

To remain compliant with Australian law, nicotine vaping products should not be purchased or imported from overseas retailers, even if a prescription has been issued.

At Help Me Stop, any prescription issued (where clinically appropriate) is dispensed by an authorised Australian pharmacy and supplied to you via secure delivery.

All scripts issued by HMS doctors are free as long as you place an order once we notify you that your script has been issued. We will initially charge $20 prior to your script being issued. This $20 will be credited against your first order with us and therefore your script is at no cost. If you choose to just obtain a script from HMS and place no orders via your personal portal, there is a $20 charge. Please note, all scripts generated are for the products we carry only.

Costs vary depending on individual circumstances. Some patients find prescription nicotine vaping products more affordable than ongoing cigarette use, but this is not the primary factor in determining suitability.

We can accept any official form of valid photo ID (e.g passport). You can also use your passport or a photo card. If you have any issues please contact us at [email protected] or through our contact us form.

We are an Australian operation and our prescriptions are written for local use only, they are not for use overseas. You will need to have a local Australian address for delivery of your order.

Of course! The script is written against the products you can see in our store so it’s always worth checking if your pharmacy can dispense these first. To release the script we charge a $59 fee for admin and processing. Alternatively you can purchase all the products through our store – we provide express shipping Australiaa wide.

Under current Australian regulations, only a limited range of flavours are permitted for vaping products supplied in Australia.

From 1 July 2024, the permitted flavours for vaping products are restricted to:

  • TobaccoMenthol

  • Mint

  • Unflavoured

All other flavours (including fruit, confectionery, dessert, or novelty flavours) are not permitted for supply under Australian law.

These restrictions apply regardless of whether the product contains nicotine and are intended to reduce the appeal of vaping products, particularly to young people.

We are committed to providing convenient, reliable and legal access to smoking cessation products including prescription only vaping products, nicotine patches and gums

Safety

Evidence of the potential efficacy of nicotine vaping products for smoking cessation is currently mixed, with more reliable, large-scale studies required. Vaping is still relatively new and clinical research has a long way to catch up on the potential side effects and long-term health outcomes of vaping which are currently unknown.

E-cigarettes, or vapes, do not produce the tar produced by conventional cigarettes which is the main cause of lung cancer. However, many scientists are concerned that using e-cigarettes could increase risk of lung disease, heart disease and cancer.

The breakdown of nicotine and other ingredients in vape liquid like vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol can result in the formation of toxic compounds such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzenes as well as heavy metals. We discuss the safety profile of vaping in more detail here

It’s important to acknowledge there’s limited available evidence on the efficacy, safety or long-term health effects of nicotine vaping products. There are potential side effects associated with vaping. Long-term vaping and dual-use (smoking and vaping concurrently) is not recommended and should be avoided. Regular review and monitoring by your regular GP is advised along your smoking cessation journey.

Preliminary research shows vaping can be harmful to the lungs, heart and liver. There is also substantial evidence from animal research that e-cigarette use alters gene expression related to the circadian rhythm which controls sleep and wake cycles.

Although evidence is limited on the safety of vaping, Australiaa has standards and guidelines for legally prescribed vape products to ensure users receive vape devices and e-liquid that meet Australiaan manufacturing compliance benchmarks. Read more about the potential dangers of vaping here

Each individual reacts differently to inhaling aerosolised vape liquid. Some people may not experience any noticeable side effects, but that does not mean vaping is not adversely affecting the body’s physiological processes.

Common side effects include:

  • Coughing after vaping
  • Mouth or throat irritation from vaping
  • Headaches from vaping
  • Nausea

Other side effects that can be associated with vaping include:

  • Anxiety or irritability
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations

It is important to notify your doctor if you experience side effects from vaping and consider alternatives that may support you in working towards a tobacco-free lifestyle. Here’s our in-depth guide to the potential side effects of vaping

Vaping while smoking tobacco can lead to significant health risks because smoking any amount of regular cigarettes is very harmful. People should not use both products at the same time and are strongly encouraged to completely stop using all tobacco products while vaping.

Our products must comply with the relevant TGO 110 quality standard. This standard defines requirements for labelling, ingredients, packaging, nicotine concentration and presence of contaminants. Products that are bought online from overseas suppliers may not meet Australiaa’s quality standard.

No. Help Me Stop doctors will not approve a prescription for patients who are under 18 years of age.

No.Help Me Stop doctors will not issue a vaping product prescription to someone who has not smoked before. Our doctors are available to assist adult smokers who have already tried but failed to quit smoking using approved first line smoking cessation therapies such nicotine gum, nicotine patches.

Nicotine Gum

Nicotine gum is a form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy [NRT] to support smoking cessation. Nicotine gum contains a low dose of nicotine that is released as the gum dissolves. The level of nicotine uptake is lower than that of cigarettes, and nicotine gum is designed to let your body gradually adjust to having less nicotine over time.

As a general guide, you should use nicotine gum for a full 12 weeks to improve your chances of success. However, if you find that you need to use nicotine longer than 12 weeks to manage your cravings, it is important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider first.

Quitting smoking is difficult. But some people find they feel better when a form of NRT like nicotine gum, as opposed to quitting cold turkey. That is because nicotine gum can help reduce the unpleasant symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, which may include depressed mood, insomnia, irritability, frustration, anxiety, and restlessness. The side effects associated with nicotine replacement products are generally mild and may include a slightly sore/irritated throat for oral forms such as nicotine lozenges and redness/itching for nicotine patches.

As a general guide:

  • Chew 1 piece of gum every 1-2 hours for the first 6 weeks of your quit.
  • Be sure to use at least 9 pieces of nicotine gum a day for the first 6 weeks of your quit.
  • If you experience strong or frequent cravings, you may use a second piece within the hour. However, do not continuously use one piece after another
  • Do not use more than 24 pieces a day.

When you’re using nicotine gum, it’s recommended that you try and avoid alcohol, coffee and other beverages that you may associate with smoking.

Nicotine Patches

Nicotine patches are a form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy [NRT] to support smoking cessation. 

Nicotine patches are placed on the skin and work by delivering small amounts of nicotine through the outer layer of skin to the blood vessels beneath. The level of nicotine uptake is lower than that of cigarettes, and the patch is designed to let your body gradually adjust to having less nicotine over time.

Nicotine patches are available in different strengths. The strength depends on how many cigarettes you smoke a day. 

If you smoke 10 cigarettes or more a day, you should start on with the 21mg patch. Use that for six weeks, before moving to a 14mg patch for two weeks, and then to 7mg patch for a further 2-4weeks.

If you smoke less than 10 cigarettes a day, you should start with a 14mg patch. It’s recommend you use this patch for six weeks, before moving to a 7mg patch. Also if you have cardiovascular disease or weigh less than 45kg you should start on a lower dose product.

If you need nicotine patches for longer than 6 months, seek advice from your doctor or healthcare professional.

Quitting smoking is difficult. But some people find they feel better when a form of NRT like nicotine patches, as opposed to quitting cold turkey.  That is because nicotine patches can help reduce the unpleasant symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, which may include depressed mood, insomnia, irritability, frustration, anxiety, and restlessness. The side effects associated with nicotine replacement products are generally mild and may include a slightly sore/irritated throat for oral forms such as nicotine lozenges and redness/itching for nicotine patches.

After opening the pouch, the patch should be applied immediately to the skin since it loses nicotine content with exposure to air. 

Nicotine patches are available in different strengths. The strength depends on how many cigarettes you smoke a day. 

If you smoke 10 cigarettes or more a day, you should start on with the 21mg patch. Use that for six weeks, before moving to a 14mg patch for two weeks, and then to 7mg patch for a further 2-4weeks.

If you smoke less than 10 cigarettes a day, you should start with a 14mg patch. It’s recommend you use this patch for six weeks, before moving to a 7mg patch. Also if you have cardiovascular disease or weigh less than 45kg you should start on a lower dose product.

If you need to use nicotine patches for longer than 6 months, seek advice from your doctor or healthcare professional.

When you’re using nicotine patches, it’s recommended that you try and avoid alcohol, coffee and other beverages that you may associate with smoking.

No. Nicorette patches are designed to gradually release therapeutic nicotine throughout the day, providing just enough to reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms when you quit smoking. Extensive clinical testing has established the appropriate amounts of therapeutic nicotine for each of the three Steps. Cutting patches is therefore not recommended because it may affect delivery of therapeutic nicotine into the blood.

You can improve your chance of quitting by using the nicotine patch and another product, like nicotine gum. This is often called ‘dual support’. 

If using one nicotine replacement therapy product isn’t enough to help you quit, dual support can increase your likelihood of stopping smoking for good. 

  • Patches are used to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings throughout the day.
  • Gum or lozenges are used to relieve breakthrough cravings as they arise.