This blog is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended to promote or advertise any therapeutic good
Vaping products can cause side effects that may vary from person to person. Scientific understanding of how vaping affects the lungs, heart and other body systems continues to evolve.
Anyone considering vaping should be aware of potential short-term effects and the current uncertainty regarding long-term health outcomes.
Long-term use and dual use (smoking and vaping concurrently) are not recommended.
What Are the Side Effects of Vaping?
Individuals may respond differently to inhaling aerosol from vaping products. While some people report minimal immediate symptoms, this does not necessarily indicate absence of physiological impact.
Reported side effects may include:
If side effects occur or persist, medical advice should be sought.
Coughing After Vaping
Coughing is commonly reported, particularly among new users. Ingredients such as propylene glycol and certain flavourings may irritate the respiratory tract.
For some individuals, coughing reduces over time; for others, it may persist. If coughing develops or persists, medical advice should be sought.
Mouth or Throat Irritation
Nicotine and other components may irritate mucosal tissues, leading to tingling, redness or discomfort.
Some individuals may be sensitive to specific ingredients used in vaping liquids, and some studies have identified potentially harmful chemicals in certain vaping liquids.
Headaches
Headaches may occur due to nicotine’s vasoconstrictive effects or dehydration associated with certain ingredients.
Nicotine itself can narrow blood vessels, which may contribute to headaches in some individuals.
Nausea
Nicotine can stimulate receptors in the brain and gastrointestinal system that trigger nausea.
As with other nicotine-containing therapies, dose and individual sensitivity can influence this response.
Long-Term Harms Remain Unclear
Long-term safety data beyond several years of use remains limited.
Research is ongoing regarding potential impacts on respiratory, cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Because many adult vaping users are former smokers, distinguishing the long-term effects of prior tobacco exposure from vaping alone remains challenging.
Unregulated or illicit products have been shown in some studies to contain harmful contaminants.
In Australia, nicotine vaping products are regulated as prescription-only therapeutic goods. However, regulation does not eliminate health risks, and vaping is not considered risk-free.
Important Considerations
Vaping is not recommended for non-smokers.
Dual use (continuing to smoke while vaping) should be avoided.
Individuals attempting to quit smoking are encouraged to discuss evidence-based cessation options with a qualified healthcare professional.
Disclaimer
Nicotine vaping products are prescription-only medicines in Australia and are regulated therapeutic goods.They are not approved as first-line smoking cessation therapies in Australia.
Evidence regarding long-term safety and effectiveness continues to evolve. Vaping is not risk-free.
Decisions regarding smoking cessation strategies should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
DISCLAIMER: There are a number of ways to quit smoking. We have a range of tools that may help with smoking cessation such as nicotine patches, gums and vaping products. Vaping products, used as second-line tools may be useful for those who have not successfully quit smoking using traditional methods.
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.
Research on smoking cessation methods, including prescription nicotine vaping products, continues to expand as new evidence emerges.
There are several evidence-based approaches available to support smoking cessation, including nicotine replacement therapy and behavioural support.
Research into the health effects of vaping is ongoing, with current evidence highlighting both known risks and areas where long-term outcomes remain uncertain.
Travelling with vaping devices is subject to airline safety rules and Australian regulations, including restrictions on carriage, use, and documentation requirements.
First Nations Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Nicotine is addictive, and the long term-risks of vaping are unknown. Complete abstinence from smoking and vaping is the safest for your health. Currently no nicotine vaping products have been approved by the TGA, and the safety of these products has not been determined. Long-term vaping and dual-use (smoking and vaping concurrently) must be avoided. Vaped nicotine products are only recommended for individuals that have tried but failed to quit smoking using approved first line smoking cessation therapies.Must be over 18 years old, not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Regular review and monitoring by your regular GP is advised along your smoking cessation journey
*To apply for your nicotine vape prescription please complete this FREE virtual consultation. If eligible, you will be requested to make a $20 script payment. This $20 fee will be credited towards your first purchase with Help Me Stop.
ET Pharmaceuticals trading as Help Me Stop is the pharmacy marketing group for pharmacy ET Research Pty Ltd trading as Precision Pharmacy.
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