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Rad Williams

Varenicline and cytisinicline smoking cessation medicines and NHS pharmacy support in the UK

Varenicline and Cytisinicline: New UK Quit Support

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Varenicline and Cytisinicline: New UK Quit Support Varenicline and cytisinicline are becoming increasingly important in the UK’s approach to smoking cessation, with both medicines now recognised by NICE as effective options for adults who want to quit smoking. The latest development is the planned expansion of NHS community pharmacy services to include dedicated Patient Group Directions (PGDs) for both medicines, potentially making evidence-based quit support more accessible.  What are varenicline and cytisinicline? Both medicines are nicotine-free treatments that work on nicotine receptors in the brain. Rather than supplying nicotine, they help reduce cravings and make smoking less rewarding.Varenicline has been used internationally for many years and was previously available in the UK as Champix. Its return to the UK market has renewed interest in prescription medicines that directly target nicotine dependence.Cytisinicline, sometimes called cytisine, is a newer option in the UK. Although cytisine has been used for decades in parts of Europe, it only became available in the UK as a medicinally licensed smoking cessation product in 2024.  What has changed in the UK? In February 2025, NICE updated its tobacco-dependence guidance after reviewing the evidence for cytisinicline. The updated guidance places cytisinicline alongside varenicline, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and other licensed treatments as options for adults who smoke and want to quit.NICE recommends that these treatments be used alongside behavioural support. Evidence reviewed by NICE found that cytisinicline was more effective than placebo or NRT, while no clear difference in effectiveness was identified between cytisinicline and varenicline.The evidence review also found strong evidence supporting varenicline and cytisine as effective smoking cessation treatments. A large network meta-analysis included hundreds of studies and found both medicines were associated with higher long-term quit rates than placebo.  Why are community pharmacies important? The biggest development in 2026 is the NHS Community Pharmacy Smoking Cessation Service.In May 2026, NHS Business Services Authority announced that the service specification had been updated to include planned Patient Group Directions for varenicline and cytisinicline. PGDs can allow appropriately authorised healthcare professionals to supply specified medicines to eligible patients without requiring an individual prescription for every supply.A national varenicline PGD template was also published by the NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service in January 2026, helping pharmacies implement a consistent approach to supplying the medicine.This could make community pharmacies an increasingly important part of smoking cessation care. Instead of relying solely on a GP appointment, eligible smokers may be able to access assessment, behavioural support and medication through participating pharmacy services.  How are the two treatments used? The treatment schedules are different.With varenicline, treatment is generally started before the planned quit date. NICE recommends starting it one to two weeks before the quit date, allowing the medicine to build up before smoking stops.With cytisinicline, the quit date is agreed within the first five days of treatment. The standard treatment course is considerably shorter than the traditional varenicline course, with a standard duration of around 25 days.Neither treatment should be viewed as a substitute for personalised medical advice. NICE recommends considering a person’s preferences, health, other medicines, contraindications and potential adverse effects when choosing a smoking cessation treatment.  Are they suitable for everyone? No. These are prescription medicines and require appropriate clinical assessment.NICE states that varenicline and cytisinicline should not be offered to people under 18. Cytisinicline should also not be offered to people aged 66 or over under the current NICE recommendations. Neither medicine should be offered during pregnancy or breastfeeding.Side effects can also occur. Cytisinicline has been associated with symptoms such as nausea and insomnia, while nausea has also been reported with varenicline. The differences observed in the evidence were generally small, but healthcare professionals should still consider individual circumstances when recommending treatment.  What does this mean for people trying to quit? The UK is moving towards a broader range of evidence-based smoking cessation options. For smokers who want to stop, that means quitting no longer has to rely on willpower alone.Varenicline and cytisinicline provide nicotine-free approaches that can help manage cravings and reduce the rewarding effects of cigarettes. When combined with behavioural support, they give smokers another evidence-based pathway towards becoming smoke free.The growing role of community pharmacies could also make professional quit support easier to access. For anyone considering these medicines, the best starting point is to speak with a qualified healthcare professional or smoking cessation service about which treatment is appropriate.  Sources and further reading NICE: Tobacco: preventing uptake, promoting quitting and treating dependence — updated February 2025. NICE: Evidence and surveillance review of cytisinicline and other smoking cessation treatments.  NHS Business Services Authority: May 2026 update on the NHS Community Pharmacy Smoking Cessation Service.  NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service: National varenicline Patient Group Direction template. Why NicQuit? Treatment Options FAQs Written and published by NicQuit.com.au — helping Australians breathe easier, live longer, and quit for good.Copyright ©

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Researchers studying vaping cessation support and reviewing health research

Vaping Cessation Support: What Does the Evidence Show?

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What Helps People Quit Vaping? New Research Reviews the Evidence Vaping cessation support is becoming an important area of public health research as more people look for ways to stop using e-cigarettes. A new systematic review and meta-analysis examined evidence from randomised controlled trials to find out which approaches may help people quit vaping.  What the Research Examined The review, published in Tobacco Control, brought together evidence from seven randomised controlled trials involving 5,763 participants.The researchers examined different approaches designed to help people stop vaping. These included: Educational support Digital interventions, such as smartphone apps and text messaging Counselling Pharmacological interventions The studies measured whether participants successfully stopped vaping. The review focused on vaping cessation rather than preventing people from starting to vape.  What Did the Researchers Find? The review found evidence that some interventions can help people quit vaping. However, the researchers also highlighted important limitations in the available evidence.The studies differed in their participants, interventions, and methods. Because of these differences, the findings do not mean that one approach will work for everyone.Importantly, the authors noted that there is currently no widely accepted standard of care for vaping cessation.That means more research is needed to understand which approaches work best, for whom, and under what circumstances.  Why Vaping Cessation Support Matters Vaping cessation is different from preventing vaping initiation.Some people may begin vaping without previously smoking, while others may use vaping as part of an attempt to move away from cigarettes. Therefore, people who want to stop vaping can have very different backgrounds and reasons for using nicotine.This makes evidence-based cessation support particularly important.The review also highlights a wider challenge for healthcare professionals. As vaping becomes an established public health issue, professionals need reliable evidence to guide conversations with people who want to stop.  What About Treatments? The review examined both behavioural and pharmacological approaches. However, the authors stressed that some treatments included in the studies are not specifically approved for vaping cessation in most jurisdictions.This distinction matters.Research showing that an intervention has been studied does not automatically mean it is an approved treatment for vaping cessation in Australia.Australians considering quitting vaping should therefore speak with a healthcare professional about appropriate support rather than relying on treatments without professional guidance.  What It Means for Australians For Australians who want to quit vaping, the research provides an important message: support for vaping cessation is being studied, but the evidence is still developing.The review shows that researchers are investigating several approaches, including education, counselling and digital support. However, the authors’ findings do not establish one universal method that everyone should use.Australian health professionals can help people consider their individual circumstances and identify appropriate evidence-based support.For people who also smoke cigarettes, quitting smoking remains an important health goal. Anyone wanting to stop smoking or vaping can speak with a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional about their options.  More Research Is Still Needed The researchers found promising evidence for some vaping cessation interventions, but the evidence base remains relatively limited.More high-quality research can help answer important questions about vaping cessation, including which interventions work best and how effective they are over the longer term.As vaping continues to evolve, building this evidence will help healthcare professionals provide better support to people who want to stop.  The Bottom Line The latest review suggests that vaping cessation support can help some people stop vaping, but researchers are still working to determine which approaches are most effective.For anyone wanting to quit vaping or smoking, seeking support from a qualified healthcare professional is a positive first step. Evidence-based guidance can help people make informed decisions about their health and quitting goals.  Sources & Credits Title: Vaping cessation interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysisAuthors: Javad Heshmati, Avinash Pandey, Joseph Benjamen, Muhammad Furqan, Muhammad Salman, Sarah Visintini, Kerri-Anne Mullen, Gordon Guyatt, Andrew L. Pipe and Hassan Mir. Journal: Tobacco ControlPublisher: BMJPublication: 2026; 35(3):382–390.   Written and published by NicQuit.com.au — helping Australians breathe easier, live longer, and quit for good. Copyright ©

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Healthcare professional advising Australian travellers about travelling with a vape before boarding a flight.

Traveling With a Vape: Why It Belongs in Your Carry-On

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Why Airlines Want Your Vape in Your Carry-On, Not Your Checked Luggage If you’re traveling with a vape, it’s important to know where to pack it. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) advises that vapes, power banks, and other lithium battery-powered devices should always be placed in carry-on luggage, not checked baggage. This advice comes amid a rise in lithium battery incidents on aircraft, which have become a significant safety concern for airlines. Keeping these devices accessible in the cabin reduces risks and helps keep air travel safe. Why Are Lithium Batteries a Safety Concern? Lithium-ion batteries power many portable electronic devices, including phones, laptops, smartwatches, power banks, and most vapes, because they are lightweight and rechargeable. While these batteries are usually safe, they can overheat or catch fire if damaged or exposed to extreme conditions. On a plane, crew members need quick access to these devices if something goes wrong. Why Vapes Should Stay in Your Carry-On Battery-powered devices should be carried in cabin baggage so cabin crew can respond quickly if a battery overheats or catches fire. If you pack the device in checked luggage, it’s stored in the plane’s cargo hold, out of reach during the flight. This makes it much harder to spot and deal with battery problems before they escalate.That’s why the CAA says vapes, power banks, and spare lithium batteries shouldn’t go in checked bags. Battery Incidents Are Increasing The BBC reports that the number of lithium battery devices found in checked bags has nearly doubled in the past year. The CAA also reported more cases of batteries overheating or malfunctioning, with about two incidents each week. As more people fly with rechargeable devices, authorities urge travelers to follow airline safety advice closely. Tips for Traveling with Battery-Powered Devices Here are some quick safety tips before you fly: Pack your vape in your carry-on baggage. Keep power banks in your cabin bag. Do not place spare lithium batteries in checked luggage. Follow your airline’s guidance on traveling with battery-powered devices. Check your airline’s website before you travel, as requirements may vary. Taking these steps helps lower the risk of battery-related problems and keeps everyone safer on board. What This Means for Australians Although this warning comes from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority, the advice applies to Australian travelers too. Most airlines have similar safety rules for devices with lithium batteries, including vapes. If you’re planning to travel, checking your airline’s latest baggage rules before you fly can help you avert delays and ensure your devices are packed safely.Safe travel starts before you board. Packing your vape in your carry-on is a simple way to protect yourself, other passengers, and flight crew. Sources & Credits Main ArticleTitle: Power banks and vapes pose growing fire risk on aircraft, UK regulator warnsPublisher: BBC NewsPublication Date: 26 June 2026 Primary Source OrganizationUK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Tim Alderslade – Chief Executive, Airlines UK Giuseppe Capanna – Product Safety Engineer, Electrical Safety First Written and published by NicQuit.com.au — helping Australians breathe easier, live longer, and quit for good.Copyright ©

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Australian health officials discussing illegal nicotine products enforcement and public health regulation.

Illegal Nicotine Products Seized in Darwin TGA Crackdown

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TGA Seizes Illegal Nicotine Products in Darwin Enforcement Operation A recent TGA crackdown on illegal nicotine products in Darwin underscores Australia’s ongoing commitment to disrupting unlawful supply networks and safeguarding the public from unregulated nicotine products. On 9 July 2026, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) led a coordinated enforcement operation that seized thousands of illegal vaping devices, nicotine pouches, tobacco products, and cigarettes across three Darwin locations.The operation brought together the TGA, NT Health, Northern Territory Police Force, and the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations (DTBAR).  Thousands of Illegal Nicotine Products Seized Following multiple search warrants, authorities seized: • Thousands of illegal vaping products• Nicotine pouches• Tobacco products• Cigarettes – The TGA stated the operation specifically targeted the illegal sale and distribution of nicotine products via unauthorized supply chains.  Australian Agencies Working Together The TGA noted the operation demonstrates strong federal and state cooperation to identify and disrupt illegal supply chains. Professor Anthony Lawler, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Aging and Head of the TGA, emphasized that enforcement partners will continue taking coordinated action against illegal nicotine sales nationwide. NT Health Chief Pharmacist Sam Keitaanpaa and NT Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley also stressed the vital role of interagency collaboration in tackling the illegal supply of nicotine. Australian Rules on Vape Sales Australian regulations prohibit the sale of vapes by any retailer except participating pharmacies. This includes businesses such as: Tobacconists Convenience stores Other non-authorized retailers Breaching vaping provisions under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 can result in severe penalties, including up to 7 years’ imprisonment or fines of $2.55 million for individuals and $25.5 million for corporations per offense. What This Means for Australians Trying to Quit The TGA’s enforcement action highlights the importance of seeking reliable information and support when trying to quit smoking or vaping. If you’re considering quitting, speak to your GP or pharmacist about evidence-based support options tailored to your needs. Professional guidance and quit support services can help Australians take safer, more informed steps towards a smoke-free future. Source and Credits Original Source: Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and AgingArticle Title: TGA leads crackdown on illegal nicotine products across DarwinPublished: 16 July 2026  Written and published by NicQuit.com.au — helping Australians breathe easier, live longer, and quit for good. Copyright ©

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Healthcare professional discussing smoking cessation with diverse adults to address smoking inequalities.

Smoking Inequalities: Study Shows Why Quitting Remains Harder for Disadvantaged Groups

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Socioeconomic Disadvantage Continues to Influence Smoking and Quitting Success, Study Finds A large study of more than 195,000 adults in England has found that people experiencing greater socioeconomic disadvantage are consistently more likely to smoke, have higher levels of tobacco addiction and be less motivated to quit smoking. The findings suggest that smoking inequalities remain a significant public health challenge despite ongoing tobacco control efforts.   Researchers analysed nationally representative survey data collected between 2014 and 2023. They examined five indicators of socioeconomic position: occupational social grade, employment status, housing tenure, education level and household income. The study explored how these factors were associated with smoking prevalence, nicotine dependence, motivation to quit, quit attempts, quitting success and the use of smoking cessation aids.   Key Findings Across every measure of socioeconomic position, greater disadvantage was linked with: Outcome Research Finding Smoking prevalence Higher likelihood of smoking Tobacco addiction Higher levels of nicotine dependence Motivation to quit Lower motivation to stop smoking Quit attempts Lower likelihood among several disadvantaged groups Quitting success Lower success for people living in disadvantaged housing tenures Researchers also found that while disadvantaged groups were generally less likely to make a quit attempt according to several socioeconomic measures, the evidence for quitting success varied depending on which measure of disadvantage was used. Housing tenure showed the clearest relationship with lower quit success, whereas other indicators produced less consistent findings.   Smoking Cessation Aids The study reported that e-cigarettes were the most commonly used smoking cessation aid among participants. However, patterns of use varied by socioeconomic circumstances, and researchers did not find a consistent relationship across all measures of disadvantage. Evidence for other cessation aids—including prescription medications, behavioural support and nicotine replacement therapy—was either inconsistent or limited by uncertainty. Importantly, the researchers cautioned that differences in access, affordability and personal perceptions of cessation aids may contribute to these variations.   Why These Findings Matter Smoking continues to place a disproportionate health burden on people experiencing social and economic disadvantage. The researchers suggest that future studies investigating smoking behaviours may not need to measure multiple indicators of socioeconomic position, as overall patterns remain similar regardless of which indicator is used. However, they also emphasise that this does not mean one smoking cessation strategy will work equally well for every disadvantaged group. Tailored support may still be necessary depending on an individual’s circumstances.   What This Means for Australians Although this study was conducted in England, its findings reinforce an important public health message that is relevant in Australia: people facing financial or social disadvantage may encounter additional barriers when trying to quit smoking. If you’re planning to quit, support is available. Speaking with your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional can help you understand evidence-based smoking cessation options appropriate to your individual circumstances. Every quit attempt is an opportunity to improve your health, and seeking support can make that journey easier.   Source and Credits Authors: Annika Theodoulou, Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, Nicola Lindson, Thomas R. Fanshawe and Sarah Jackson. Journal: Nicotine & Tobacco Research (Oxford University Press) Original research examined smoking behaviours among 195,543 adults in England between 2014 and 2023.   Written and published by NicQuit.com.au — helping Australians breathe easier, live longer, and quit for good.Copyright ©

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Healthcare professional speaking with two adults about quit smoking support in Australia

Vaping Reforms: What New Research Means for Australians Trying to Quit – NicQuit Australia

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Vaping Reforms: What New Research Means for Australians Trying to Quit Vaping reforms are changing how Australians access nicotine products and quit smoking support. New research from South Australia suggests that stricter vaping rules may be linked with reduced e-cigarette use, especially among younger people who had never used tobacco. Key Findings A 2026 study published in Tobacco Control looked at e-cigarette use in South Australia before and after vaping reforms were strengthened. The study used population survey data from people aged 15 years and older. It found that current e-cigarette use increased between 2020 and 2023, then declined in 2024. Finding Result Current e-cigarette use in 2020 2.6% Current e-cigarette use in 2023 6.1% Current e-cigarette use in 2024 4.2% Young people aged 15–29 who used e-cigarettes but had never used tobacco in 2023 17.0% Same group in 2024 5.5% E-cigarette users who had ever tried to quit vaping 49.3% Awareness of doctors or pharmacists as support sources 2.8% What the Research Found The authors reported that Australia’s strengthened vaping reforms corresponded with a decline in e-cigarette use in South Australia. Importantly, the decline was mainly seen among younger people who had never used tobacco. This matters because e-cigarettes pose health risks and have no established benefit for people who have never used tobacco. The study does not prove that the reforms alone caused the decline. However, the authors said continued monitoring is needed to build stronger evidence. What This Means for Australians Australia regulates vapes differently from many other countries. In Australia, therapeutic vapes are regulated as therapeutic goods and are only available through participating pharmacies under specific conditions. The Therapeutic Goods Administration also states that vapes are not recommended as first-line treatment for quitting smoking. First-line options include behavioural support and TGA-approved nicotine replacement therapies such as patches, gum and lozenges. From 1 July 2025, pharmacies can only supply therapeutic vaping goods that meet strengthened TGA product standards. These standards include stricter rules on ingredients, packaging, labelling, device design and technical safety. Why Support Still Matters The research found that almost half of current e-cigarette users had tried to quit vaping. However, awareness of doctors and pharmacists as available sources of support was low. This shows a clear need for better public education. People who smoke, vape, or use nicotine products should not have to work things out alone. Support from qualified healthcare professionals can help people understand their options, manage cravings, and make safer decisions based on their own health needs. Quitting smoking or nicotine dependence can feel difficult, but support is available. Evidence-based help, clear information and professional guidance can make the process easier and safer. If you are trying to quit, speak with a qualified healthcare professional about the most suitable support for your situation. Source and Credits This article is based on the study “Australia’s unique vaping reforms: first results from a repeated cross-sectional study in South Australia”, published in Tobacco Control in 2026. Original authors: Joanne Dono, Kerry Ettridge, Samuel Ziesing and Caroline Louise Miller. Publisher: Tobacco Control, BMJ Group. DOI: 10.1136/tc-2025-060005. Australian regulatory information was checked against the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s guidance on nicotine vaping product standards from July 2025. Other Links Why NicQuit? Treatment Options FAQs Quit Victoria Launches Anti-Vaping Campaign WHO Report: Global Tobacco Use Falls Written and published by NicQuit.com.au — helping Australians breathe easier, live longer, and quit for good. Copyright ©

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Adult creating a quit smoking plan with goals, support strategies and healthy lifestyle reminders.

How to Create a Quit Smoking Plan That Works – NicQuit Australia

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How to Create a Quit Smoking Plan That Works Quitting smoking can feel overwhelming. However, having a structured quit smoking plan can make the process more manageable and improve your chances of success. Research consistently shows that planning helps people prepare for cravings, identify triggers, and access support when they need it most. While there is no single approach that works for everyone, a personalised plan can help you stay focused on your goal of becoming smoke-free. Why a Quit Smoking Plan Matters A quit smoking plan gives you a clear roadmap. Instead of relying on willpower alone, you can prepare for situations that may make quitting more difficult. Furthermore, a written plan can help you track progress and celebrate milestones along the way. Step 1: Choose Your Quit Date Select a realistic date within the next few weeks. Many people find it helpful to choose a day that is not associated with major stress or social events. Once you have chosen your quit date, write it down and treat it as an important commitment. Step 2: Identify Your Smoking Triggers Triggers are situations, emotions, or routines that make you want to smoke. Common examples include: Drinking coffee Feeling stressed Social gatherings Taking work breaks Driving By identifying your triggers early, you can develop strategies to manage them. Step 3: Build a Support Network Support can play an important role when quitting smoking. Consider talking to: Family members Friends Healthcare professionals Pharmacists Quit-smoking support services In addition, sharing your goal with others may help increase accountability and encouragement. Step 4: Prepare for Cravings Cravings are a normal part of quitting. Many people find it helpful to: Go for a short walk Drink water Practise deep breathing Keep their hands busy Distract themselves with another activity Remember that cravings usually pass with time. Step 5: Review Available Support Options Australia offers a range of smoking cessation support services. Healthcare professionals can discuss evidence-based options that may be suitable for your circumstances. Before starting any treatment, seek professional advice to determine what is appropriate for you. What to Do If You Slip Up A setback does not mean failure. Many people make multiple quit attempts before quitting successfully. Instead of giving up, review what happened and adjust your plan. Every quit attempt can provide valuable experience and insight. Moving Forward Creating a quit smoking plan is one of the most practical steps you can take toward becoming smoke-free. Although quitting may be challenging, support is available. With preparation, persistence, and the right assistance, many Australians have successfully quit smoking and improved their long-term health. Additional Resources Australian Department of Health and Aged Care Quitline Australia Your GP or healthcare provider Local pharmacists Written and published by NicQuit.com.au — helping Australians breathe easier, live longer, and quit for good. Copyright ©

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Healthcare professional discussing lung cancer screening quit smoking programs with an adult patient.

Quit Smoking Programs Should Be Included in Lung Cancer Screening – NicQuit Australia

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What Researchers Say The latest research on lung cancer screening quit smoking support suggests that screening programs can do more than detect disease early. According to researchers from Flinders University, lung cancer screening appointments may also provide an important opportunity to help people quit smoking and improve long-term health outcomes. A new review published in the JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute examined 55 international studies and found that while many lung cancer screening programs offer smoking cessation support, many do not provide the structured, long-term assistance needed to achieve the greatest benefit. Why Lung Cancer Screening and Quit Smoking Support Matter Lead author Dr Nathan Harrison said lung cancer screening creates a unique opportunity because many participants are already thinking about their health and their cancer risk. Researchers found that smoking cessation support should be viewed as a core part of screening rather than an optional extra. Lung cancer remains the most common cancer worldwide. Furthermore, it is responsible for almost one in five cancer deaths in Australia. Researchers emphasised that screening alone cannot replace the health benefits that come from quitting smoking. Key Findings From the Review Finding What Researchers Reported Studies Reviewed 55 international studies Common Support Method Behavioural counselling Strong Engagement Many participants accepted support High Uptake Strategy Opt-out referral systems Stronger Results More intensive counselling programs often produced better quit outcomes Researchers found that opt-out referral systems performed particularly well. Under this approach, participants are automatically connected with quit-smoking support unless they choose not to participate. In addition, group counselling and more intensive support programs often achieved stronger quit-smoking outcomes. However, researchers noted that many studies did not explain how these services would be funded, maintained, or delivered over the long term. Challenges Identified by Researchers The review found that many programs focus on whether individuals quit smoking. However, fewer studies examine whether support services can continue operating successfully over time. Important factors such as staff training, program costs, and long-term sustainability are often missing from published research. Professor Billie Bonevski said that translating successful clinical trial interventions into everyday healthcare settings remains one of the biggest challenges. As a result, some programs rely on brief advice rather than more intensive support that may achieve better long-term outcomes. What This Means for Australians Australia’s National Lung Cancer Screening Program commenced in July 2025 for eligible high-risk individuals with a history of smoking. Researchers argue that smoking cessation support should be embedded into these programs to maximize public health benefits. For Australians who currently smoke, the research reinforces an important message: every interaction with the healthcare system can become an opportunity to quit smoking. Support from healthcare professionals, quit-smoking services, pharmacists, and structured cessation programs may help people move closer to a smoke-free future. Suggested Links WHO Global Tobacco Use Report Shows Smoking Rates Continue to Fall Australian Pharmacy Supply of Therapeutic Vapes Continues to Grow What the Latest Cochrane Review Says About Quitting Smoking Source and Credits Original Article: Lung cancer screening programs need to include quit-smoking support Publisher: Flinders University News Authors and Researchers: Dr Nathan Harrison, Professor Billie Bonevski and research collaborators from Flinders University, University of Melbourne, University of Newcastle, University of Queensland and UNSW Sydney. Research Paper: Implementation of smoking cessation interventions in real-world lung cancer screening: A RE-AIM-guided scoping review Written and published by NicQuit.com.au — helping Australians breathe easier, live longer, and quit for good. Copyright ©

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Global public health illustration showing declining tobacco use rates and support for smoking cessation worldwide.

WHO Report: Global Tobacco Use Falls, But 1.2 Billion Still Use Tobacco – NicQuit Australia

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Global Tobacco Use Continues to Fall, But More Than 1.2 Billion People Still Use Tobacco Worldwide The world is making progress in reducing tobacco use, but the latest World Health Organization (WHO) data shows there is still a long way to go. According to the WHO’s latest global tobacco trends report, an estimated 1.202 billion people aged 15 years and older were using tobacco in 2024. Of these users, approximately 992 million consumed smoked tobacco products, while around 847 million smoked cigarettes. The report found that 19.5% of adults worldwide currently use some form of tobacco. Smoking remains the most common form of tobacco use, with 16.1% of adults smoking tobacco products and 13.8% smoking cigarettes specifically. Global Tobacco Use in 2024 Measure Global Estimate Total tobacco users 1.202 billion Smoked tobacco users 992 million Cigarette smokers 847 million Adult tobacco use prevalence 19.5% Adult smoking prevalence 16.1% Adult cigarette smoking prevalence 13.8% (Source: WHO Global Report on Trends in Prevalence of Tobacco Use 2000–2024 and Projections 2025–2030) We are making significant headway WHO reports that global tobacco use has fallen significantly over the past two decades. The number of tobacco users worldwide declined from approximately 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024, representing a reduction of around 120 million users since 2010. Women have recorded particularly strong progress, with tobacco use prevalence declining from 11% in 2010 to 6.6% in 2024. While tobacco use among men has also fallen, WHO notes that men continue to account for more than four out of every five tobacco users globally. The Relevance The WHO findings demonstrate that quitting tobacco is possible and that public health measures, education, and cessation support can make a real difference. Every person who quits smoking reduces their exposure to the harmful chemicals produced by burning tobacco. While quitting can be challenging, support from healthcare professionals, pharmacists, quit-smoking programs, and evidence-based cessation services can help improve the chances of success. For Australians looking to quit smoking, it is important to seek advice through legal and regulated pathways. In Western Australia, tobacco control laws and federal regulations continue to support efforts to reduce smoking rates and improve public health outcomes. The latest WHO data shows that millions of people have successfully moved away from tobacco over the last two decades. For anyone considering their next step toward becoming smoke-free, that progress serves as a reminder that quitting is achievable and that support is available. Source and Credits World Health Organization (WHO)WHO Global Report on Trends in Prevalence of Tobacco Use 2000–2024 and Projections 2025–2030Publication Date: 2025 Report: WHO Digital Publications WHO News Release: WHO Tobacco Trends Report Written and published by NicQuit.com.au — helping Australians breathe easier, live longer, and quit for good. Copyright ©

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Young Australians featured in a public health campaign encouraging healthier choices and nicotine-free living as Quit Victoria launches a new anti-vaping awareness initiative.

Quit Victoria Launches Anti-Vaping Campaign Amid Calls for Stronger Enforcement – NicQuit Australia

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Quit Victoria Launches New Campaign A new public health campaign from Quit Victoria is encouraging young Australians to reconsider vaping, while health advocates continue to call for stronger enforcement against illegal vape sales. According to an ABC News report, Quit Victoria has launched its “Every Vape is a Hit to Your Health” campaign, focusing on the health risks and addictive nature of vaping products. The campaign features real people sharing their experiences with vaping-related health concerns, including chest pain, migraines, nicotine dependence, and hospitalisation. The campaign comes as public health experts raise concerns about the scale of Australia’s illicit vape market. According to figures cited in the report, up to 80 percent of nicotine products consumed in Australia last year, including vapes, were estimated to be illegal. In Victoria, vaping products can only be legally supplied through pharmacies, where pharmacists are required to provide access to smoking or nicotine cessation support services. However, advocates argue that illegal products remain widely available through black-market channels. The report notes that since federal vaping reforms began in January 2024, the Australian Border Force has seized approximately 19.4 million illegal vaping products, while the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has removed a further 2.2 million unlawful vaping products from the community. Quit Victoria director Rachael Andersen said the organisation wants to ensure vaping rates continue to decline, particularly among younger Australians who are more likely to take up vaping. The ABC article also references a review led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW), which found that nicotine-containing vapes were likely to cause oral and lung cancers. The review examined evidence from animal studies, human biomarker studies, case reports, and chemical analyses of vape ingredients. Professor Michelle Jongenelis from the University of Melbourne told ABC News that public education alone is not enough. She said effective health messaging should be paired with practical support that helps people understand how to quit nicotine use. What This Means for Australians Looking to Quit For Australians who smoke or vape and want to reduce or eliminate nicotine use, the article highlights the importance of seeking evidence-based support rather than relying on products from unregulated sources. In Western Australia, as in the rest of Australia, nicotine vaping products are regulated under federal law and can only be legally supplied through approved pathways. Anyone considering quitting smoking or vaping should seek advice from a healthcare professional or pharmacist about the options available to them. Quitting nicotine can be challenging, but support services, healthcare providers, pharmacists, and smoking cessation programs are available to help Australians take the next step toward a smoke-free future. Source and Credits Original Article: Quit Victoria aims new campaign at vapers while warning laws fall shortAuthors: Tim Callanan and Costa HaritosPublisher: ABC NewsPublished: 5 June 2026 Original article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-05/quit-campaigners-say-victorian-laws-inadequate-to-tackle-vapes/106752908 NicQuit.com.au — helping Australians breathe easier, live longer, and quit for good. Copyright ©

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