Step Down Program
A Revolution in Progress
SAABI Nicotine Delivery Systems – A Revolution in Progress
Accessing SAABI Nicotine Delivery Systems for smoking cessation or nicotine dependence in Australia
As of March 1, 2024, the importation or local manufacturing of SAABI Nicotine Delivery Systems into Australia is subject to notification to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to ensure compliance with relevant standards. The TGA will release a comprehensive list of these compliant goods on their official website.
This compilation of notified therapeutic vaping products will serve as a valuable resource for healthcare practitioners and pharmacies, offering information on products legally available for prescription or dispensation to patients. Prescriptions are mandatory for vaping substances containing nicotine, while vaping devices designed for use with these substances can be supplied without a prescription. However, the dispensing of these devices is restricted to pharmacy settings and can only be conducted by registered pharmacists or individuals authorized under state or territory laws to supply prescription medicines.
THE REVOLUTION IS HERE:
Saabi’s step-down program allows you to gradually help control your need for nicotine. Pods are available in 2% Strength Pods and gradually Step Down to 1.3% and 0% No Nic. Saabi’s Slim line Device and Pods are a discreet solution.
HOW TO USE SAABI NICOTINE DELIVERY:
SAABI Device and Pods offer a Step Down Program. Allowing for a flexible reduction in Nicotine consumption over time. Please consult your Doctor to determine the best solution for you.
It can be tricky to overcome your cravings. SAABI Nicotine Delivery Systems provide a varied dose of nicotine simulating the rate of consumption found in combustible tobacco products. SAABI Nicotine Delivery Systems provide a repeatable stream of nicotine as and when your cravings arise.
SAABI Nicotine Delivery Systems come in three different strengths, to be used as part of the Step Down Program.
Consider starting with 2% (20mg/ml) Strength Pods and gradually Step Down to 1.3%(13mg/ml) and 0% (0mg/ml) No Nic as directed by your Doctor.
E-cigarettes may be a reasonable intervention for individuals who have failed to achieve smoking cessation with approved pharmacotherapies but remain motivated to quit smoking and have raised e-cigarette usage with their healthcare practitioner.
What is not affected by the reforms?
Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) that are currently registered on the ARTG are not affected by the changes, including:
- patches
- lozenges
- inhalers
- chews and
- gums.
These therapies are available without prescription from pharmacies and some retail outlets.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can vape shops supply vapes containing nicotine to patients?
No. Vapes containing nicotine are prescription medicines. They can only be supplied to patients with a valid medical prescription.
What if my doctor does not agree to prescribe me a therapeutic vape for smoking cessation or nicotine dependence?
Your doctor is under no obligation to prescribe you a therapeutic vape if they do not think it is clinically appropriate.
Can I get a repeat script for therapeutic vapes for smoking cessation or nicotine dependence?
Your medical practitioner, or nurse practitioner will determine the period for prescribing vapes that is clinically appropriate for you and when a follow-up consultation should be scheduled.
Who can write a prescription for a vape?
From 1 January 2024, the Special Access Scheme C (SAS C) pathway will be available to medical practitioners and nurse practitioners to supply vapes for smoking cessation or the management of nicotine dependence, where clinically appropriate. The Special Access Scheme B (SAS B) and Authorised Prescriber pathways will continue to be available.
Can I continue to order vapes for smoking cessation or nicotine dependence from overseas using the Personal Importation Scheme?
No. The personal importation scheme for all vapes will close on 1 March 2024 (noting that disposable vapes are banned entirely from 1 January 2024). At this time, you will no longer be able to lawfully purchase any vapes, including vapes for smoking cessation or nicotine dependence, from overseas retailers or websites for personal use, even if you have a prescription.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officials can stop goods at the border that are suspected to be unlawful imports. Your vapes may be seized and destroyed, and you may be fined.
Remember – you can also phone the Quitline on 13 7848 or visit the Quit website – external site to discuss the various options available to help you quit smoking or to manage nicotine dependence, including prescription medicines, nicotine replacement therapies and support services.
Report side effects and problems
We strongly encourage patients and health professionals to report any suspected side effects related to SAABI Nicotine Delivery Systems.
The TGA has an important role in monitoring the safety of ‘unapproved’ products. Reporting side effects and problems helps us to understand the safety of a product. We investigate significant safety concerns as part of ensuring product safety in the Australian community.
Seek urgent medical attention for suspected poisonings
SAABI Nicotine Delivery Systems can have toxic and sometimes severe effects if ingested or through exposure to the skin or eyes. Please seek urgent medical attention if you think that you, or anyone else, may have been exposed to, or ingested, a SAABI Nicotine Delivery System. Emergency services can be contacted by calling 000, and the Poisons Information Centre can be contacted by calling 131 126.
Reporting perceived breaches or questionable practices
We encourage you to report any perceived breach of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 or questionable practices relating to the importation, manufacture, supply, and advertising of SAABI Nicotine Delivery Systems to the TGA. This includes the supply of SAABI Nicotine Delivery Systems by a retailer other than a pharmacist (e.g., by a vape store).
QUESTIONAL PRACTICES REPORTING
Support services
Some people may find issues relating to smoking cessation or the management of nicotine dependence distressing. If you or someone you know needs additional support, please contact any of the below crisis support helplines:
- Adult
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue: 1800 512 348
- MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
- Youth
- Kids Helpline (5-25 years): 1800 551 800
- Headspace: 1800 650 890
- ReachOut – external site
PRINTABLE INFORMATION LEAFLET FOR YOUR DOCTOR:
SAABI NZ PTY LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, ATTEST NO CLAIM TO ANY THERAPEUTIC BENEFIT, IN RELATION TO ITS PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.
All SAABI® Products are manafactured under or meet the below criterion requirements so as to satisfy the relevant body.
Which product could be right for me?
I smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day,
2% (20mg/ml) Strength – Pods, If you smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day (consider 2% 20mg/ml Strength Pods)as directed by your Doctor.
I smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day,
1.3% (13mg/ml) Strength – Pods If you smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day (consider 1.3% 13mg/ml Strength Pods) as directed by your Doctor.
Saabi Nicotine Delivery systems contain Nicotine Salt a type of nicotine that forms naturally in leaf tobacco and is generally considered to be a more stable form of nicotine. Salt Nicotine provides a better user experience at volumes comparable to that found in combustable tobacco products, so as to simulate user experience. A single pod contains roughy the same quantity puffs as a packet of combustable tobacco products.
Vaping:
Simply push the pod gently into place in the top of the device until you feel a click. The LED indicator light in the center of the device will illuminate for one second after the pod is properly inserted. The pod is translucent so that the e-liquid level can be checked, most easily with pod removed and held upright. When e-liquid runs out, simply replace the old pod with a new one.
Inhale gently on the pod mouthpiece and it will begin to produce vapor. The LED will illuminate while vapor is being produced.
The colour of LED changes according to the remaining battery life as follows:
Green 100% to 50% Yellow 50% to 20% Red 20% to 0%
For more information follow the link below:
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
All SAABI® Products are manafactured under or meet the below criterion requirements so as to satisfy the relevant body.