Posted 24 July 2024
Note regarding launch of new Nicovape® Q device and cartridges
The device and cartridges of the new model Nicovape® Q system (launched in late June 2024) are not compatible with the original Nicovape® Q system (ceased prescribing from 1 July 2024).
To ensure that patients are dispensed the correct Nicovape® Q system, please take a moment to read the Product Notice.
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
Nicovape® Q
Australia's pharmacy Nicotine Vaping Product (NVP)
Why am I using Nicovape Q?
Nicovape Q contains the active ingredient nicotine. Nicovape Q may aid in smoking cessation or aid in the process of reducing nicotine dependence by replacing the nicotine you are used to getting from cigarettes or vaping products and by replicating the hand-to-mouth action associated with smoking or vaping.
For more information, see the full CMI.
What should I know before I use Nicovape Q?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to nicotine or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the full CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with Nicovape Q and affect how it works.
A list of these medicines can be found in the full CMI.
How do I use Nicovape Q?
Nicovape Q is intended for use as a replacement for cigarette smoking for the purposes of smoking cessation or to aid in the process of reducing nicotine dependence. Always use Nicovape Q cartridges in consultation with your doctor or pharmacist.
More instructions can be found in the full CMI.
What should I know while using Nicovape Q?
Things you should do:
- Remind any doctor or pharmacist you visit if you have an overactive thyroid gland; high blood pressure or have had a stroke; serious liver or kidney disease; are a diabetic; a tumour of the adrenal glands; or you have a history of epilepsy or are taking medicine to control any fits or seizures.
- Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Things you should not do:
- Do not stop using this medicine suddenly – you may experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
- Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to nicotine, or any of the ingredients listed in the full CMI.
- Do not use this medicine if you are a non-smoker or do not have an existing nicotine dependence.
Driving or using machines:
- Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Nicovape Q affects you. Nicovape Q may cause dizziness in some people.
Looking after your medicine:
- Keep Nicovape Q cartridges sealed in the blister pack until needed and store in a cool dry place where temperature stays below 24oC and store away from moisture, heat or sunlight.
- Store Nicovape Q cartridges where young children and pets cannot reach them.
Are there any side effects?
If you smoke or use any other nicotine containing product while you are using NICOVAPE Q, you may suffer an overdose of nicotine. However, if used correctly, nicotine overdose is unlikely. A large overdose may present symptoms such as exhaustion, convulsions, low blood pressure, circulatory collapse and breathing difficulty.
In this event, you should immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, or contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
What does Nicovape Q contain?
Active ingredient:
- Nicotine benzoate
Other ingredients:
- Propylene glycol
- Vegetable glycerin
(Inactive ingredients)
- Flavourings
Nicovape Q cartridges contain 2 mL of liquid and are available in the following formats:
- Q50: 50 mg/mL (100mg total nicotine per cartridge)
- Q35: 35 mg/mL (70mg total nicotine per cartridge)
- Q20: 20 mg/mL (40mg total nicotine per cartridge)
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
Note: All Nicovape Q liquids are derived from highest quality raw materials and are subjected to a rigid quality verification process prior to formulation.
All flavour compounds used in the Nicovape Q have undergone an Inhalation Toxicological Risk Assessment.
What does Nicovape Q look like?
Nicovape Q cartridges are available in three (3) flavours:
- Classic tobacco (gold base)
- Coolmint (blue base)
- Freshmint (green base)
Nicovape Q is not a registered medicine on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). NVPs have not been approved as smoking cessation or nicotine dependence management aids in Australia. These products are considered to be ‘unapproved’ therapeutic goods and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has not evaluated them for quality, safety and effectiveness.
NVPs are not first-line treatments for smoking cessation or managing nicotine dependence. However, for people who have tried to achieve smoking cessation or managing nicotine dependence with approved pharmacotherapies but failed, and who are still motivated to quit smoking or to address their nicotine dependence and have discussed NVP usage with their heathcare practitioner, NVPs may be a reasonable intervention to recommend. This needs to be preceded by an evidence-informed shared decision-making process, whereby the patient is aware of the following:
- there are no NVPs approved for the ARTG
- the long-term health effects of vaping are unknown
- possession of nicotine-containing e-liquid without a prescription is illegal
- in order to maximise possible benefit and minimise risk of harms, only short-term use is recommended
- dual use (i.e., with continued tobacco smoking) should be avoided.
