CANCER Council WA has supported new regulations in Western Australia requiring a prescription to access e-cigarettes (vapes) through pharmacies.

The council’s make smoking history manager Libby Jardine said it was a welcome addition to regulatory changes introduced by the federal government a few months ago.

“We welcome the announcement by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson for new regulations banning the sale of vapes without a prescription,” Ms Jardine said.

“It is an added safeguard that protects the health of West Australians from the harms of nicotine addiction and the toxic chemicals in vapes.

“These changes will further prevent young people from starting to vape. Young people who vape are five times more likely to then try smoking compared to their non-vaping peers.

“We know these products are dangerous, particularly for young people, and none have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as a cessation aid to help with quitting smoking.

“That means vaping products sold in Australia have not been formally evaluated by the TGA for quality, efficacy and safety, unlike most medicines available for sale in Australia, and is why they aren’t recommended as a first option to help any person to quit smoking.”

The council's tobacco issues committee chair, Alecia Brooks, said it was important to remember the proposed changes do not ban vaping for smoking cessation.

“It ensures vaping for smoking cessation is available by prescription for quitting smoking with the personalised advice of a medical practitioner,” Ms Brooks said.

“For people who want to set themselves up with the best chance of quitting successfully, the evidence suggests TGA-approved pharmacotherapies like nicotine patches and gum alongside behavioural counselling like from the Quitline.”

Cancer Council WA encourages people who are looking for support to quit smoking or vaping to see their doctor or contact to the Quitline on 13 7848 or through www.quit.org.au/ways-to-get-in-touch