The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation has welcomed Medsafe’s approval of New Zealand’s first vaping-specific Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) product for Kiwis ready to quit the habit.
The approval for the NICORETTE® QuickMist product includes a therapeutic indication to treat nicotine vaping dependence.
Foundation Chief Executive, Letitia Harding said that while the product has been on the market for years for smokers, the new indication recognises that NRT is not just for smokers who want to quit, but also for those struggling to quit vaping.
“Nicotine dependence from vaping is a real and growing problem, so having clinically validated support to quit is important,” said Ms Harding.
“Medsafe’s approval of this product is a welcome development.”
Figures from the Foundation’s nationwide 2024 youth vaping survey found that 20% of Year 12 students and 26% of Year 13 students reported vaping in the past seven days – a significant increase from previous years in this age group.
“We understand quitting can be challenging, and having access to more options, like an approved pharmacotherapy could make a meaningful difference. We applaud all steps smokers and vape users take to help free themselves from tobacco and nicotine,” said Nadine Saraceno, Director Regulatory Affairs Australia & New Zealand, Kenvue.
She said the company’s NICORETTE® QuickMist gives New Zealanders wanting to quit vaping a fast-acting and effective option to manage nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
“Our clinical data has shown NICORETTE® QuickMist can reduce cravings by at least 50% in eight out of 10 nicotine vape users after just one dose,” said Ms Saraceno.
“NICORETTE® QuickMist can help by interrupting the cycle of withdrawal, allowing for a gradual reduction in daily nicotine intake until they can quit completely. It works by delivering therapeutic doses of nicotine through the mouth lining, helping to ease withdrawal symptoms and relieve vaping cravings from 30 seconds and up to 2 hours after dosing.
“We’re proud to bring New Zealand the first Medsafe-approved therapy to treat nicotine vaping dependence. NICORETTE® QuickMist has the potential to help hundreds of thousands overcome nicotine dependence, complementing behavioural support and government-led cessation
initiatives,” she said.
