Troubleshooting therapeutic vaping products

Last updated 25 November 2025.

Therapeutic vaping products vary in factors such as appearance, function, size or ease of use. However, vaping products of the same product category (e.g. device or pod) operate the same way and therefore have similar troubleshooting solutions to issues. This page provides troubleshooting tips for common therapeutic vaping product usage issues patients encounter, many of which have simple and practical solutions.

You can download all the therapeutic vaping product troubleshooting tips on this page as a PDF by clicking the button below. If you're a pharmacist, you can email or print the PDF for your patients. Just note that the page is quite long and is frequently updated.

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Product types

This product guide defines each therapeutic vaping product type that is referenced in the troubleshooting tips.

Click on a therapeutic vaping product usage issue below to see the troubleshooting tips.

Pod, tank or coil issues

1. Draw is too loose, tight or restricted

The airflow of a therapeutic vaping device or accessory (pod, tank or coil) determine draw restriction. Reasons airflow can be affected include the following:

Need to adjust airflow of pod, tank or device (if adjustable airflow available).
Coil reached the end of its life; decreased airflow due to diminished liquid vapourisation.
Coil does not meet your therapeutic needs. Lower resistance (ohm) pod/coil has more airflow; higher resistance pod/coil has less airflow.
Pod or tank does not suit your therapeutic needs. Mouthpiece or drip tip bore size is either too big or too small.
Pod, tank or device airflow channel is clogged causing airflow restriction.

What you can do:

Where adjustable airflow available, increase airflow to loosen draw or decrease to restrict draw of the device, tank or pod, until draw meets your therapeutic needs (usually adjusted via a switch, slider or rotating ring for a tank).
Replace coil or pod with built-in coil if it has reached the end of its life.
Change coil/pod if it doesn't suit your therapeutic needs:
- Airflow too loose (using low-resistance pod/coil): switch to higher-resistance (ohm), lower-wattage coil or pod with built-in coil.
- Airflow too restricted (using high-resistance pod/coil): switch to lower-resistance (ohm), higher-wattage coil or pod with built-in coil.
Change pod or tank if mouthpiece bore size doesn't suit your therapeutic needs:
- Airflow too loose (bore size too big): switch to pod/tank with thinner mouthpiece bore or drip tip. Look for those suited to mouth-to-lung (MTL) or restricted-direct-lung (RDL) vaping.
- Airflow too restricted (bore size too small): switch to pod/tank with bigger mouthpiece bore size or drip tip. Look for those suited to RDL or direct-lung (DL) vaping.
- Above solutions may require a change in vaping device, since high-power devices usually suit looser draws and low-power devices tighter draws.
Unclog airflow channel:
- Breathe/blow air into the pod/tank mouthpiece, in short, sharp bursts to clear any liquid from airflow channel.
- If airflow is on the device: remove pod/tank and flick the device a few times to loosen liquid/debris.
- Use a tissue to absorb any liquid leaks in a device's pod basin (where pod is installed).

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2. Gurgling or popping sound when vaping

Possible causes of gurgling or popping sounds when drawing on a therapeutic vaping pod/tank include:

Excess liquid around the coil (flooded coil).
Condensation build-up in mouthpiece.
Inhaling too hard for the coil (too much liquid drawn to coil).
Wattage/power too low for the coil (for adjustable-wattage devices).
Coil is near or at end of its life (no longer vapourising liquid well).

What you can do:

Activate vapour production (press device button or just draw) and gently blow air into the mouthpiece/drip tip for two seconds to vapourise excess liquid.
Remove pod/tank from device and gently tap or blow through mouthpiece to clear excess liquid.
Take gentler draws by increasing draw length while decreasing intensity or switch to a lower-resistance (ohm) pod/coil that can vapourise liquid faster.
Increase wattage slowly until resolved (if your device has adjustable wattage), if power is too low for the coil.
Replace coil or entire pod with built-in coil if reached the end of its life.

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3. How to identify types of pods

There are three types of pods:

Pre-filled pods (disposable, not refillable)
- Closed-system pods or cartridges.
- Come pre-filled with a therapeutic vaping substance of a specific nicotine concentration (or nicotine-free liquid), flavour and built-in coil resistance (ohm).
- Entire pod must be replaced once vaping substance is used up or coil reaches end of life (which ever comes first).
Pods with built-in coils (disposable but refillable).
- Coil is integrated into the pod (not replaceable).
- Come empty, without vaping substance.
- Can be filled and refilled with a vaping substance (sold separately) suited to your therapeutic needs.
- Entire pod must be replaced once built-in coil reaches end of life.
Pods with replaceable coils (reusable and refillable).
- Come empty, without a vaping substance or coil.
- Coils sold separately and are replaceable.
- Can be filled and refilled with a vaping substance (sold separately) suited to your therapeutic needs.
- Pod should be replaced every one to two months or when damaged.

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4. Liquid in pod or tank turned a dark colour

Possible causes of and a therapeutic vaping substance changing colour during use, inside a pod or tank include:

Coil reached the end of its life (burnt) when accompanied by burnt taste/smell and lower vapour production.
Power too much for coil.
Normal if colour change is not severe and does not affect taste/vapour production. This can happen due to nicotine's exposure to air, flavour agents that darken over time, heat exposure or coil contact.

What you can do:

Replace coil or pod with built-in coil if it has reached the end of its life.
Ensure device wattage settings (where adjustable) match what is recommended for the coil/pod installed.
Never draw on a charging device. Although vaping devices have safety protections, it can still be dangerous and send increased power that can damage coil/pod.
Store therapeutic vaping substance below 30°C and away from direct sunlight or in accordance with pod/liquid storage instructions.
Do not use expired liquid.
Don't expose pod/tank or device to long periods of heat or direct sun.

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5. Liquid in the mouth during draw

This can happen during the first couple of draws, following a first or subsequent refill of a pod or tank. This should only be temporary. Continued drawing of vaping liquid to the mouth during draws could be caused by the same reasons mentioned in 'Gurgling or popping sound when vaping'.

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6. No vapour produced when inhaling

Possible causes of no vapour production include the following:

Device is off/out of battery.
Device battery is low which diminishes or stops vapour production.
Pod or coil not installed correctly causing connection issues.
Pod or tank is empty.
Safety protection of device activated for reasons including, draw length exceeded manufacturer protections (e.g. 8 to 10 seconds), short circuit and overheating.
Coil reached the end of its life (burnt) and no longer vapourising liquid.

What you can do:

Ensure vaping device is on and charged.
Remove pod and/or coil and reinstall it to correct improper installation.
Refill pod or tank with vaping substance if empty. Vaping on an empty pod or tank can prematurely damage (burn) the coil.
Take shorter draws to avoid activating the device's draw length safety cut-off.
Read the device's user manual to see what safety protections may have been activated.
Replace coil or pod with built-in coil if it has reached the end of its life.

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7. Pod or tank is leaking liquid

There are many reasons a pod or tank leaks therapeutic vaping liquid. A small amount of leakage can be normal and due to condensation build-up but excessive leaking requires attention; if for no other reason, to stop making a mess and unnecessarily consuming excess vaping liquid.

Possible causes of abnormal leakage is always due to an air break which can be a result of any of the following:

Coil or pod reached the end of its life.
Tank has been reassembled incorrectly that can damage o-rings and cause an air breach.
Wattage (power) is too high for the coil.
Wattage (power) is too low for the coil.
Coil may be loose (in pods/tanks with replaceable coils).
Coil/pod unsuitable for the device. The device is not powerful enough to support installed coil/pod.
Insufficient airflow for coil/pod causing coil flooding and leakage.
Coil/pod is not suited to your therapeutic needs. A preference of shorter, gentler draws will not suit low-resistance (ohm) coil or pods that require high power, more airflow and generally longer draws.
Unused for prolonged period of time (two to three days or more). Leads to air pressure loss that causes leaking.

What you can do:

Replace coil or pod with built-in coil if reached the end of its life.
Empty and disassemble tank to check all o-rings for damage. Replace any damaged o-rings and reassemble to correct assembly, if incorrectly put together after cleaning. This does not apply to pods.
Ensure device wattage is within the recommended range of the pod or coil. Increase or decrease, as required, to rectify.
Check coil installation, of tank or pod with replaceable coils, to fix a loose installation.
Ensure device/pod airflow is enough for a high-powered coil/pod.
Monitor draws to determine your draw type and change device, pod/tank or coil if not suited to your therapeutic needs.
If not intending to use vaping device for prolonged period:
- remove pod/tank from device to prevent vaping liquid leaking into device and causing damage to internal components
- store filled pod in a zip lock bag as it will leak when unused
- note that coils (whether built-in or replaceable) may be not be suitable for vaping, if left in a filled pod/tank that is unused for two or more days
- empty pod/tank of vaping liquid (if possible) as this may preserve the coil.

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8. Not recognised by the device

When a pod or tank is not recognised by the device, it will prevent vaping and depending on the type of device, you may see an error warning similar to 'No Atomiser'. Reasons this can occur include the following:

Pod/tank not installed correctly. Not making contact with connection points.
Connection points are dirty or covered by vaping liquid.
Damaged pod/tank contacts.
Coil is incompatible with the device.
Device is low battery.
Device malfunction. Electronic issues prevent detection.

What you can do:

Remove and re-install pod or tank to check if installed correctly.
Check pod/tank and device connection points (gold and silver pins in pod basin, under tank or pod). Clean or dry with a tissue if dirty or wet.
Try a different pod/tank or coil.
Replace pod, tank or device if the contacts are irreversibly damaged.
Ensure device has enough power/wattage to meet coil/pod requirements.
Charge device, if needed.
If all other troubleshooting has not rectified the problem, the device may have malfunctioned. Stop use and contact the pharmacy you purchased it from or the product's sponsor (on device, packaging or user manual).

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9. Signs a pod or coil needs replacement

A pod with built-in coil, pod with replaceable coil, tank or coil needs replacing if you experience any or all of the following:

Unpleasant or burnt taste/smell of vapour.
Reduced or no vapour production.
Excessive gurgling, popping or leaking that doesn't improve after cleaning.
Darker or thicker vaping liquid inside the pod or tank.
Coil cotton centre is dark and no longer white.
Device not recognising it.
Pod or tank is cracked/damaged, cloudy or dirty in places that are inaccessible (e.g. pod mouthpiece bore).

Notes:

For pods and tanks with replaceable coils, only a coil change is required, unless the pod or tank is damaged.
You'll need to replace entire pods that have built-in coils.
See 'Pod or tank is leaking liquid', 'Gurgling or popping sound when vaping', 'Not recognised by the device'.

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10. Vapour tastes burnt or harsh

Possible reasons vapour can taste burnt or harsh include the following:

Using freebase nicotine vaping liquid for the first time. This can initially be harsher on one's throat compared to nicotine salts vaping liquid.
Coil has reach the end of its life.
Low or no vaping liquid in pod/tank creating 'dry hits' from liquid-deprived coil overheating.
Coil/pod was not primed upon first fill to ensure coil cotton centre was properly saturated with vaping liquid.
Chain-vaping that doesn't give the coil enough time to re-saturate after a draw.
Device malfunction causing misfiring or unregulated power bursts that burn the coil prematurely.

What you can do:

Take gentler draws when using freebase nicotine for the first time. Contact your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse or pharmacist) if discomfort continues.
Replace coil or pod with built-in coil if reached the end of its life.
Refill pod or tank with vaping substance if empty. Vaping on an empty pod or tank can prematurely damage (burn) the coil.
Ensure to prime brand-new coils or pods with built-in coils. Prime by filling with vaping liquid and waiting five to ten minutes before vaping.
Avoid chain-vaping. Contact your healthcare professional for assistance with managing nicotine dependence.
If all other troubleshooting methods have not rectified the problem, the device may have malfunctioned. Discontinue use and contact the pharmacy you purchased the device from or the Australian product sponsor (on device, packaging and user manual).

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Device issues

1. Auto-draw not working

Many therapeutic vaping devices have an auto-draw function, allowing vapour production via drawing on the mouthpiece (without pressing a fire button). This function relies on a sensor in the device/pod/tank airflow channel that can be affected by the following:

Pod/tank not installed correctly preventing proper connection for auto-draw activation.
Connection points are dirty or covered by vaping liquid preventing auto-draw activation.
Airflow channel blocked.
Draw is too gentle for airflow sensor to recognise.
Liquid leakage causing airflow channel blockage.
Battery is low. Insufficient power to activate vapourisation.
Device malfunction of the sensor or circuit.

What you can do:

Remove and re-install pod or tank to check if installed correctly.
Check pod/tank and device connection points (gold and silver pins in pod basin, under tank or pod). Clean or dry with a tissue if dirty or wet.
Clean airflow channel by blowing into the mouthpiece or removing pod/tank and flicking the device to dislodge debris or leaked vaping liquid.
Take slightly stronger draw to test auto-draw activation.
Charge device, if needed.
If all other troubleshooting methods have not rectified the problem, the device may have malfunctioned. Discontinue use and contact the pharmacy you purchased the device from or the Australian product sponsor (on device, packaging and user manual).

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2. Body looks swollen

STOP USE IMMEDIATELY if the therapeutic vaping device body has swelled. Regardless of the reason, it is dangerous to use.

Reasons this can happen include:

Battery overheated or failed.
Excessive heat exposure caused internal components to expand.
Physical damage (impact or pressure) distorted the body.
Liquid leaked inside the device and caused internal components to swell or erode.
Water or other fluid exposure.

What you can do:

STOP use.
Isolate the device in a safe, cool, dry place, away from children, pets, direct sunlight, heat or flammable materials.
Do not charge or attempt to disassemble, repair or modify the device.
Contact the pharmacy your purchased the device from or the Australian product sponsor (on the device, packaging and user manual) to report the problem. They will provide instructions on what to do with the device.
Do not dispose in household waste. Follow disposal information in the device user manual which usually instructs to take devices with built-in batteries to an e-safe or battery disposal collection location (check local council website for locations).

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3. Button doesn't activate vapour production

Reasons a vaping device's button doesn't activate vapour production include the following:

Button is not for vapour activation but only used to adjust device settings (e.g. power mode or wattage). In this case the device only has an auto-draw function where you just draw on the mouthpiece.
Device is off/locked.
Battery is low or flat.
Pod or tank not installed correctly. Therapeutic vaping devices are safely programmed not to activate vapour production when they do not detect a pod/tank.
Connection points are dirty or covered by vaping liquid preventing the device from detecting connection.
Safety protection activated that prevents vapour activation.
Device malfunction of the button or circuitry.

What you can do:

Check device user manual to determine if button is in fact a 'fire button' used to activate vapour production. Not all device buttons have this function.
Turn on or unlock device according to the instructions in its user manual.
Charge device, if needed.
Remove and re-install pod or tank to check if installed correctly.
Check pod/tank and device connection points (gold and silver pins in pod basin, under tank or pod). Clean or dry with a tissue if dirty or wet.
Read device's user manual to determine if and what safety protections may have been activated.
If all other troubleshooting methods have not rectified the problem, the device may have malfunctioned. Contact the pharmacy you purchased the device from or the Australian product sponsor (on device, packaging and user manual).

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4. Doesn't recognise pod/tank/coil installed

More often than not, there is a very quick and easy resolution to a therapeutic vaping device not recognising the pod/tank installed. The reasons this can happen include:

Device is off/locked.
Pod or tank not installed correctly. Therapeutic vaping devices are safely programmed not to activate vapour production when they do not detect a pod/tank.
Connection points are dirty, covered by vaping liquid or damaged, preventing the device from detecting connection.
Pod/tank/coil incompatible with the device.
Device malfunction of the button or circuitry.

What you can do:

Turn on or unlock device according to instructions in its user manual.
Charge device, if needed.
Remove and re-install pod or tank to check if installed correctly.
Check pod/tank and device connection points (gold and silver pins in pod basin, under tank or pod). Clean or dry with a tissue if dirty or wet.
Replace pod/tank or device if the connection points are irreversibly damaged.
Check device user manual to ensure pod/tank or coil can be used with the device.
If all other troubleshooting methods have not rectified the problem, the device may have malfunctioned. Contact the pharmacy you purchased the device from or the Australian product sponsor (on device, packaging and user manual).

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5. Hot to the touch during use or charge

A therapeutic vaping device can be mildly warm to the touch during normal use or charging. However, extreme heat that is uncomfortable to hold could be a sign of a serious device issue.

Reasons for mild warmth of the device include:

General use caused by normal coil heating for vapourisation that radiates to the device body.
Charging can make the device mildly warm.
Frequent long draws generates heat in the coil and device.
High-wattage use.
Pod/tank has low vaping liquid that causes the coil to heat up.

Reasons for abnormal or extreme heat of the device include:

Exposure to extreme heat, e.g. leaving device in a car or direct sunlight.
Battery malfunction that can lead to swelling or softened device body.
Device malfunction causing it to switch off, spark or emit burnt/unusual smell.

What you can do:

Take shorter draws or longer breaks between draws.
Refill pod or tank with vaping substance if empty. Vaping on an empty pod or tank can prematurely damage (burn) the coil.
Avoid chain-vaping. Contact your healthcare professional for assistance with managing nicotine dependence.
Never draw on a charging device. Although vaping devices have safety protections, it can still be dangerous for you and the device.
Ensure you store device in accordance with its user manual instructions.
Watch out for 'Signs a device needs replacement'.
If all other troubleshooting methods have not rectified the problem, the device may have malfunctioned. Stop use immediately and contact the pharmacy you purchased the device from or the Australian product sponsor (on device, packaging and user manual).
See also 'Body has swollen'.

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6. Leaking some kind of liquid

A therapeutic vaping device leaking any kind of liquid, while not always dangerous, must always be addressed.

Reasons a device may be leaking any liquid include the following:

Pod/tank is leaking vaping liquid that has:
- infiltrated the internal components of the device. If this occurs, you may see liquid at the bottom of the device.
- entered the device's airflow channel.
Battery is venting due to failure, overheating, short circuit or physical damage.

What you can do:

STOP USING IMMEDIATELY if device is leaking liquid and is accompanied by body swelling, overheating, sparks, physical damage, bunt smell. Contact the pharmacy you purchased the device from or the Australian product sponsor (on device, packaging and user manual).
- See 'Body looks swollen' and 'Hot to the touch during use or charge'
See 'Pod or tank is leaking liquid' to troubleshoot pod/tank leakage issue.

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7. Light flashing or screen warning/information

Most therapeutic vaping devices are equipped with an LED indicator light or display screen. Reasons for a flashing light or screen displaying warning/information include the following:

Normal use. E.g. LED light flashing to confirm pod/tank detection or display screen showing wattage setting.
Safety protection activated, such as a display screen indicating 'No Atomiser'.
Low battery.

What you can do:

Check device user manual for information on:
- normal function indications of device
- safety protections and how device warns you of their activation. For example, the number of times an LED light flashes can indicate which safety protection is activated for a device with without a display screen.
Address any safety protection activation, if possible.
Contact the pharmacy you purchased the device from or the Australian product sponsor (on device, packaging and user manual) if you cannot trouble shoot the issue via the device's user manual.

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8. Liquid pooled under pod or tank

See 'Pod or tank is leaking liquid'.

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9. Needs charging all the time

Therapeutic vaping devices are just like other electrical devices that are powered by a built-in or replaceable battery (e.g. a mobile phone), so they share similar reasons for frequent charging, especially if they are a bit older. Reasons a vaping device may need charging all the time include the following:

Device is old or worn causing a decrease in battery capacity. The same applies to replaceable batteries (most devices have built-in batteries).
High power/wattage use can reduce battery level quicker.
Frequent long draws or chain-vaping.
Coil/pod has reached the end of its life. Burnt or damaged coils may not heat evenly and make the device work harder to reach required wattage which can drain battery a little faster.

What you can do:

Choose pod/coil with lower power requirements or try a device with bigger battery capacity that will better suit your therapeutic needs.
Avoid chain-vaping. Contact your healthcare professional for assistance with managing nicotine dependence.
Replace device if old and worn or if it has a replaceable battery (check user manual), replace with a new battery.
If the device or battery is brand-new and requires frequent charging that can't be attributed to usage, contact the pharmacy you purchased the device from or the Australian product sponsor (on device, packaging and user manual).

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10. Not charging

Possible reasons a therapeutic vaping device is not charging include the following:

Unsuitable charging cable or power source used to charge.
Faulty charging cable or loose connection.
Debris in charging port obstructing connection.
Battery completely drained. Device may take several minutes to indicate it's charging.
Battery damage or wear that may no longer accept charge.
Device malfunction such as internal charging circuit failure or damage to charging port.

What you can do:

Ensure charging cable and power source meet specifications in device's user manual (e.g. charging current or micro USB vs Type-C cables).
Try different charging cable.
Turn off device to gently and very carefully remove any debris from the charging port using a dry, thin cotton tip.
Charge device for six to 12 hours, if you suspect complete battery drainage (meaning the battery level falls below safe voltage). Even brand-new devices or batteries can be completely drained and require a longer charge before first use, purely because they have not been used since manufacture.
Ensure proper connection of charging cable to device and power source.
If device is relatively new and troubleshooting solutions have not rectified the problem, the device may have malfunctioned. Contact the pharmacy you purchased the device from or the Australian product sponsor (on device, packaging and user manual).

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11. Not turning on

The following may be the reason a therapeutic vaping device is not turning on:

Device needs charging.
Old or worn device.
Device malfunction of internal power switch, circuit board or firmware.

What you can do:

Follow device's user manual instructions to power on/off.
Charge device, if needed.
- See 'Not charging'.
If device has a replaceable battery, it may be due for replacement.
Replace device if old and worn.
If device is relatively new and troubleshooting has not helped to rectify the problem, the device may have malfunctioned. Contact the pharmacy you purchased the device from or the Australian product sponsor (on device, packaging and user manual).

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12. Not working/creating vapour

Reasons a device is not working or creating vapour are similar to those mentioned in 'Button doesn't activate vapour production'.

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13. Randomly activating (firing) or staying on

STOP USE IMMEDIATELY if the therapeutic vaping device is activating (firing) or randomly turning on/off on its own, or staying on after manually powering off. The vaping device has definitely malfunctioned and is not safe to use. Note: this is very rare.

What you can do:

STOP use.
Remove pod or tank (store in zip lock back if filled with liquid) and isolate device in a safe, cool, dry place, away from children, pets, direct sunlight, heat or flammable materials.
Do not charge or attempt to disassemble, repair or modify device.
Contact the pharmacy you purchased the device from or the Australian product sponsor (on the device, packaging and user manual) to report the problem. They will provide instructions on what to do with the device.
Do not dispose in household waste. Follow disposal information in the device user manual which usually instructs to take devices with built-in batteries to an e-safe or battery recycling collection location (check local council website for locations).

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14. Signs a device needs replacement

Like many battery-powered devices, therapeutic vaping devices do not last forever and will need to be replaced in the following circumstances:

No longer holds charge.
Does not turn on or operate despite troubleshooting.
Frequent errors that don't resolve from appropriate troubleshooting.
Physical damage such as cracked body, loose parts or broken charging port.
Overheating even with normal use or when charging.
Swollen body.
Electrical fault causing sparking, flickering lights or spontaneous vapour activation.

What you can do:

STOP use.
Remove pod or tank (store in zip lock back if filled with liquid) and isolate device in a safe, cool, dry place, away from children, pets, direct sunlight, heat or flammable materials (if swollen, showing electrical faults or overheating).
Do not charge or attempt to disassemble, repair or modify device.
If device is relatively new, contact the pharmacy you purchased the device from or the Australian product sponsor (on the device, packaging and user manual) to report the problem. They will provide instructions on what to do with the device.
Do not dispose in household waste. Follow disposal information in the device user manual which usually instructs to take devices with built-in batteries to an e-safe or battery recycling collection location (check local council website for locations).

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15. Turns off on its own or unexpectedly

There are a few reasons a therapeutic vaping device may turn off on its own and it's not always due to a malfunction. Possible causes include the following:

Low battery.
Safety protection is activated, such as overheating.
Accidental button press.
Device malfunction, such as short circuit, electrical fault, battery damage and/or worn device.

What you can do:

Charge device UNLESS it's showing 'Signs a device needs replacement'.
Check device user manual to see if a safety protection is activated and what it means.
Turn device on again (if it has a power button).
Replace device if old and continues to turn off after troubleshooting.
If device is relatively new, contact the pharmacy you purchased the device from or the Australian product sponsor (on the device, packaging and user manual) to report the problem. They will provide instructions on what to do with the device.
Do not dispose in household waste. Follow disposal instructions in the device user manual which usually instruct to take devices with built-in batteries to an e-safe or battery recycling collection location (check local council website for locations).

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Liquid issues

Important note: therapeutic vaping liquid is a medicine that may include nicotine which a highly addictive substance. Keep out of the reach of children and pets, avoid contact with eyes and skin, do not swallow and safely clean up any spills/leaks as quickly as possible.

1. Broken bottle nose

All therapeutic vaping liquid bottles, used to fill empty pods or tanks, are made of a tough plastic but sometimes the filling nozzle (or bottle nose) breaks. Reasons a bottle nozzle breaks include:

Bottle dropped.
Too much pressure when squeezing bottle to refill.
Manufacturing defect which is quite rare.

What you can do:

Close bottle securely by screwing on its child-safe cap and placing it in a zip-lock bag to prevent leakage.
Do not continue using a bottle with a broken nozzle as it will leak vaping liquid.
Wash skin or surfaces that come in contact with vaping liquid using soapy water, DO NOT wash your vaping device, just wipe and dry.
If this is a brand-new vaping liquid bottle whose nozzle appears to have been broken before it was opened, contact the pharmacy you purchased it from to report the issue. They will provide instructions on what to do next.
Do not dispose in household waste, drains or sewage. Vaping liquid bottles (empty or full), used pods and tanks must be disposed according to your council guidelines (check local council website). Many councils require you to take these products to your local pharmacy for safe disposal through the Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) Program.

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2. Liquid turned a dark colour

Changes to a therapeutic vaping liquid's colour, specifically darkening, can be normal depending on its age, ingredients or flavour. It doesn't always mean the product is expired or not fit for use. Reasons for darkening vaping liquid include the following:

Natural ageing or oxidation that happens over time when exposed to air, light or heat.
Natural nicotine oxidation that can turn vaping liquid yellow, amber or brown.
Tobacco flavour naturally darkens faster than mint or menthol.
Incorrect storage which exposes vaping liquid bottle to heat or direct sunlight accelerates colour changes and oxidation, promotes flavour degradation and can reduce potency of nicotine strength.
Liquid has expired.

What you can do:

See 'Liquid in pod/tank turned a dark colour' if change in colour occurs during use.
Stop using liquid if expired. Do not dispose in household waste, drains or sewage. Vaping liquid bottles (empty or full), used pods and tanks must be disposed according to your council guidelines (check local council website). Many councils require you to take these products to your local pharmacy for safe disposal through the Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) Program.
Store vaping liquid according to instructions on its container; usually in a cool place, away from sunlight.
Contact the pharmacy you purchased the vaping liquid from if you are unsure it is safe to use.

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3. Expired

Do not use expired therapeutic vaping substances and dispose appropriately.

If this is a newly-purchased, unused vaping liquid bottle that is expired, contact the pharmacy you purchased it from to report the issue. They will provide instructions on what to do next.

Do not dispose in household waste, drains or sewage. Vaping liquid bottles (empty or full), used pods and tanks must be disposed according to your council guidelines (check local council website). Many councils require you to take these products to your local pharmacy for safe disposal through the Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) Program.

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4. Bad flavour

There are a few reasons a therapeutic vaping substance may have a bad or unfavourable flavour, including the following:

Pod, coil, tank or device, usage or damage issues that affect the vapourisation of vaping liquid.
Residual liquid in a pod/tank of a different flavour can mix and alter taste.
Improper storage which exposes vaping liquid to light, heat or air can accelerate the degradation of flavour compounds.
Personal taste - you may not like the flavour. Flavours are not consistent across brands and can also be affected by nicotine base (salt or freebase) or strength (higher/lower nicotine concentration).
Expired liquid.

What you can do:

See 'Vapour tastes burnt or harsh' if the vaping liquid flavour was initially okay but turned bad during use.
If bad flavour is caused by accidental residual liquid of another flavour in the pod/tank, it should resolve itself by the next refill of new vaping liquid.
Store vaping liquid according to instructions on its container; usually in a cool place, away from sunlight.
Stop using liquid if expired.
Ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse or pharmacist) if you can try the same flavour in another brand, nicotine base or nicotine concentration that still meet your therapeutic needs.
- The same flavour from another brand may suit your needs better.
- Freebase nicotine can mask delicate flavour agents.
- Nicotine salt base can make flavours more pronounced or sweeter.
- Higher nicotine concentration can overpower subtle flavour agents.

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Other issues

1. Cough or throat irritation

There are many reasons you may experience cough or throat irritation during or after using a therapeutic vaping product and it's different for each person. It is important that you discuss any persistent cough, throat irritation or other potential side effects with your healthcare professional.

Some of the possible causes of coughing or irritation of the throat include the following:

First time use of therapeutic vaping devices. This can continue when using vaping devices while you continue to smoke cigarettes which is not recommended.
Freebase nicotine used for the first time as it has a harsher throat sensation. This should ease with continued use.
Dry hit caused by vaping on an empty pod or tank.
Damaged coil produces harsh, unpleasant vapour that can be irritating.
Device does not suit your therapeutic needs. High-power devices produce thick vapour that may not be suitable for you.
Flavour sensitivities (e.g. to menthol flavouring).
Dehydration - vaping can cause mild dryness of the mouth.
Poor device maintenance such as not replacing coils/pods or cleaning mouthpiece/device as required.

What you can do:

Take smaller draws if using therapeutic vaping devices or freebase nicotine vaping substance for the first time. Coughing or throat irritation should subside after a couple of weeks use.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you would like to:
- switch to a nicotine salt vaping liquid that's less harsh on the throat
- try a different nicotine concentration
- switch vaping liquid brands as they all have different flavour blends.
Maintain vaping liquid level in accordance with the pod/tank/device user manual to reduce chances of getting a dry hit.
Check coil or pod with built-in coil and replace if it has reached the end of its life.
Keep up with cleaning maintenance of the device, pod or tank, in accordance with its user manual.
Stay hydrated.

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2. Lost user manual

It is important that you read the user manual of a therapeutic vaping product before use and keep it for reference. If you lose the user manual, you can:

contact the pharmacy you purchased it from
contact the Australian sponsor of the vaping product (usually on the packaging and the device itself)
visit our User manual page if your product is sponsored by Pesamic Group Pty Ltd.

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3. Vaping product warranty

Therapeutic vaping devices usually have a manufacturer warranty period specified in their user manual. If your product is sponsored by Pesamic Group Pty Ltd, there is more information on our Warranty & Returns Policy page for patients and pharmacies.

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