Nicorette Gum

The active ingredient in Nicorette Gum is nicotine polacrilex, which is a nicotine agonist. Many tobacco products, including cigarettes (and most e-cigarettes), contain nicotine, an addictive substance.

Nicorette gum is a type of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) designed to help people control their nicotine intake. It also provides nicotine craving relief and helps to minimize withdrawal symptoms without exposing you to the toxic chemicals contained in tobacco products.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Nicorette Gum. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Nicorette Gum:

• Nicorette is simply one component of a comprehensive therapy plan, which may also involve counselling, group support, and behavioral changes. Your success will be determined by how actively you participate in all elements of your smoking cessation program.
• Do not smoke or use any other nicotine-containing products while on Nicorette. Using many types of nicotine simultaneously can be harmful.
• After removing the gum or lozenge, wrap it in paper and dispose of it in an area where children and pets cannot get to it.
• Do not use Nicorette for more than 12 weeks without consulting your doctor. A behavioral support program increases the chances of success.
• If you are using the gum along with the nicotine patch, you may not need to use the gum as frequently because you will use it when you get or expect a craving.

To Use Nicorette Gum:

• Chew the Nicorette gum slowly, stopping when your mouth begins to tingle. "Park" the gum between your cheek and gum, and leave it there until the tingling sensation stops. Then, carefully chew a couple more times till the tingle returns. Place the gum in a different location in your mouth.
• Remove a piece of gum after 30 minutes, or when chewing no longer produces a tingling sensation.
• If you have intense or frequent cravings, you may chew a second piece of gum within 60 minutes.
• For the best results, use at least 9 pieces of gum each day during the first 6 weeks of treatment if you smoke regularly. Avoid using more than 24 pieces of gum every day.

The most common side effects of Nicorette Gum include:

• Upset stomach.
• Sore jaw.
• Hiccups.
• Mouth or throat irritation.
• Lightheadedness.
• Headaches.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Nicorette Gum. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reaction to the nicotine gum.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Nicorette Gum. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Nicorette Gum, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether any of the following apply:

• Heart disease or heart rhythm disorder.
• High blood pressure.
• Stomach ulcer.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Recently had a heart attack.
• History of seizures.
• On a low salt diet.
• Using any other stop-smoking aids or medicines (bupropion, Zyban, or others).

There are no contraindications with Nicorette Gum.

It takes around 30 minutes for a piece of Nicorette gum to lose the "tingling" sensation once you begin chewing it. When you initially start using Nicorette, you may need to take a piece of gum every 1 to 2 hours to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. However, as you continue, you may not need to take Nicorette as frequently. People often take Nicorette every 4 to 8 hours by the second or third month of treatment.

When Nicorette Gum is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. There are no specific interactions. However, it is always best to speak to your healthcare provider first.

A healthcare professional will establish your dose of nicotine. The average starting dose is Nicorette 2 mg nicotine gum or Nicorette 4mg nicotine gum, depending on whether you smoke your first cigarette within 30 minutes of awakening or later.

Weeks 0–6: Use 1 piece every 1 to 2 hours to aid with nicotine cravings.

Weeks 7–9: Use one piece every 2–4 hours to alleviate nicotine cravings.

Weeks 10–12: Use 1 piece every 4 to 8 hours to aid with nicotine cravings.

Never use more than 24 pieces of gum per day.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is the company that manufactures Nicorette Gum.

There are several lower-cost generic versions of Nicorette Gum.

To reduce withdrawal symptoms, gradually reduce your Nicorette gum use over time, usually 8-12 weeks. This includes reducing the number of pieces you chew per day and/or how long you chew them. You can also try using regular sugar-free gum or healthful snacks instead of nicotine gum. Distracting yourself with other things and seeking assistance from loved ones can both be beneficial.

If you are pregnant, do not use Nicorette unless your doctor tells you it is ok. Use effective birth control methods and notify your doctor if you become pregnant during therapy.

Nicotine can transfer into breast milk and endanger a nursing baby. If you are breastfeeding, do not use Nicorette unless your doctor tells you it is ok.