Nicotine Gum

Nicotine Gum

This product is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries using the ingredient nicotine.

This product is taken via chewing and oral absorption.

Why is it prescribed?

As an aid to smoking cessation for partial relief of nicotine withdrawal symptoms. This treatment should be used as part of a comprehensive behavioural smoking-cessation program.

Use Nicotine gum as directed. If you have trouble using the gum, ask your pharmacist. It is not ordinary chewing gum, and it can make you feel lightheaded, nauseous, or give you the hiccups if you chew it improperly.

Chew it once or twice, then "park it" between your cheek and gum. Wait a minute, and repeat. Chew, chew, park, chew, chew, park. After about 30 minutes you will have released all the medication.

Discard the gum out of the reach of children and start a new piece as soon as you get an urge for a cigarette.

Do not chew more than one piece at a time.

Avoid drinking acidic beverages such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, alcohol or citrus juices when chewing the Nicorette® gum.

Do not exceed 20 pieces per day. 

You should not use Nicotine Gum if you:

  • Are an occasional or non-smoker
  • Have a jaw disorder, such as temporomandibular joint disorder

Possible side effects:  headache, light-headedness, hiccups, upset stomach and other stomach problems, especially if chewed too quickly or not chewed correctly, burping, increased salivation, jaw ache, unusual taste in your mouth, gingivitis, irritated or inflamed tongue, bleeding gums, tongue discolouration and sores. Other common side effects include mouth or throat soreness.

Store this medication in its original packaging at room temperature between 15 and 30°C, and protect from light. 


Alternatives

Other products that have the same ingredient as Nicotine Gum are •Habitrol® patches •Nic-Hit Gum •Nic-Hit mini lozenge •Nic-Hit Spray •Nicoderm® patches •Nicorette® gum •Nicorette® inhaler •Nicorette® Mini Lozenges •Nicorette® Quick Mist •Nicotine Patch •Thrive® gum •Thrive® lozenges •

See other products used in the treatment of •nicotine withdrawal symptoms •nicotine addiction •

Dosage is individualized and based on the the person's level of nicotine dependence. Nicotine gum is available in two strengths (2 mg and 4 mg), your pharmacist will help you determine which strength is right for you.

  • To reduce cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms after abruptly stopping smoking: For the first 2 weeks 10 to 20 pieces is recommended, for the follwing 2 weeks 8 to 15 pieces is suggested, 4 to 10 pieces is recommended for the second month followed by 2 to 5 pieces in the third month. For months 4 to 6 you may chew one piece if the urge to smoke returns.
  • To cut down with Nicotine gum and then stop: For up to 16 weeks, reduce the number of cigarettes smoked daily to one-half or less using the gum as needed to manage cravings. Continue cutting back and substituting Nicotine gum as needed with the goal of stopping completely within the next 6 months. Continue to use Nicotine gum to relieve cravings, gradually cut back, and stop completely within 3 months of stopping smoking.

 


Nicotine replacement therapy provides a lower level of nicotine to your blood than cigarettes, and allows the body's need for nicotine to gradually go away. It works as a temporary aid to help with smoking cessation by reducing nicotine cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms.


Along with its needed effects, nicotine replacement may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, nicotine replacement is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects is dependant on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible unwanted effects include:

  • belching
  • increased appetite
  • injury or irritation to mouth, teeth or dental work (chewing gum only)
  • trouble sleeping
  • unusual dreams

Rare:

  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • high blood pressure
  • hives
  • rash
  • stomach pain
  • coughing
  • irritability

 


Do not continue to smoke while using nicotine replacement products.(If using nicotine gum to cut back, do not smoke at the same time as chewing gum.) If you smoke or use other nicotine-containing products while using nicotine replacement you may get a nicotine overdose. Signs of an overdose include headaches, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, cold sweat, blurred vision, difficulty with hearing, mental confusion, weakness and fainting, rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms contact your doctor or Poison Control Centre at once.

Do not use nicotine replacement therapy if you have:

  • certain heart conditions (e.g. heart attacks, heart beat irregularities)is contraindicated.
  • recent stroke
  • skin diseases
  • known allergy to the patches or to nicotine

Consult your doctor first if you have ever had any of the following:

  • irregular heart beat (arrhythmia)
  • high blood pressure
  • overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
  • stomach ulcers
  • kidney or liver disease
  • diabetes requiring insulin
  • treatment for poor circulation
  • rashes from adhesive tape or bandages

Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. In some cases the dose of one or both drugs may need to be altered or another drug may be prescribed. The concentration of medication in the body may be altered by smoking cessation with or without nicotine replacement. The dosage of certain medications may require adjustment. Drugs whose concentrations may be affected by smoking cessation include:

  • acetaminophen
  • imipramine
  • oxazepam
  • propranolol
  • theophylline
  • insulin
  • prazosin
  • labetalol

Use in pregnancy: Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect you are pregnant.
Use while breastfeeding: Consult your doctor or pharmacist before use.