Nic-Hit mini lozenge

Nic-Hit mini lozenge

This product is manufactured by ERFA Canada using the ingredient nicotine.

This product is taken via absorption through the lining of the mouth.

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.

Nic-Hit® Mini Lozenges dissolve quickly in your mouth, releasing controlled amounts of nicotine into your body for relief of your cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
One lozenge should be placed in the mouth and allowed to dissolve. Move the lozenge occasionally from one side of the mouth to the other.  You may feel a hot or tingling sensation; this is a sign that the lozenge is working.  Repeat until the lozenge is completely dissolved (about 10 minutes).

Patients should not: bite, chew or swallow the lozenges whole. Avoid acidic beverages and foods such as: alcohol, coffee, fruit juices, soft drinks, tomatoes during and for 15 minutes before using the mini lozenges as these will interfere with how the lozenges work.

It is important to complete treatment. If you feel you need to use the lozenges for longer than 6 months to keep from smoking, talk to your healthcare provider.

If you are using Nic-Hit® Mini Lozenges while trying to quit smoking but slip up and have a cigarette, you should not stop using the Nic-Hit® Lozenge.  You should keep using it and keep trying to quit.

If the amounts of Nic-Hit® Lozenges you are taking do not help you stop smoking, talk with your healthcare provider about using more than one type of nicotine replacement therapy at the same time

Remember, Nic-Hit Mini Lozenges aren't like an ordinary lozenge such as a cough drop. This lozenge is designed to deliver nicotine into your system through the lining of your mouth not in your stomach like most other medicines. It is important to minimize swallowing the dissolved medicine in these lozenges so that it can be properly absorbed in your mouth

You should not use Nic-Hit® Mini Lozenges if you:

  • are an occasional or non-smoker;
  • if you are allergic to nicotine or any of the ingredients in this product

For some people, the nicotine in Nic-Hit® Lozenges can occasionally cause mouth or throat irritation, headaches, nausea, hiccups, upset stomach or dizziness. 

Store between 15-30°C. Protect from light.


Alternatives

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

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

  • Weeks 1-6: 1 Mini Lozenge every 1-2 hrs (dissolved slowly in the mouth). Minimum: 8 Lozenges
  • Weeks 7-9: 1 Mini Lozenge every 2-4 hrs
  • Weeks 10-12: 1 Mini Lozenge every 4-8 hrs
  • Weeks 13-24: 1-2 Mini Lozenges/day if the urge to smoke returns

Do NOT use more than 15 lozenges/day.


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.