What is this medication for?
This medication belongs to the family of medications known as nicotine
replacement therapies. It is used to help people over 18 years of age quit
smoking. When a person stops smoking, they go through withdrawal from nicotine
which can cause symptoms such as cravings, irritability, mood swings, restlessness,
trouble concentrating, and increased appetite. This medication helps reduce
the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal by replacing some of the nicotine that the
person no longer receives through cigarettes. Gradually, the dose is reduced
until the person no longer craves nicotine, and they can stop using the medication.
You should not smoke and chew nicotine gum at the same time. This medication
works best when used with a comprehensive program to quit smoking.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those
listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all
of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor
or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do
not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms
as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their
doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Nicorette® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to teach you how to use nicotine gum effectively
and to give you tips on quitting smoking. You will get the most benefit out
of nicotine gum if you use it properly.
When you start to experience a cigarette craving, start chewing on one piece
of gum. Do not chew the gum as you would ordinary chewing gum. Bite on the
gum once or twice until it tingles and then leave it between your cheek and
gum until it stops tingling (usually about 1 minute), then repeat the process.
Continue this for 30 minutes, then discard then gum in a wrapper and away from
the reach of children or pets. Repeat this process for every cigarette craving.
It is recommended that you do not drink fluids 15 minutes before or while chewing
the gum since this may affect the ability of the medication to deliver nicotine.
The dosage is individualized and depends on how much nicotine is needed to relieve
nicotine withdrawal symptoms. If you smoke 25 or more cigarettes a day, use
4 mg nicotine gum. If you smoke less than 25 cigarettes a day, use 2 mg
nicotine gum.
During the first 1 to 6 weeks, use one piece of gum every 1 to 2 hours. For
weeks 7 to 9, use one piece of gum every 2 to 4 hours. For weeks 10 to 12, use
one piece of gum every 4 to 8 hours. To increase your chances of quitting, use
at least 9 pieces of gum per day for the first 6 weeks. The maximum dose
is 24 pieces per day. A 3-month treatment is what most people require. Consult
your doctor or pharmacist if you still feel the need for nicotine gum after
3 months of use.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture,
and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as
body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor
has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change
the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Who should NOT take this medication?
This medication should not be used by anyone who:
- continues to smoke or use other tobacco-containing products such as snuff
or chewing tobacco
- has life-threatening arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
- have a condition affecting the jaw, such as temporomandibular joint
(TMJ) disease
- have recently had a stroke
- have severe or worsening angina (chest pain)
- is a non-smoker or occasional smoker
- is allergic to nicotine, or any ingredients of the medication
- is using other nicotine products such as nicotine patches, lozenges, or
inhalers
- just had a heart attack
