What side effects are possible with this medication?
A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal
doses. A side effect may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but does
not occur in everyone. Not everyone will experience side effects, and which
side effects a person experiences cannot be anticipated.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking
this medication. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side
effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or
pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of
the medication.
- indigestion
- jaw ache
- mouth and throat irritation
- nausea
- stomach discomfort
Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Be sure to inform your doctor of all your medical conditions before you
begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this
medication.
Do not smoke or use tobacco: Do not smoke or use tobacco products during
your treatment with nicotine gum. Doing so may lead to a nicotine overdose,
which can cause symptoms such as bad 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 think you may have a nicotine overdose, get immediate medical
attention.
Mouth, dental or jaw conditions: This medication should be used with
caution by people with any mouth or throat inflammation and those with dental
problems that might be made worse by chewing gum.
Other medical conditions: People with asthma, other breathing problems,
thyroid conditions, diabetes, stomach ulcers, kidney disease, heart disease,
blood vessel disease, or high blood pressure should be closely monitored by
their doctors while using nicotine gum. If you notice any worsening of your
symptoms, seek medical attention.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless
the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication,
contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known whether this medication passes into
breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication,
it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue
breast-feeding.
Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of this medication
have not been established for people under 18 years of age.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
An interaction between medications does not always mean that you must stop
taking one of them. The following medications may affect how nicotine gum
works, be affected by nicotine gum or by quitting smoking, or increase the risk
of side effects:
- adenosine
- aspirin
- cimetidine
- clomipramine
- clozapine
- fluvoxamine
- imipramine
- insulin
- labetolol
- olanzapine
- other nicotine products such as nicotine patches, lozenges, or inhalers
- oxazepam
- pentazocine
- prazosin
- propranolol
- tacrine
- theophylline
If you are taking any of these or other medications (including non-prescription,
herbal, and supplement products), speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending
on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to change your therapy
or suggest ways of managing any interactions. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine
from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications,
you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
