Nicotine Gum

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What is Nicotine Gum?

Nicotine chewing gum is used to help people stop smoking cigarettes. It acts as a substitute oral activity and provides a source of nicotine that reduces the withdrawal symptoms experienced when smoking is stopped.



Brand Name

Nicorett



Other Names



What is Nicotine Gum?

Nicotine chewing gum is used to help people stop smoking cigarettes. It acts as a substitute oral activity and provides a source of nicotine that reduces the withdrawal symptoms experienced when smoking is stopped.

How

Use of nicotine gum for longer than 3 months is discouraged. Do not use nicotine gum longer than 6 months without talking with your doctor.
  • Decrease the total number of pieces used per day by about 1 piece every 4-7 days.
  • Decrease the chewing time with each piece from the normal 30 minutes to 10-15 minutes for 4-7 days. Then gradually decrease the total number of pieces used per day.
  • Substitute one or more pieces of sugarless gum for an equal number of pieces of nicotine gum. Increase the number of pieces of sugarless gum substituted for nicotine gum every 4-7 days.
  • Replace 4-mg gum with 2-mg gum and apply any of the previous steps.
  • Consider stopping use of nicotine gum when your craving for nicotine is satisfied by one or two pieces of gum per day.
  • Side Effects

  • mouth ulcers
  • jaw muscle aches
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • upset stomach
  • seizures
  • heart rhythm disturbances
  • difficulty breathing
  • http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html
  • Precautions

    Before using nicotine gum,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially acetaminophen (Tylenol), caffeine, diuretics ('water pills'), imipramine (Tofranil), insulin, medications for high blood pressure, oxazepam (Serax), pentazocine (Talwin, Talwin NX, Talacen), propoxyphene (Darvon, E-Lor), propranolol (Inderal), theophylline (Theo-Dur), and vitamins.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a heart attack, irregular heart rate, angina, ulcers, uncontrolled high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, pheochromocytoma, or a dental condition or disorder.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using nicotine gum, stop using it and call your doctor immediately. Nicotine and nicotine gum may cause harm to the fetus.
  • do not smoke cigarettes or use other nicotine products while using nicotine gum because nicotine overdose can occur.
  • Overdose

    In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

    Storage

    Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

    Dietary Restrictions

    Avoid eating and drinking (especially acidic beverages such as coffee or soft drinks) for 15 minutes before and during chewing of nicotine gum to prevent reduced absorption of nicotine.

    Miscellaneous

    It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

    Content provided by:

    The AHFS MedMaster Consumer Medication Information CMI® database is copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. © 2008, ASHP, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. All Rights Reserved. Duplication must be expressly authorized by ASHP, unless such duplication consists of printing or downloading portions of the data inherent in the program for non-commercial use. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the database provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such database and specifically disclaims all such warranties and representations. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the database is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug in the database. The information contained in the database is not a substitute for medical care.

    Nicotine Gum Articles

    • How to Stop Smoking Using Gum

      ...rmine what kind of gum you want to use. Nicotine gum can be purchased over the counter in either 2 or 4 milligram doses. Heavy smokers (those who smoke more than 25 cigarettes a day) may want to...

    • How to Stop Smoking with Habitrol Gum

      Chew one piece of Habitrol gum when you feel the urge to smoke. Chew it very slowly until you notice a slight tingling on your tongue. According to the Mayo Clinic, you then "park" the gum by holdi...

    • Health Risks of Nicorette Gum

      Nicorette is a brand of nicotine gum that helps patients quit smoking by releasing a small amount of nicotine that is absorbed into the cheek when the gum is chewed. Nicorette helps patients quit s...

    • Signs of Nicotine Poisoning

      ...n smoking-cessation products, including gum and wearable patches. nicotine poisoning can occur when very large amounts of nicotine are orally ingested. Young children and pets are among the most...

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    Conversations On Nicotine Gum

    • How long are withdrawals? I heard 3 days, does nicotine gum help?

      ... first and whether I'll need to get the gum and use for a week or so for the intitial withdrawals and how long do the wthdrawals last, I heard about 3 days?

      • Posted On March 3, 2009 05:39:50 AM

        I think 3-7 days sounds about right. You are making a wise decision. Quitting is on of the greatest things you can do for yourself. Good luck. Read More

    • Nicotine Fix - Without the Toxins

      ...s, and gum. But how about an electronic nicotine delivery device that looks and feels like smoking -- without the smell or the carcinogens? That's what Hong Kong-based Golden Dragon Group is ...

      • Posted On March 1, 2008 05:49:37 AM

        I am so glad that I don't have to think about any of these gimmiks anymore...I have SAVED $685 so far :) Read More

      • Posted On March 1, 2008 07:33:25 AM

        I agree. I just don't think that something like this would have worked for me. Read More

    • Nicotine Fading

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    • Nicotine Fading - Continued

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    Nicotine Gum Blogs

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    If you love nicotine, but your frequent trips to “flavor country” irritate those around you, get a load of the Next Safety Nicotine Inhaler. This proprietary technology uses a stream of purified air to deliver medications deep into the...

    No Nicotine Day One or NoNic1 for Short

    Which is to say No Nicotine Which is to say I will be more crazy than a hoot owl by the time Noon comes round! But it is what I need to do to save myself some coin Save myself from the World How can you blame the world for getting addicted to Nicotine...

    Nicotene May Help Stimulate Lung Cancer

    A new study finds that although the nicotine in tobacco and in nicotine-replacement patches and gums doesn't cause lung cancer, it may help it along: "Nicotine can promote the growth of new blood vessels and new cells -- two things that are correlated...

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    Nicotine Gum Topic Guide

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    Talk

    sandraeu: Reducing cigarette sales in the U.S. is forcing manufacturers interested in the nicotine gum http://bit.ly/5ho7aI

    tobcom: Reducing cigarette sales in the U.S. is forcing manufacturers interested in the nicotine gum http://bit.ly/5bO0gN

    LFSSherelle: Oh no she tried to give the nicotine replacement gum. How rude!

    forgesomefuture: nicotine gum is the best thing ever!

    Maya__Castilo: @DangerousHabit I could easily give you nicotine gum." Lips curled with some amusement. [e]

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