Nicotine Gum - Uses, Side Effects, and More

This medication can help you quit smoking by replacing the nicotine in cigarettes. The nicotine in tobacco is an important part of cigarette addiction. When you stop smoking, your nicotine levels drop quickly. This drop can cause withdrawal symptoms such as craving tobacco, nervousness, irritability, headache, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating.Stopping smoking is hard and your chance of success is best when you are ready and have made a commitment to quit. Nicotine replacement products are part of a total stop-smoking program that includes behavior change, counseling, and support. Smoking causes lung disease, cancer, and heart disease. Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health and live longer.

How to use nicotine (polacrilex) buccal

If you are using the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before using this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not eat or drink anything for 15 minutes before or during use of the gum. Do not use if the individual wrapper is open or damaged.

Start this medication on your quit (smoking) day. Chew a piece of gum when you feel the urge to smoke. Chew the gum very slowly until it tingles, then move it to the space between your cheek and gum. Keep it there until it stops tingling. When the tingle is gone, begin chewing again until the tingle returns. Most of the nicotine will be gone after 30 minutes. Do not use more than 1 piece of gum at a time. You may also use this product on a regular schedule as well as at times when you have the urge to smoke. The best dose for you is the dose that decreases the urge to smoke without side effects from too much nicotine. Your dose will need to be adjusted to your needs, including your smoking history and medical condition.

For the first 6 weeks, use at least 9 pieces each day. If you still have a strong urge to smoke, you can use a second piece of gum within 1 hour. Do not continuously use 1 piece right after another. Doing so will increase side effects such as hiccups, nausea, or heartburn. Most people use about 9 to 12 pieces of gum per day during the first month of treatment. Do not chew more than 24 pieces of gum a day.

After you have stopped smoking and you have reached the best dose and schedule for you, continue at that dose. Start to lower your dose after 6 weeks or as directed by your doctor until you are no longer smoking and no longer need nicotine replacement. It is important to complete the treatment with this medication (12 weeks). If after the treatment period, you still feel the need to use this medication to prevent you from smoking, talk to your doctor.

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as tobacco cravings, nervousness, irritability, headache). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used nicotine for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

Some smokers are unsuccessful the first time they try to quit. You may need to stop using this product and try again later. Many people who cannot quit the first time are successful the next time.

Side Effects

Mouth/teeth/jaw problems, headache, heartburn, sweating, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these side effects last or get worse, stop using this medication and tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Common nicotine withdrawal symptoms can occur when you stop smoking and include dizziness, anxiety, depression, or trouble sleeping, among others.

Chewing the gum too fast can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, hiccups, nausea, vomiting, or trouble sleeping. If these effects occur, chew the gum more slowly.

Precautions

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to nicotine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood vessel disease (such as Raynaud's disease, stroke), dental/jaw problems (such as bridges, temporal mandibular joint disease-TMJ), diabetes, heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, esophagus problems (such as esophagitis), stomach/intestinal sores (peptic ulcers), certain adrenal problem (pheochromocytoma), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), seizures.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.