Nicorette Gum

Nicorette works by replacing some of the nicotine your body normally gets from smoking, while gradually reducing the level of nicotine until you’ve kicked the habit for good.

Using Nicorette Gum

Nicorette is available in FreshMint™, Orange, Original, and Mint flavors. If you’re trying to lose weight, you’ll be happy to learn that each piece of sugar-free gum has three calories and one gram of carbohydrates.

Smokers who use more than 25 cigarettes per day should use the 4mg gum, while less frequent smokers should use 2mg Nicorette gum. This recommendation is the same regardless of whether you smoke low-tar or low-nicotine cigarettes.

It takes 12 weeks to complete the Nicorette program. Even if you no longer feel the urge to smoke, you should still use the gum for the full time period. However, you should not use Nicorette for more than 12 weeks without a doctor’s supervision.

It is important to avoid eating or drinking for 15 minutes after using Nicorette. Even mildly acidic foods or beverages can interfere with the gum’s nicotine absorption rate.

Since Nicorette contains small amounts of nicotine, the sale of this product to people under age 18 is illegal. If you’re a teen who wishes to quit smoking, ask your parents or healthcare provider for advice.

Side Effects

Like any other medicine, Nicorette gum has potential side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Jaw ache or injury to teeth
• Changes in taste perception
• Chest pain
• Itching
• Rash
• Dry mouth
• Numbness
• Breathing difficulty

In many cases, side effects will be decrease as your body adjusts to the medication. However, you are encouraged to address your concerns with your healthcare provider.

Warnings

Although Nicorette gum is a safe and effective way to quit smoking, it’s important to use the product as intended.

• Nicorette is not intended for people who want to quit using chewing tobacco or smoking cigars. The FDA has only approved this medicine as a nicotine replacement therapy for cigarette smokers.
• People who suffer from coronary heart disease, serious cardiac arrhythmias, or vasospastic diseases should consult a doctor before using Nicorette.
• Nicorette gum may stick to dental caps, partial bridges, or dentures. Consult your dentist for advice if you are concerned about this potential problem.
• If you are pregnant, you should not use Nicorette gum. Although this medicine is thought to be safer than smoking, the risks to your developing baby aren’t fully known.
• Breastfeeding women should not use Nicorette gum to quit smoking. The nicotine can be passed to your baby via your breast milk.
• Nicorette gum should not be consumed by children or pets. Contact your local poison control center immediately if you suspect a case of accidental indigestion.