US Brand Names
Commit
Nicorelief
Nicorette
Canadian Brand Names
Nic-Assist - Mint
Quit Nicotine Gum - Mint
Nicorette (nicotine gum) is a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). It is used to relieve and/or prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce the cravings you get when you try to stop smoking, or try to cut down the number of cigarettes you smoke.
When you stop smoking, or cut down the number of cigarettes you smoke, your body misses the nicotine that you have been absorbing. You may experience unpleasant feelings and a strong desire to smoke (craving). This indicates that you were dependent on nicotine.
When you chew Nicorette, nicotine is released and passes into your body through the lining of your mouth. The nicotine released from the gum is sufficient to relieve the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. It will also help to stop the craving to smoke, Nicorette will not give you the “buzz’’ you get from smoking a cigarette.
What are the available dosage forms and strengths?
How should you use Nicorette?
The method of chewing Nicorette (nicotine gum) is NOT the same as that for ordinary chewing gum. This way of chewing ensures that the nicotine is correctly released from the gum.
The Nicorette Chewing Technique:
1. Chew slowly until the taste becomes strong.
2. Rest between gum and cheek.
3. Chew again when the taste has faded.
Keep chewing like this for about half an hour. After this time the gum will have lost its strength and you should dispose of it carefully.
The number of Nicorette pieces you use each day will depend on how many cigarettes you smoked and how strong they are.
For people who smoke 20 or fewer cigarettes each day, it is recommended that the 2 mg gums be used, chewing one 2 mg gum to relieve cravings as needed.
For people who smoke more than 20 cigarettes each day, it is recommended that the 4 mg gums be used, chewing one 4 mg gum to relieve cravings as needed.
Use only one piece of gum at a time and do not chew pieces in succession. Do not swallow the gum when you are finished chewing.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Nicorette?
Tell your doctor if you have:
a stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, inflammation of the stomach or inflammation of the esophagus (passage between the mouth and stomach);
liver or kidney disease;
an overactive thyroid gland or pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland that can
affect blood pressure); or
diabetes – monitor your blood sugar levels more often when starting to use Nicorette as
you may find your insulin or medication requirements alter.
Also, if you are:
pregnant or breast-feeding – you may be able to use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to help you give up smoking but you should try to give up without it;
in hospital because of heart disease (including heart attack, disorders of heart rate or rhythm, angina, high blood pressure or stroke). In other heart conditions not requiring you to be in hospital, using NRT is better than continuing to smoke.
Who should not use Nicorette?
Do not use nicotine gum:
What to avoid while using Nicorette?
Avoid eating and drinking for 15 minutes before or during chewing the nicotine gum.
What are the possible side effects of Nicorette?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
Stop using Nicorette and contact a doctor if you notice any of the following;
unusually fast heart rate/beat
abnormal beating of the heart
chest palpitations
shortness of breath
ulceration and inflammation of the lining of the mouth
difficulty in breathing
dizziness
Like all medicines, Nicorette can have side effects. As many of the effects are due to nicotine, they can also occur when nicotine is obtained by smoking.
Effects related to stopping smoking (nicotine withdrawal)
You may experience unwanted effects because by stopping smoking you have reduced the amount of nicotine you are taking. You may also experience these effects if you under use Nicorette before you are ready to further reduce your nicotine intake.
These effects include:
irritability or aggression;
feeling low and anxiety;
restlessness and poor concentration;
increased appetite or weight gain;
urges to smoke (craving);
night time awakening or sleep disturbance; or
lowering of heart rate.
Effects of too much nicotine You may also get these effects if you are not used to inhaling tobacco smoke. These effects include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
What other drugs interact with Nicorette?
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
theophylline,
clozapine or ropinirole.
Stopping smoking or cutting down may require the dose of these medicines to be adjusted.
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.
Where can I get more information about Nicorette?
If you have any questions about buying discount Nicorette or any other prescription products
online, you can contact us.
