Nicotine Gum

Nicotine chewing gum is used to help people stop smoking cigarettes. Nicotine chewing gum should be used together with a smoking cessation program, which may include support groups, counseling, or specific behavioral change techniques. Nicotine gum is in a class of medications called smoking cessation aids. It works by providing nicotine to your body to decrease the withdrawal symptoms experienced when smoking is stopped and as a substitute oral activity to reduce the urge to smoke.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Nicotine gum is used by mouth as a chewing gum and should not be swallowed. Follow the directions on your package label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use nicotine gum exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed on the package label or as recommended by your doctor.

If you smoke your first cigarette more than 30 minutes after waking up, use the 2-mg gum. People who smoke their first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking up should use the 4-mg gum. Nicotine gum may be used regularly by chewing one piece of gum every 1 to 2 hours for the first 6 weeks, followed by one piece every 2 to 4 hours for 3 weeks, and then one piece every 4 to 8 hours for 3 weeks. If you have strong or frequent cravings, you may chew a second piece within one hour. To improve your chances of quitting smoking, chew at least 9 pieces of nicotine gum each day for the first 6 weeks.

Chew nicotine gum slowly until you can taste the nicotine or feel a slight tingling in your mouth. Then stop chewing and place (park) the chewing gum between your cheek and gum. When the tingling is almost gone (about 1 minute), start chewing again; repeat this procedure for about 30 minutes. Avoid eating and drinking for 15 minutes before and during chewing of nicotine gum.

Do not chew nicotine gum too fast, do not chew more than one piece of gum at a time, and do not chew one piece too soon after another. Chewing one piece of gum after another continuously may cause hiccups, heartburn, nausea, or other side effects.

Do not chew more than 24 pieces a day.

Americans see their primary care doctors less often than they did a decade ago. Adults under 65 made nearly 25% fewer visits to primary care providers in 2016 than they did in 2018, according to National Public Radio. In the same time period, the number of adults who went at least a year without visiting a primary care provider increased from 38% to 46%.

You should stop using nicotine gum after 12 weeks of use. If you still feel the need to use nicotine gum after 12 weeks, talk to your doctor.

🔔 What special precautions should I follow?

Before using nicotine gum,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: insulin; medications for asthma; medications for depression; medications for high blood pressure; and other medications to help you quit smoking.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a heart attack, heart disease, irregular heart rate, ulcers, diabetes, or high blood pressure not controlled by medication; if you are under 18 years of age; or if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.
• 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.
• do not smoke cigarettes or use other nicotine products while using nicotine gum because nicotine overdose can occur.

🔔 What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.