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nicotine (gum, lozenge)
nicotine (gum, lozenge)
What is the most important information I should know about nicotine gum or lozenges?
What is the most important information I should know about nicotine gum or lozenges?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is nicotine?
What is nicotine?
Nicotine is the primary ingredient in tobacco products.
Nicotine gum and lozenges are medical products used to aid in smoking cessation in adults. Using a controlled amount of nicotine helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms when you quit smoking.
Nicotine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using nicotine gum or lozenges?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using nicotine gum or lozenges?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:
- heart disease, irregular heartbeats;
- a heart attack or stroke;
- untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
- diabetes;
- stomach ulcer;
- a seizure; or
- if you are on a low salt diet.
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant unless your doctor has told you to. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Smoking cigarettes during pregnancy can cause low birth weight, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Using a nicotine replacement product during pregnancy or while breast-feeding may be safer than smoking. However, you should try to stop smoking without using a nicotine replacement product if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Talk with your doctor about the best way for you to stop smoking.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Nicotine lozenges may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.
How should I take nicotine gum or lozenges?
How should I take nicotine gum or lozenges?
This medicine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include counseling, group support, and behavior changes. Your success will depend on your participation in all aspects of your smoking cessation program.
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Start using nicotine gum or lozenges on the same day you stop (quit) smoking or using tobacco products.
Your dose will depend on how many cigarettes you smoked daily before quitting. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
After removing the gum or lozenge, wrap it in paper and throw it away in a place where children and pets cannot reach it.
Do not use this medicine for longer than 12 weeks without the advice of your doctor.
Do not use more than one lozenge or piece of gum at a time. Do not use the gum and lozenges together at the same time.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Keep both used and unused gum and lozenges out of the reach of children or pets.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since nicotine is used as needed, you are not likely to miss a dose. Do not use more than 20 lozenges or 24 pieces of gum per day.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. The amount of nicotine in a used or unused lozenge or piece of gum can be fatal to a child who accidentally sucks or chews on it. Seek emergency medical attention if this happens.
Overdose symptoms may include severe dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and fast heart rate.
What should I avoid while using nicotine gum or lozenges?
What should I avoid while using nicotine gum or lozenges?
Do not eat or drink anything within 15 minutes before using the gum or lozenge or while the medicine is in your mouth.
What are the possible side effects of nicotine gum or lozenges?
What are the possible side effects of nicotine gum or lozenges?
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 this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest;
- blisters inside your mouth;
- problems with your teeth or jaw; or
- wheezing, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing.
Common side effects may include:
- dizziness;
- dry mouth, upset stomach, burping, or hiccups;
- mouth or throat soreness;
- changes in taste; or
- headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect nicotine gum or lozenges?
What other drugs will affect nicotine gum or lozenges?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using nicotine gum or lozenges with any other medications, especially:
- an antidepressant;
- asthma medication; or
- any other smoking cessation medicine (bupropion, varenicline, Chantix, Zyban, Wellbutrin).
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect nicotine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about nicotine gum or lozenges.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
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