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FAQs NICORETTE® Gum

FAQs NICORETTE® Gum

NicoretteGum

When shouldn't I use NICORETTE® Gum?

Do not use NICORETTE® Gum if:

  • Your mouth or throat is sore.
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • You are a non smoker.
  • You are allergic to nicotine or to any of the ingredients listed.
  • The expiry date printed on the carton has passed.
  • The packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
Can children use NICORETTE® ?

NICORETTE® is not recommended for children.
NICORETTE® Gum should only be given to people with the advice from a pharmacist.

What should I tell my pharmacist before I start using NICORETTE® ?

Let your pharmacist know if you have:

  • Any type of heart disease, including angina or recent heart attack
  • High blood pressure or any blood circulation disorder
  • Kidney disease
  • Stomach ulcer or pain
  • Hyperthyroidism (a disorder of the thyroid gland)
  • Diabetes
  • Phaeochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland)
  • If you are taking any other medicines.
  • If you have dentures, dental caps or partial bridges.
I have had dental work, can I use NICORETTE® Gum?

NICORETTE® Gum may stick to your dentures, dental caps or partial bridges and therefore may cause damage to your dental work. It is important that your dental work is kept clean. You should stop chewing NICORETTE® Gum if it is sticking to your dental work and discuss further use of NICORETTE® Gum with your doctor and dentist.

Can I eat and drink while chewing NICORETTE® Gum?

Do not chew NICORETTE® Gum when eating or drinking.



This causes excessive swallowing of nicotine, reducing the effectiveness of NICORETTE® . Do not drink acidic beverages, such as coffee or soft drinks, for 15 minutes before chewing as they can interfere with the absorption of nicotine.

Why is proper chewing so important?

NICORETTE® Gum releases nicotine into your saliva. This nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth and enters your bloodstream. Any nicotine that is swallowed in saliva is broken down in your stomach. It is therefore wasted.



So it is important to chew NICORETTE® Gum slowly so that the nicotine is released a little at a time and absorbed through the lining of the mouth.



If NICORETTE® Gum is chewed too quickly or for too long, a lot of saliva is produced and swallowed which reduces NICORETTE®'s ability to work effectively. Too much chewing may also produce an unpleasant strong taste, which is useful sign that you should slow down or stop chewing. Chewing too quickly may at first irritate the throat or cause hiccups or make you feel sick.



So remember that if the taste is too strong you are chewing too fast.

Which strength of NICORETTE® Gum should I use?

Usually, the 4mg strength is recommended if you smoke 20 or more cigarettes in a day or are a smoker who has not been able to quit smoking using the 2mg strength. Otherwise, you should use the 2mg strength.

How much NICORETTE® Gum should I use?

The amount of NICORETTE® Gum you chew each day depends on your former smoking habits. Usually, it is recommended that a piece of NICORETTE® Gum should be used when the urge to smoke is felt. Because nicotine is released from NICORETTE® Gum at a slower rather than from a cigarette, it is important that you do not try to delay chewing in the hope that the urge to smoke will go away. NICORETTE® needs extra time to work and be effective.



It is recommended that you do not chew more than twenty-four pieces in one day.

When and how should I stop using NICORETTE® Gum?

It is recommended that NICORETTE® Gum be used for 12 weeks to help you get over your psychological desire to smoke. After 12 weeks you should gradually reduce the number of pieces of NICORETTE® chewed per day. It should take another 4 weeks to reduce NICORETTE® down to 1-2 pieces per day. Don't be discouraged by this, it is all part of the smoking cessation process.



When you reach this stage you can call yourself an ex-smoker, but there is still the chance that you may lapse back to your smoking habit, so always carry some NICORETTE® Gum just in case you feel an urge to smoke.



The use of NICORETTE® Gum beyond one year is not recommended.

What should I do in case of an overdose of NICORETTE® Gum?

Overdosages can occur if many pieces of NICORETTE® Gum are chewed at the same time or rapidly one after the other. There is only a small risk of poisoning with nicotine because early nausea and vomiting are known to occur with excessive nicotine intake.

How should I store NICORETTE® Gum?

The expiry date of NICORETTE® Gum is on the label of the carton and on the foil of the bubble pack. Do not use NICORETTE® Gum if the expiry date has passed. Leave all the pieces in the bubble pack until immediately before use.



Store NICORETTE® Gum below 25 degrees Celsius. Exposure to temperatures greater than 25 degrees (e.g. if carried in a shirt pocket or stored in a car glove box for long periods) may cause deterioration of the Gum.

I am a diabetic, can I use NICORETTE® Gum?

Yes, NICORETTE® Gum is sugar free. Alternatively, you can use the NICORETTE® Inhaler.

How quickly will it take before I feel the effect of NICORETTE® Gum?

With NICORETTE® Gum and Microtab you should get relief from nicotine cravings within minutes. With the NICORETTE® Inhaler you can expect the same. With the NICORETTE® 16 Hour Patch the time is greater. But remember, it is worn until you go to bed. During this time the patch is slowly releasing nicotine to help relieve your cravings.