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Nicotine Gum
Nicotine Gum has nicotine in it and is a strong, potentially addicting medication. Follow instructions to avoid side effects and addiction.
How Do You Use this Medication?
You must stop using tobacco all together when you start using the gum.
When you want to smoke, chew 1 piece of nicotine gum—chew slowly to avoid ill effects.
Stop chewing when you get a peppery taste or feel a slight tingling—usually after 15 chews.
“Park” the gum by placing it between your cheek and gums.
Start chewing again slowly when the peppery taste or tingling is almost gone (about 1 minute).
Start this process again until most of the nicotine is gone from the gum (about 30 minutes).
Do not use more than 30 pieces of Nicorette or 20 pieces of Nicorette DS a day.
As your need to use smokeless tobacco goes away—usually within 2-3 months—use fewer pieces of gum.
Stop when you are using 1 or 2 pieces a day—unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Carry the gum with you at all times in case you feel the need to smoke again.
Side Effects
More common side effects may include: Bleeding gums, too much saliva, hiccups, indigestion, slight swelling of the mouth, injury to teeth or cheeks, nausea, upset stomach, and sore throat.
Less common or rare side effects may include: Diarrhea, dry mouth, swollen gums, tongue, or throat, mouth sores, muscle pain, rashes, and sweating.
If these rare or other symptoms develop or get stronger, inform your doctor at once.
Special Warnings About this Medication
Do not use the gum for more than 6 months: it can be harmful and addicting.
Chew the nicotine gum slowly and follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid side effects and addiction.
Do not eat or drink 15 minutes before or while chewing the gum.
If you develop an allergic reaction (hives or rash), stop using the gum and contact your doctor.
Before using nicotine gum, talk with your doctor about your medical history.
The gum may be harmful if taken with other drugs/medications. Even mild drugs such as caffeine and Tylenol can be harmful, so speak with your doctor about any problems.
Do not use the gum if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Overdose
Too much of any medication can have a serious outcome. Overdose may occur if you chew too many pieces of gum or if you smoke while you are using the gum.
Symptoms of nicotine gum overdose may include: stomach pain, fuzzy vision, cold sweat, diarrhea, trouble breathing, trouble hearing, dizziness, exhaustion, fainting, headache, low blood pressure, mental confusion, nausea, paleness, fast and irregular pulse, too much saliva, “the shakes”, and vomiting.