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Nicorette Gum

(nicotine chewing gum)

In this factsheet:
• How does Nicorette Gum work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Nicorette Gum?
• What form(s) does Nicorette Gum come in?
• Who should NOT take Nicorette Gum?
• What side effects are possible with Nicorette Gum?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Nicorette Gum?
• What other drugs could interact with Nicorette Gum?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Nicorette Gum work? What will it do for me?

This medication belongs to the family of medications known as nicotine replacement therapies. It is used to help people over 18 years of age quit smoking. When a person stops smoking, they go through withdrawal from nicotine which can cause symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, restlessness, trouble concentrating, and increased appetite. This medication helps reduce the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal by replacing some of the nicotine that the person no longer receives through cigarettes. Gradually, the dose is reduced until the person no longer craves nicotine, and they can stop using the medication.

The nicotine gum can also be used during smoke-free periods where smoking is not permitted or desired. You should not smoke and chew nicotine gum at the same time. When total cessation is desired, this medication works best when used with a comprehensive program to quit smoking.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Nicorette Gum?

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to determine your level of nicotine dependence. They can teach you how to use the nicotine gum effectively and give you tips on quitting smoking. Nicotine dependence is measured using the Fagerstrom Nicotine Tolerance Scale. Initial treatment should be based on your level of nicotine dependence.

When you start to experience a cigarette craving, start chewing on one piece of gum. Proper use of the gum is important to receiving the most benefit from it. Do not chew the gum as you would ordinary chewing gum. Bite on the gum once or twice and then leave it between your cheek and gum. Repeat after 1 minute. Continue this for 30 minutes, then discard then gum. Repeat this process for every cigarette craving. It is recommended that you do not drink fluids while chewing the gum since this may affect the ability of the medication to deliver nicotine. The dosage is individualized and depends on how much nicotine is needed to relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

For the first 2 to 4 weeks of treatment, a higher dose (10 to 12 pieces of gum) is used, and then the dose is gradually reduced over the next 4 to 12 weeks. When you reach only 1 or 2 pieces per day, then the gum can be stopped. The maximum dose is 20 pieces per day. A 3-month treatment is what most people require, although some may require treatment for up to 6 months. You should not use the nicotine gum for more than 6 months without consulting with your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Nicorette Gum come in?

2 mg
Each off-white square contains nicotine 2 mg.
Nonmedicinal ingredients (fresh mint flavoured): acesulfame potassium, gum base, magnesium oxide, menthol, peppermint oil, sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate. Sweetened with xylitol. Contains sodium.
Nonmedicinal ingredients (ice mint flavoured): acacia, acesulfame potassium, gum base, magnesium oxide, menthol, peppermint oil, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, titanium dioxide and wax. Sweetened with xylitol. Contains sodium.
Nonmedicinal ingredients (fresh fruit flavoured): flavour, gum base, hypromellose, magnesium oxide, menthol, peppermint oil, polysorbate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sucralose, titanium dioxide and wax. Sweetened with xylitol. Contains sodium.

4 mg
Each yellow square contains nicotine 4 mg.
Nonmedicinal ingredients (fresh mint flavoured): acesulfame potassium, D&C Yellow No. 10, gum base, magnesium oxide, menthol, peppermint oil and sodium carbonate. Sweetened with xylitol. Contains sodium.
Nonmedicinal ingredients (ice mint flavoured): acacia, acesulfame potassium, D&C Yellow No. 10, gum base, magnesium oxide, menthol, peppermint oil, sodium carbonate, titanium dioxide and wax. Sweetened with xylitol. Contains sodium.
Nonmedicinal ingredients (fresh fruit flavoured): acacia, acesulfame potassium, D&C Yellow No. 10, flavour, gum base, magnesium oxide, menthol, peppermint oil, polysorbate, sodium carbonate, sucralose, titanium dioxide and wax. Sweetened with xylitol.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Nicorette Gum?

This medication should not be used by people who:

• are allergic to nicotine, or any ingredients of the transdermal system
• are non-smokers or occasional smokers
• are under 18 years of age
• are pregnant or breast-feeding
• have just had a heart attack
• have life-threatening arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm)
• have severe or worsening angina (chest pain)
• have recently had a stroke
• have a condition affecting the jaw, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease

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