Drug Factsheets

 Health Home >> Medications 

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)

What side effects are possible with Nicorette Gum?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• bleeding gums
• burping
• gingivitis (inflamed gums)
• hiccups
• headache
• increased salivation
• irritated or inflamed tongue
• lightheadedness
• jaw ache
• mouth or throat soreness
• tongue discoloration
• upset stomach
• unusual taste in your mouth

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• chest pain
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• feelings of dependence on the medication or difficulty stopping the medication after your treatment is done
• fever with or without chills
• runny nose
• shortness of breath, tightness in chest, difficulty breathing, or wheezing
• skin rash, itching, or hives
• stomach upset that does not go away
• tearing of eyes

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat)

Symptoms of overdose

• abdominal or stomach pain
• cold sweat
• confusion
• convulsions (seizures)
• disturbed hearing and vision
• drooling
• extreme exhaustion
• pale skin
• rapid heartbeat
• tremor

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Nicorette Gum?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Medical conditions: If you have thyroid conditions, diabetes, stomach ulcers, heart disease, blood vessel disease, kidney disease, mouth or throat inflammation, or dental problems that might be made worse by chewing gum, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using nicotine gum, it may affect your baby. Do not breast-feed while you are using this medication.

Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for people under 18 years of age.

It is very important to keep this medication out of the reach of children as their sensitivity to nicotine is much higher than that of adults.

What other drugs could interact with Nicorette Gum?

There may be an interaction between nicotine chewing gum and any of the following:

• acetaminophen
• adenosine
• benzodiazepines (e.g., oxazepam)
• caffeine
• furosemide
• imipramine
• insulin
• labetalol
• peginterferon alfa-2b
• phenylephrine
• prazosin
• propranolol
• theophyllin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Previous | 1 | 2 |