How does it work?

This product is a type of medicine known as nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine is the addictive substance present in tobacco, and smokers who try to give up often experience unpleasant symptoms because of nicotine withdrawal. These symptoms  which include irritability, insomnia, difficulty concentrating and cigarette cravings  can often be too severe to bear, and make people start smoking again. This is where nicotine replacement therapy can help. Taking nicotine replacement helps reduce the withdrawal symptoms from stopping smoking without the dangerous effects of tobacco smoke. It will also reduce your urge to smoke and allow you to get on with breaking the habit of smoking. If you are physically addicted to nicotine, using nicotine replacement therapy has been shown to almost double your chances of successfully quitting smoking. Nicotine replacement products come in many forms. Nicotine patches are used to help prevent cravings for cigarettes, while nasal sprays, inhalators, chewing gum, tablets that dissolve under the tongue, and lozenges, are all forms that can be used instead of smoking when you get a cigarette craving. Using nicotine replacement therapy carries a small risk of maintaining your physical dependence on nicotine, but this is both less harmful and easier to break than dependence on smoking. To avoid becoming dependent on the nicotine replacement you gradually reduce the dose you are using over a period of 10-12 weeks. Nicotine gum is chewed to reduce the cravings for nicotine after you have stopped smoking, and help you break the smoking habit. It is available in two strengths. The 2mg gum is suitable for people who are less dependent on nicotine. This may be described as people who smoke less than 20 cigarettes a day, or whose first cigarette of the day is more than 30 minutes after waking. The 4mg gum provides a larger dose of nicotine for people who are more dependent on nicotine. This may be described as people who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day, or whose first cigarette is within 30 minutes of waking. The gum is not chewed like normal chewing gum. It should be chewed slowly, for about a minute, until the taste becomes strong, and then rested between the gum and the cheek. This is so the nicotine that has been released can be absorbed through the lining of the mouth. You should repeat this every time the taste fades, until the gum has lost its strength (after about half an hour). The number of pieces of gum you use each day will depend on how much you used to smoke and what strength your cigarettes were. You should not use more than is recommended on the packet. It is recommended that you use the gum for up to three months while you break the habit of smoking, and after this time gradually reduce the amount you are using. Treatment should be stopped when your daily consumption is down to one or two pieces a day. If you use 4mg gum, the 2mg gum will be useful when you taper down use. As well as breaking the physical addiction, you also need to break the smoking habits you used to have. Try to avoid situations where you will be tempted to smoke, and remember to seek help and support whenever you feel like giving in to your cravings.

What is it used for?

Relief of withdrawal symptoms associated with giving up smoking

Warning!

Do not exceed the stated dose.

Nicotine gum should be chewed in the special way explained in the instructions in the package leaflet. If you chew the gum continuously, the nicotine is released too quickly and may be swallowed. This can cause side effects such as throat and stomach irritation or hiccups.

Smokers who wear dentures may experience problems chewing nicotine gum. These people may find that other forms of nicotine replacement, such as nasal sprays, sublingual tablets or lozenges, are more suitable.

Do not smoke while using this medicine.

Avoid drinking coffee, soft drinks and acidic drinks for 15 minutes prior to chewing the gum, as these can reduce the amount of nicotine that is absorbed from the mouth.

Nicotine replacement therapy should not be used by children or adolescents under 18 years of age unless recommended by a doctor.

Use with caution in

Angina pectoris

Diabetes

Disease involving the blood vessels

Heart disease

Hyperthyroidism

Inflamed stomach lining (gastritis)

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

People who have had a heart attack in the last three months

People who suffer from indigestion

Peptic ulcer

Severely decreased kidney function

Severely decreased liver function

Tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)

Not to be used in

Non-smokers

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

Nicotine in any form should ideally not be used during pregnancy, as it has been shown to adversely affect the development of the baby, both in the womb and after birth. However, for women who are unable to give up smoking without a smoking cessation aid, this medicine may deliver less nicotine (and none of the other potentially disease-causing agents) than would be obtained from cigarettes. Pregnant women should discuss the risks and benefits of nicotine replacement therapies with their doctor, and only use this medicine on their advice.

Nicotine taken in any form passes into breast milk and is harmful to the nursing infant. However, for women who are unable to give up smoking without a smoking cessation aid, this medicine may deliver less nicotine (and none of the other potentially disease-causing agents) than would be obtained from cigarettes. Breastfeeding women should discuss the risks and benefits of nicotine replacement therapies with their doctor, and only use this medicine on their advice.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Heartburn

Nausea

Indigestion (dyspepsia)

Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)

Dizziness

Increased salivation

Inflammation of the lining of the mouth (stomatitis)

Hiccups

Throat irritation

Jaw ache

Sore mouth or throat

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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