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Nicorette Gum and Lozenges

Generic name: nicotine (gum, lozenge)NIK-oh-teen ]
Brand name: Nicorette
Drug class: Smoking cessation agents

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Aug 21, 2023.

What is Nicorette?

Nicorette gum and lozenges contain nicotine, the primary ingredient found in tobacco products.

Nicorette gum and lozenges are medical products used to aid in smoking cessation in adults. Using a controlled amount of nicotine helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms when you quit smoking.

Nicorette may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Do not use Nicorette if you are pregnant or breast-feeding unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not smoke or use other nicotine products (including snuff, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches, inhaler, or nasal spray) while you are using Nicorette gum or lozenges.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Nicorette if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, circulation problems, high blood pressure, history of stroke or heart attack, mouth or dental problems, jaw problems that make chewing difficult, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disorder, stomach ulcer, asthma or other breathing disorder, an adrenal gland tumor, or if you are on a low-salt diet.

Keep both used and unused Nicorette gum and lozenges out of the reach of children or pets. The amount of nicotine in a used or unused lozenge or piece of gum can be fatal to a child who accidentally sucks or chews on it.

Before taking this medicine

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use Nicorette if you have:

Do not use Nicorette if you are pregnant unless your doctor has told you to. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Nicotine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Nicorette if you are breast-feeding unless your doctor has told you to.

Smoking cigarettes during pregnancy can cause low birth weight, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Using a nicotine replacement product during pregnancy or while breast-feeding may be safer than smoking. However, you should try to stop smoking without using a nicotine replacement product if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Talk with your doctor about the best way for you to stop smoking.

Nicorette lozenges may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Do not give Nicorette to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.

How should I take Nicorette gum or lozenges?

Nicorette is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include counseling, group support, and behavior changes. Your success will depend on your participation in all aspects of your smoking cessation program.

Use Nicorette exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Nicorette comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Your dose will depend on how many cigarettes you smoked daily before quitting. Follow the guide in the patient instructions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Do not smoke or use other nicotine products (including snuff, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches, inhaler, or nasal spray). Using many forms of nicotine together can be dangerous.

To use Nicorette gum:

To use Nicorette lozenges:

After removing the gum or lozenge, wrap it in paper and throw it away in a place where children and pets cannot reach it.

Do not use Nicorette for longer than 12 weeks without the advice of your doctor.

Do not use more than one lozenge or piece of gum at a time. Do not use the gum and lozenges together at the same time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Keep both used and unused gum and lozenges out of the reach of children or pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Nicorette is used as needed, you are not likely to miss a dose. Do not use more than 20 lozenges or 24 pieces of gum per day.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. The amount of nicotine in a used or unused lozenge or piece of gum can be fatal to a child who accidentally sucks or chews on it. Seek emergency medical attention if this happens.

Overdose symptoms may include severe dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and fast heart rate.

What should I avoid while using Nicorette?

Do not eat or drink anything within 15 minutes before using the gum or lozenge or while the medicine is in your mouth.

Nicorette side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Nicorette: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Nicorette and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Nicorette side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Nicorette gum or lozenges?

Other drugs may interact with nicotine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Popular FAQ

Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can last for several months, although they are typically at their worst during the first week of quitting, especially the first 3 to 5 days. Even though physical cravings tend to subside within a few weeks, the mental and emotional effects associated with nicotine withdrawal may last months, and you may need some help from your doctor to get through these, particularly if you have a history of anxiety or depression. Continue reading

Generally, it takes 1 to 3 days after you stop using tobacco for nicotine to clear your blood system and up to 10 days for cotinine (the major breakdown product of nicotine) to be gone. This is an estimate because people process nicotine differently depending on their genetics and it also depends on how much you inhale and how much nicotine is in the cigarette. Continue reading

More FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Nicorette only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.