Nicotine chewing gum

What is nicotine chewing gum?

NICOTINE (Nicorette®) helps people stop smoking. By replacing nicotine found in cigarettes, physical withdrawal effects are less severe. Nicotine chewing gum is most effective when used in combination with a supervised stop-smoking program. Nicotine gum is for use over short periods of time (not more than 6 months). Generic nicotine chewing gum is available.

NOTE: In some cases, Zyban® (also known as bupropion), a precription medication, is used together with nicotine to help people stop smoking. You should only use Zyban® with nicotine skin patches or nicotine gum if these have been prescribed by your healthcare prescriber. Ask your prescriber for information and advice before purchasing any non-prescription nicotine products if you are currently on Zyban®. The use of the two medicines together requires special observation by your prescriber.

What should my health care professional know before I use nicotine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• angina

• dental disease

• diabetes

• high blood pressure

• irregular heartbeat

• overactive thyroid

• pheochromocytoma

• previous heart attack

• sodium-restricted diet

• stomach problems or ulcers

• an unusual or allergic reaction to nicotine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Chew nicotine gum in the mouth. Do not swallow the gum. Follow carefully the directions that come with the chewing gum. Use exactly as directed. When you feel an urgent desire for a cigarette, chew one piece of gum slowly. Continue chewing until you taste the gum or feel a slight tingling in your mouth. Then, stop chewing and place the gum between your cheek and gum. Wait until the taste or tingling is almost gone then start chewing again. Continue chewing in this manner for about 30 minutes. Slow chewing helps reduce cravings and also helps reduce the chance for heartburn or other gastrointestinal side effects.

Do not use more than 30 pieces of gum a day. Too much gum can increase the risk of an overdose. As the urge to smoke gets less, gradually reduce the number of pieces each day over a period of 2 to 3 months. When you are only using 1 or 2 pieces a day, stop using the nicotine gum.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. Only use the chewing gum when you have a strong desire to smoke. Do not use more than one piece of gum at a time.

What drug(s) may interact with nicotine?

• bupropion

• insulin

• propoxyphene

• propranolol

• theophylline

• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking nicotine?

Always carry the nicotine gum with you. Do not smoke while you are using nicotine chewing gum.

If your mouth gets sore from chewing the gum, suck hard sugarless candy between pieces of gum to help relieve the soreness. Brush your teeth regularly to reduce mouth irritation. If you wear dentures, contact your prescriber or health care professional if the gum sticks to your dental work.

If you are a diabetic and you quit smoking, the effects of insulin may be increased and you may need to reduce your insulin dose. Check with your prescriber or health care professional about how you should adjust your insulin dose.

What side effects may I notice from using nicotine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• confusion

• damage to teeth or dental work

• dizziness

• fainting or lightheadedness

• fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations), chest pain

• headache

• hearing changes

• increased saliva

• nausea, vomiting

• seizures (convulsions)

• stomach pain

• vision changes

• weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• belching

• constipation or diarrhea

• flushing

• increased appetite

• irritability

• jaw ache

• joint or muscle ache

• sleep disturbance

• sore throat or mouth

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store nicotine in a safe place where children and pets cannot reach it, and be careful about throwing gum away. If a child chews or swallows nicotine gum, call your prescriber or health care professional or a poison control center at once.

Store below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). All nicotine products are sensitive to heat. Store in manufacturers packaging until ready to use. Protect from light. Throw away unused medicine after the expiration date.

Nicotine inhaler

What is nicotine inhaler?

NICOTINE (Nicotrol®) helps people stop smoking. By replacing nicotine found in cigarettes, physical withdrawal effects are less severe. Nicotine inhaler is most effective when used in combination with a supervised stop-smoking program. Nicotine inhaler is for use over short periods of time (not more than 3 months). Generic nicotine inhaler is not yet available.

NOTE: In some cases, Zyban® ( also known as bupropion), a precription medication, is used together with nicotine to help people stop smoking. You should only use Zyban® with nicotine if these have been prescribed by your healthcare prescriber. Ask your prescriber for information and advice before purchasing any non-prescription nicotine products if you are currently on Zyban®. The use of the two medicines together requires special observation by your prescriber.

What should my health care professional know before I use nicotine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• angina

• dental disease

• diabetes

• high blood pressure

• irregular heartbeat

• overactive thyroid

• pheochromocytoma

• previous heart attack

• sodium-restricted diet

• stomach problems or ulcers

• an unusual or allergic reaction to nicotine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

You should stop smoking completely before using the inhaler. Follow the directions carefully. Use exactly as directed. To avoid the risk of infections, do not use the inhaler for more than one person.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as your remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double doses.

What drug(s) may interact with nicotine?

• bupropion

• insulin

• propoxyphene

• propranolol

• theophylline

• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking nicotine?

Always carry the inhaler with you. Do not smoke while you are using the nicotine inhaler.

If you are a diabetic and you quit smoking, the effects of insulin may be increased and you may need to reduce your insulin dose. Check with your prescriber or health care professional about how you should adjust your insulin dose.

What side effects may I notice from using nicotine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• confusion

• dizziness

• fainting or lightheadedness

• fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations), chest pain

• headache

• hearing changes

• increased saliva

• nausea, vomiting

• rash

• seizures (convulsions)

• stomach pain

• swelling of hands or feet

• vision changes

• weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• dry mouth

• flushing

• hiccups

• irritability

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store the inhaler in a safe place where children and pets cannot reach it, and be careful about throwing the inhaler container away. If a child uses the nicotine inhaler, call your prescriber or health care professional or a poison control center at once.

Store below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). All nicotine products are sensitive to heat. Store in manufacturers packaging until ready to use. Protect from light. Throw away unused medicine after the expiration date.

Nicotine lozenge

What is nicotine lozenge?

NICOTINE (Commit®) helps people stop smoking. By replacing nicotine found in cigarettes, physical withdrawal effects are less severe. Nicotine lozenges are most effective when used in combination with a supervised stop-smoking program. Nicotine lozenge is for use over short periods of time (not more than 6 months). Generic nicotine lozenges are available.

NOTE: In some cases, Zyban® (also known as bupropion), a precription medication, is used together with nicotine to help people stop smoking. You should only use Zyban® with nicotine if these have been prescribed by your healthcare prescriber. Ask your prescriber for information and advice before purchasing any non-prescription nicotine products if you are currently on Zyban®. The use of the two medicines together requires special observation by your prescriber.

What should my health care professional know before I use nicotine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• angina

• dental disease

• diabetes

• high blood pressure

• irregular heartbeat

• overactive thyroid

• pheochromocytoma

• previous heart attack

• sodium-restricted diet

• stomach problems or ulcers

• an unusual or allergic reaction to nicotine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Place nicotine lozenge in the mouth. Suck on the lozenge until it is completely dissolved. Do not swallow the lozenge. Follow carefully the directions that come with the lozenge. Use exactly as directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with nicotine?

• bupropion

• insulin

• propoxyphene

• propranolol

• theophylline

• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking nicotine?

Always carry the nicotine lozenges with you. Do not smoke while you are using nicotine lozenges.

Brush your teeth regularly to reduce mouth irritation.

If you are a diabetic and you quit smoking, the effects of insulin may be increased and you may need to reduce your insulin dose. Check with your prescriber or health care professional about how you should adjust your insulin dose.

What side effects may I notice from using nicotine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• confusion

• damage to teeth or dental work

• dizziness

• fainting or lightheadedness

• fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations), chest pain

• headache

• hearing changes

• increased saliva

• nausea, vomiting

• seizures (convulsions)

• stomach pain

• vision changes

• weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation or diarrhea

• flushing

• increased appetite

• irritability

• joint or muscle ache

• sleep disturbance

• sore throat or mouth

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store nicotine in a safe place where children and pets cannot reach it. If a child eats a nicotine lozenge, call your prescriber or health care professional or a poison control center at once.

Store below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). All nicotine products are sensitive to heat. Store in manufacturers packaging until ready to use. Protect from light. Throw away unused medicine after the expiration date.

Nicotine nasal spray

What is nicotine nasal spray?

NICOTINE (Nicotrol® NS) helps people stop smoking. By replacing nicotine found in cigarettes, physical withdrawal effects are less severe. Nicotine nasal spray is most effective when used in combination with a supervised stop-smoking program. Nicotine nasal spray is for use over short periods of time (not more than 3 months). Generic nicotine nasal spray is not yet available.

NOTE: In some cases, Zyban® ( also known as bupropion), a precription medication, is used together with nicotine to help people stop smoking. You should only use Zyban® with nicotine if these have been prescribed by your healthcare prescriber. Ask your prescriber for information and advice before purchasing any non-prescription nicotine products if you are currently on Zyban®. The use of the two medicines together requires special observation by your prescriber.

What should my health care professional know before I use nicotine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• angina

• dental disease

• diabetes

• high blood pressure

• irregular heartbeat

• overactive thyroid

• pheochromocytoma

• previous heart attack

• sodium-restricted diet

• stomach problems or ulcers

• an unusual or allergic reaction to nicotine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

You should stop smoking completely before using the nasal spray. Follow the directions carefully. Use exactly as directed. Blow nose gently to clear nasal passages. Tilt head back slightly and administer the prescribed amount of nasal spray. Do not sniff, swallow, or inhale through the nose as the spray is being given. To avoid the risk of infections, do not use the container for more than one person.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as your remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double doses.

What drug(s) may interact with nicotine?

• bupropion

• insulin

• propoxyphene

• propranolol

• theophylline

• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking nicotine?

Always carry the nasal spray with you. Do not smoke while you are using nicotine nasal spray.

If you are a diabetic and you quit smoking, the effects of insulin may be increased and you may need to reduce your insulin dose. Check with your prescriber or health care professional about how you should adjust your insulin dose.

What side effects may I notice from using nicotine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• confusion

• dizziness

• fainting or lightheadedness

• fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations), chest pain

• headache

• hearing changes

• increased saliva

• nausea, vomiting

• rash

• seizures (convulsions)

• stomach pain

• swelling of hands or feet

• vision changes

• weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• dry mouth

• flushing

• hiccups

• irritability

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store nicotine in a safe place where children and pets cannot reach it, and be careful about throwing nasal spray container away. If a child ingests nicotine nasal spray, call your prescriber or health care professional or a poison control center at once.

Store below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). All nicotine products are sensitive to heat. Store in manufacturers packaging until ready to use. Protect from light. Throw away unused medicine after the expiration date.

Nicotine skin patches

What are nicotine skin patches?

NICOTINE (Nicotrol®, Prostep®, Habitrol®, Nicoderm®) helps people stop smoking. By replacing nicotine found in cigarettes, physical withdrawal effects are less severe. Nicotine patches are most effective when used in combination with a supervised stop-smoking program. Patches are most effective during the first six months of use. Do not use nicotine skin patches for more than 12 to 20 months, depending on your prescriber's advice. Generic nicotine skin patches are available.

NOTE: In some cases, Zyban® ( also known as bupropion), a precription medication, is used together with nicotine to help people stop smoking. You should only use Zyban® with nicotine skin patches or nicotine gum if these have been prescribed by your healthcare prescriber. Ask your prescriber for information and advice before purchasing any non-prescription nicotine products if you are currently on Zyban®. The use of the two medicines together requires special observation by your prescriber.

What should my health care professional know before I use nicotine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• angina

• asthma

• depression

• diabetes

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• irregular heartbeat

• overactive thyroid

• pheochromocytoma

• previous heart attack

• sodium-restricted diet

• stomach ulcers

• skin problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to nicotine, adhesives, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Nicotine patches are for use on the skin. Follow carefully the directions that come with the patches. Use exactly as directed. Find an area of skin on your upper arm, chest, or back that is clean, dry, greaseless, undamaged and hairless. Wash hands in water; do not use soap. Remove the patch from the sealed pouch. Do not try to cut or trim the patch. Using your palm, press the patch firmly in place for 10 seconds to make sure that there is good contact with your skin. Wash your hands with water only. Change the patch every day, keeping to a regular schedule. When you apply a new patch, use a new area of skin. Wait at least 1 week before using the same area again.

What if I miss a dose?

If you forget to replace a patch, use it as soon as you can. Only use one patch at a time and do not leave on the skin for longer than directed. If a patch falls off, you can replace it, but keep to your schedule and remove the patch at the right time.

What drug(s) may interact with nicotine?

• bupropion

• insulin

• propoxyphene

• propranolol

• theophylline

• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking nicotine?

Do not smoke, chew nicotine gum, or use snuff while you are using nicotine skin patches. This reduces the chance of a nicotine overdose.

You can keep the patch in place during swimming, bathing, and showering. If your patch falls off during these activities, replace it.

When you first apply the patch, your skin may itch or burn; this should soon go away. When you remove a patch, the skin may look red, but this should only last for a day. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you get a permanent skin rash.

If you are a diabetic and you quit smoking, the effects of insulin may be increased and you may need to reduce your insulin dose. Check with your prescriber or health care professional about how you should adjust your insulin dose.

If you are going to have a MRI procedure, let your MRI technician know about the use of these patches. Some drug patches contain an aluminized backing that can become heated when exposed to MRI and may cause burns. You may need to temporarily remove the patch during the MRI procedure.

What side effects may I notice from using nicotine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• confusion

• dizziness

• fainting or lightheadedness

• fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations), chest pain

• headache

• hearing changes

• increased saliva

• nausea, vomiting

• seizures (convulsions)

• skin redness that lasts more than 4 days

• skin rash or swelling

• stomach pain

• vision changes

• weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation or diarrhea

• flushing

• increased appetite

• irritability

• joint or muscle ache

• mild itching, burning, or tingling for the first hour after applying

• sleep disturbance

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store nicotine in a safe place where children and pets cannot reach it. When you remove a patch, fold with sticky sides together; put in an empty opened pouch and throw away.

Store below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). All nicotine products are sensitive to heat. Store in manufacturers packaging until ready to use. Protect from light. Throw away unused medicine after the expiration date.