Drugs & Vitamins

Nicotine Gum Active Ingredients: Nicotine Gum Representative Names: Nicorette, Nicotine polacrilex What is nicotine chewing gum? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with nicotine? What side effects may I notice from using nicotine? What should I watch for while taking nicotine? Where can I keep my medicine? What is nicotine chewing gum? (Back to top) 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 prescription 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 I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) 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? (Back to top) 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? (Back to top) 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? (Back to top) •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 side effects may I notice from using nicotine? (Back to top) 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 What should I watch for while taking nicotine? (Back to top) 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. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) 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. Last Updated:11/08/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.