Nicorette

Brand name:Nicorette
Pronounced: nick-oh-RET
Generic name: Nicotine polacrilex

What this drug is used for
Nicorette is a chewing gum that can help when you resolve to stop smoking. It is a nicotine replacement product that reduces withdrawal symptoms such as a craving for nicotine. To increase your odds of success, use it together with a support program and the encouragement of friends and family.

How should you use this medication?
Nicorette comes in 2- and 4-milligram strengths. If you smoke less than 25 cigarettes a day, use the 2-milligram strength. If you smoke more than that, use the 4-milligram variety. Stop smoking completely when you begin using Nicorette.

Do not eat or drink for 15 minutes before starting a piece of the gum, or while chewing it. To improve your chances of quitting, start off with at least 9 pieces of Nicorette a day. With each piece, follow these steps:

1. Chew the gum very slowly several times. Stop chewing when you notice a peppery taste or a slight tingling in your mouth. This usually happens after about 15 chews.
   
2. Park the piece of gum between your cheek and gum and leave it there.
   
3. When the peppery taste or tingle is almost gone (in about a minute), chew slowly a few more times. When the taste or tingle returns, stop again and park the gum in a different place in your mouth.
   
4. Repeat these steps until most of the nicotine is gone from the gum (the peppery taste or tingle will not return). This usually takes about half an hour. Then throw away the used gum.

If you develop strong cravings, you can use a second piece within the hour. However, chewing the gum constantly can cause hiccups and heartburn, and you should not chew more than 24 pieces a day. Cut back gradually, following this 12-week schedule:

Weeks 1 through 6: Chew 1 piece every 1 to 2 hours.
Weeks 7 through 9: Chew 1 piece every 2 to 4 hours.
Weeks 10 through 12: Chew 1 piece every 4 to 8 hours.
End of Week 12: Stop using the product. If you still crave cigarettes and feel you need Nicorette to control this feeling, talk to your doctor.

* STORAGE
Store below 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep away from light.

Do not take this medication if...
Unless your doctor approves, do not use this product if you have heart disease or an irregular heartbeat, or have recently had a heart attack. Nicotine can increase your heart rate.

Check with your doctor before using Nicorette if you have high blood pressure that is not being controlled with medication. Nicotine can raise blood pressure. Check, too, if you have a stomach ulcer or diabetes. Nicotine can cause stomach problems.

Special warnings about this medication
Stop using this product and see your doctor if you develop an irregular or pounding heartbeat, or have symptoms of nicotine overdose such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, and a rapid heartbeat. Also stop use and see your doctor if you have mouth, tooth, or jaw problems.

If you chew the gum too fast or don't chew correctly, it can cause hiccups, heartburn, and stomach problems. Other side effects of nicotine include headache, nausea, and dizziness.

Although Nicorette reduces nicotine withdrawal symptoms, you may still have brief episodes. The symptoms include edginess, trouble concentrating, upset stomach, headaches, muscle aches, constipation, fatigue, insomnia, and a worsened cough.

If you are under 18 and wish to stop smoking, talk to your doctor about using Nicorette gum. It can't be sold over-the-counter to those under 18.

If you are pregnant, try to stop smoking without using a nicotine replacement product. Although such products are thought to be less harmful than smoking, they can increase your baby's heart rate and may pose other risks. Use Nicorette while pregnant or breastfeeding only with your doctor's approval.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking these medications
Do not smoke and use Nicorette at the same time. Also avoid using chewing tobacco, snuff, nicotine patches, and other nicotine-containing products while using the gum.

If you take a prescription medicine for depression or asthma, make sure your doctor knows you are giving up smoking. Your medication dosage may need to be adjusted.

Do not use Nicorette if you must take insulin for diabetes. Check with your doctor before using Nicorette in conjunction with a non-nicotine stop-smoking drug such as Zyban.

Coffee, juice, wine, and soft drinks can reduce Nicorette's effectiveness.

Overdosage
* Symptoms of Nicorette overdose may include:
Weakness, diarrhea, vomiting

In a child, the product could even cause seizures. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.