NICORETTE, 4MG, GUM

Common uses

This product contains nicotine, a substance present in cigarettes. Typically, it is used to help quit smoking.

How to use this medication

This pharmacologic treatment should be an integral part of a global treatment program that could include supportive psychological, educational or other measures.

To produce its effect, nicotine must be absorbed through the mucous membrane in the mouth, not swallowed with saliva. Therefore, nicotine gum should not be chewed in the same way as unmedicated gum. How to use it:

• Chew the gum slowly until the taste becomes strong and/or you feel a tingling sensation.
• Then, place the gum between your cheek and jaw and leave it there for about 1 minute, or until the taste fades.
• Resume chewing the gum until the taste becomes strong again.
• Place the gum back between the cheek and jaw, ideally in a different spot.
• Repeat these steps for about 30 minutes. By this time, all the nicotine will have been released and the gum will no longer have any flavour and/or no longer produce a tingling sensation.
• Dispose of the gum in a waste receptacle out of the reach of children. Do not swallow.
• Do not chew more than one piece of gum at a time.

Coffee, juice, and soft drinks make the mouth acidic, which impedes the absorption of nicotine through the mucous membrane. To maximize this product's effect, avoid eating or drinking during use and 15 minutes before use.

Generally, this medication is used only as needed. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed.

Possible side effects

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some side effects, notably:

• it may increase your appetite;
• it may cause headaches;
• it may cause dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving;
• it may cause hiccups;
• it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting;
• it may increase your heart rate.

Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing side effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Storage information

As with most medications, this product should be stored at room temperature. Store it in a secure location where it will not be exposed to excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed of safely.

General information

When meeting with any health professional, it is important for you to share the following information:

• Your medical history and allergies (medication, food, or other);
• If you're pregnant or want to become pregnant, or if you're breastfeeding;
• If you use tobacco or cannabis or its derivatives, or if you use recreational drugs;
• The names of all the medications you take, whether you take them regularly or once in a while, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and natural health products.

It is also strongly recommended that you keep an up-to-date list of all the medications you take and carry it with you at all times. This could be useful if you have to see a health professional or need emergency care.

Keep all your medications out of the reach of children and pets and return any unused or expired medications to the pharmacy for proper disposal.