Nicotine Gum

Nicotine replacement therapy, or NRT, is used as an aid to quit smoking. Nicotine gum is suitable for people who wish to control the dose of nicotine received by NRT. It should not be used for people with dentures.

How it Works

NRT chewing gum works by providing nicotine to the body to reduce tobacco withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. Nicotine is released by chewing the piece of nicotine gum and then absorbed through the buccal mucosa (inside cheek)

Which Strength to Choose

Nicotine replacement gum comes in two strengths, 2 mg and 4 mg. Smokers who have low to moderate dependency on nicotine should use the 2 mg gum. Smokers who have a high nicotine dependence should use the 4 mg gum. Check your nicotine dependence here.

How to Use

Before you start using any nicotine replacement therapy, you should stop smoking completely.

Avoid eating or drinking for 15 minutes before using the gum or while chewing a piece. Proper chewing technique essential, follow these steps:

1. Chew the gum slowly about 10 to 15 times until it tingles or there is bitter taste
2. Park the piece of gum between your cheek and upper gum
3. Hold the gum there until the tingling or taste subsides
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 until the tingle or taste is gone (about 30 minutes)

If the piece of gum is too bulky, you can cut the gum in half and use more frequently. Avoid excessive chewing as this stimulates saliva secretion, which when swallowed can cause heartburn.

How Often to Use

Nicotine gum and other nicotine replacement therapies are designed to be tapered down over 12 weeks. Here is a guide on when and how to taper down:

Week 1 to 6	Use 1 piece every 1 to 2 hours
Week 7 to 9	Use 1 piece every 2 to 4 hours
Week 10 to 12	Use 1 piece every 4 to 8 hours

Ways to taper down the dose of nicotine from nicotine gum:

1. use the nicotine gum less frequently throughout the day
2. substitute nicotine gum with normal sugar free chewing gum
3. cut the nicotine gum into smaller pieces

Cautions

While using nicotine gum, do not use more than 24 pieces of nicotine gum per day.

Stop using NRT chewing gum if you experience:

• irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• you get symptoms of nicotine overdose
• nausea
• vomiting
• dizziness
• weakness
• rapid heartbeat
• mouth, teeth or jaw problems