The nicotine pouch is a nicotine replacement therapy. It is used to help adults quit smoking and using tobacco.
The pouch is small and fits under your lip. When you use it, nicotine releases slowly into your body. This helps you manage your cravings.
Only use a nicotine pouch that is approved by Health Canada and sold at a pharmacy. You don’t need a prescription. Talk to your pharmacist to learn more about using nicotine pouches safely to help you quit smoking.
Nicotine is addictive. Using nicotine pouches can lead to nicotine addiction or dependence. Nicotine replacement therapies are
not for people who do not smoke and are not for people under 18 years.
Ingredients
A nicotine pouch does not have tobacco in it. One pouch has:
- 4 milligrams of short-acting nicotine (about the same amount of nicotine inhaled from 4 cigarettes)
- plant fibre
- mint or menthol flavouring
- sweeteners
Before use
Talk to your pharmacist to decide if the nicotine pouch is right for you and how much to use.
Mental health
Before using the pouch, tell your pharmacist about any depression, changes in mood, or other mental health concerns you have or had in the past.
Quitting smoking can make some mental health concerns like depression worse.
Medicines
Talk to your pharmacist about how quitting might affect other medicines you take.
When you stop smoking tobacco, it can
change the way your body responds to some medicines.
Past symptoms
Tell your pharmacist about any symptoms or concerns you had any other times you tried to quit tobacco, with or without medicines.
How to use
Read and follow the instructions that come with the pouch. Be sure you understand how to use the pouch and the side effects. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your pharmacist.
To use the nicotine pouch:
- Use 1 pouch at a time.
- Place 1 pouch under your upper lip.
- Leave the pouch under your lip for up to 60 minutes. After 60 minutes, the pouch is used up.
You may feel some tingling as the nicotine from the pouch goes into your body through the blood vessels in your mouth.
Avoid acidic drinks like coffee, juice, and soda pop 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after using the pouch. The acid can stop your body from absorbing the nicotine in the pouch.
Make sure you are using the pouch enough so you don’t have withdrawal symptoms that can happen if you stop smoking or using tobacco suddenly.
Do not use more than 15 pouches a day.
Side effects
Side effects of the nicotine pouch may include:
- irritation of your mouth, gums, or teeth
- stomach upset
- nausea
- light-headedness
- hiccups
If you have any of these side effects, you may not be using the pouch in the right way. Read the package instructions again, and talk to your pharmacist about how to use the pouch.
Too much nicotine
If you have any of the following symptoms after using the pouch,
stop using it and see a doctor, talk to your pharmacist, or call Health Link at 811 right away. These symptoms could mean you are getting too much nicotine:
- fast heartbeat
- nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) and vomiting (throwing up)
- dizziness or weakness
- fainting
- sweating
- blurry vision or trouble hearing
- confusion
- seizures
Weaning off the pouch
As you have fewer and less intense cravings to smoke or use tobacco, use fewer pouches a day.
When you are using only 1 or 2 pouches a day, stop using the pouch.
It can help to keep a few pouches to use if you have a strong craving to smoke or use tobacco.
Emergencies
Allergic reactions to nicotine pouches are very rare.
Call
911 if you have a severe allergic reaction, including:
- swelling in your mouth
- a tight feeling in your chest
- trouble breathing
Note: “Tobacco” refers to commercial tobacco products, like cigarettes sold in stores. It does not include the traditional tobacco used by First Nations and some Métis groups for ceremonial purposes and as a sacred medicine.
