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You chew nicotine gum as a way to help yourself quit using commercial tobacco. The gum has nicotine and feels and looks like chewing gum. When you chew the gum, the nicotine begins to slowly release into your mouth. Then you hold the gum in your mouth between your cheek and gums.
Here's how you use nicotine gum.
As the urge to smoke decreases, use fewer pieces of gum each day. When you are using only 1 or 2 pieces a day, stop using the gum completely. But you may want to keep some nicotine gum with you in case you face a strong temptation to smoke, which could cause you to relapse.
Avoid drinking beverages, especially acidic ones (such as coffee, juices, and soda pop), for 15 minutes before and after you chew. Your body may not absorb the nicotine well because of the acid in these drinks.
Using too little of the gum will result in withdrawal symptoms similar to those caused by suddenly stopping smoking.
You may be getting too much nicotine if you have:
If you have any of these after taking nicotine gum, stop using it and see a doctor right away.
Side effects of nicotine gum may include:
You may have these side effects if you do not use the gum the correct right way. Read and follow the instructions for how to use the gum. Call 911 if you have a severe allergic reaction, including swelling in your mouth, a tight feeling in your chest, or trouble breathing. Allergic reactions to nicotine gum are very rare. Talk to your pharmacist about how quitting might affect other medicines you take. Your body may respond to some medicines differently once you stop smoking tobacco. Some people have had suicidal thoughts when they try to quit smoking without medicines. Sometimes quitting smoking can lead to mental health problems you already have, like depression, getting worse. Before taking any quit-smoking treatment, tell your healthcare provider (doctor, pharmacist, or nurse) about:
You may have these side effects if you do not use the gum the correct right way. Read and follow the instructions for how to use the gum.Call 911 if you have a severe allergic reaction, including swelling in your mouth, a tight feeling in your chest, or trouble breathing. Allergic reactions to nicotine gum are very rare. Talk to your pharmacist about how quitting might affect other medicines you take. Your body may respond to some medicines differently once you stop smoking tobacco. Some people have had suicidal thoughts when they try to quit smoking without medicines. Sometimes quitting smoking can lead to mental health problems you already have, like depression, getting worse. Before taking any quit-smoking treatment, tell your healthcare provider (doctor, pharmacist, or nurse) about:
Adaptation Date: 6/14/2023
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Healthwise, Incorporated (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
