Tobacco Intervention Workbook Page 16
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20Medications to help you stop using tobacco
Nicotine gum:
• Nicorette (2 mg of nicotine)
• Nicorette Plus (4 mg of nicotine)
Nicotine chewing pieces or gum release a safe, small quantity of nicotine through the blood vessels
near the surface of your gums and cheek. It should not be chewed like chewing gum; instead, take
a few bites to release the nicotine and then park the gum in your cheek. Slowly turn it over for 30
minutes, then throw it away.
Most people use up to 20 pieces per day. It is recommended that you use the gum for 8 to 12 weeks
after you stop smoking, but some people find they need to use it for a longer period of time.
Many people don’t get the greatest benefit or have mild side effects because they don’t use the gum
properly. Make sure you read the instructions before using it. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or
you have had a heart attack in the past two weeks, have an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or serious
angina, you should consult a doctor before using nicotine gum.
Nicotine patches and gum may be used together for a short period of time to help heavy smokers
who have had trouble quitting with the patch or gum alone. Put on one patch each day (for example,
a 14 mg patch) and then use gum only when you experience a strong craving to smoke.
How to use the gum:
• Bite the gum once or twice.
• Park the gum between your gum and cheek.
• Do not chew the gum.
• Use the gum for a 30-minute period.
• Slow down if you start to feel uncomfortable. e.g. light-headed, sick to your stomach.
• Do not chew more than one piece of gum at a time.
• Do not chew more than one piece of gum an hour.
• Do not chew more than 20 pieces of gum a day.
• Wait 15 minutes after eating before using the gum.
• Wait 30 minutes after drinking coffee, tea, soft drinks, alcohol or orange juice to use the gum.
Not everyone needs to use medication to help them stop smoking. How much you smoke, what
your nicotine dependence level is and how many times you have tried to stop before can help you
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and your doctor or pharmacist decide if the gum is right for you. These products are available at any
pharmacy without a prescription.
It may be helpful for you to complete the Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependency Test on page 3 of this
booklet to help you and your pharmacist decide how to best use this product, if at all.
Nicotine Inhaler:
The nicotine inhaler is a device used to deliver a small amount of nicotine through the roof of the
mouth and the back of the throat.
The nictoine inhaler is available without a prescription at your local pharmacy. Please check with
the Pharmacist for appropriate dosing and use instructions.
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