North Country Healthy Heart Network

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Nicotine Gum

MEDICATION Nicotine GumOver-the-Counter2mg, 4mg

Fresh Mint, Mint, Orange, and Original

PROS & CONSPros:
Easy, flexible dosing.
Extra help in tough situations.
Satisfies oral craving.

Cons:
Hiccups.
Not appropriate for denture-wearers or if heart attack in past 2 weeks. If pregnant or breast feeding only use with doctor’s consent.
No eating/drinking 15 minutes before or during use.
Must use often.

DOSAGEIf you smoke…more than 25 cigarettes per day:
Try the 4 mg gum.Less than 25 cigarettes per day:
Try the 2 mg gum.

Chew one piece every 1-2 hours.
Decrease as tolerated.

TIPSThe term “gum” is misleading. Nicotine gum is not chewed like regular gum. Chew until you feel a tingling sensation then park it between your cheek and gum.Once the tingling fades, chew again for about a minute and park the gum again.Hiccups can be a side-effect of using Nicotine Gum; especially if you forget and chew it like regular gum.
COST PER DAYName Brand: $ 6.25 – $ 7.00 /day
(about 10 pieces)Generic AvailableCovered by Medicaid & Medicare and other insurances with prescription.