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$Title{nicotine gum}
$Subject{Nicorette Merrell Dow stop smoking aid nicotine gum cessation
withdrawal irritability headache fatigue insomnia}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


nicotine gum
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Nicorette (Merrell Dow)

TYPE OF DRUG

     A "stop smoking" aid

INGREDIENT

     nicotine

DOSAGE FORM

     Chewing gum (2 mg)

STORAGE

     This medication should be kept in its original, child-resistant packaging
until it is ready to be chewed.

USES

     Nicotine gum is used as a temporary aid for smoking cessation programs.
It helps control the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal (irritability, headache,
fatigue, insomnia) and thus helps you to concentrate on overcoming the
psychological and social aspects of your smoking habit.

TREATMENT

     Use nicotine gum when you feel the urge to smoke.  Keep the gum with you
at all times.  Place it where you usually keep your cigarettes.  Whenever you
feel that you want to smoke, put one piece of gum into your mouth.  Chew the
gum very slowly, until you taste it or feel a slight tingling in your mouth.
As soon as you get the taste of the gum, stop chewing.  After the taste or
tingling is almost gone (after about one minute), chew slowly again until you
taste the gum.  Then stop chewing again.  The gum should be chewed slowly for
30 minutes to release most of the nicotine.  You should not expect the gum to
give you the same quick satisfaction that smoking does.  Do not drink
caffeine-containing beverages while chewing a piece of nicotine gum.
     Most people find that ten to 12 pieces of gum per day are enough to
control their urge to smoke.  Depending on your needs, you can adjust the rate
of chewing and the time between pieces.  Do not chew more than 30 pieces per
day (unless your doctor directs you to do so).
     The risk of smoking again is highest in the first few months, so it is
important that you follow your smoking cessation program and use nicotine gum
as directed during this period.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Because of its nicotine content, the gum does not taste like ordinary
chewing gum.  It has a peppery taste.  During the first several days of
chewing the nicotine gum, you may experience mouth sores, jaw muscle aches,
headaches, and increased salivation.  These side effects should disappear as
you continue to use the gum.
     If you chew the gum too fast, you may feel effects similar to those
experienced when people inhale a cigarette for the first time or when they
smoke too fast.  These effects include constipation, coughing, dizziness, dry
mouth, gas pains, hiccups, hoarseness, insomnia, light-headedness, nausea,
redness of the face, sneezing, stomach pain, stomach upset, throat and mouth
irritation, and vomiting.  Most of these side effects can be controlled by
chewing the gum more slowly.

     Major.

     If any of the side effects are persistent or particularly bothersome,
report them to your doctor.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about signs of too much nicotine (cold sweats, confusion, difficulty in
breathing, disturbed hearing or vision, faintness, marked weakness,
palpitations, or seizures).
     If you accidentlly swallow a piece of gum, you should not experience
adverse effects.  The nicotine is released by chewing and is absorbed
primarily in the mouth.

INTERACTIONS

     Smoking cessation, with or without nicotine gum, may affect blood levels
of certain medications (including aminophylline, caffeine, glutethimide,
imipramine, pentazocine, phenacetin, propoxyphene, and theophylline).
     Nicotine can reduce the diuretic effects of furosemide and lessen the
blood-pressure-lowering effects of beta blockers.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack or if you have
ever had heart palpitations or arrhythmias, angina, active temporomandibular
(jaw) joint disease, cardiovascular disease, endocrine (hormone) disease,
thyroid problems, pheochromocytoma, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure,
peptic ulcers, mouth or throat inflammation, or dental problems.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Nicotine (from the
gum or from cigarette smoke) can cause fetal harm.  Also, tell your doctor if
you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of nicotine can pass into
breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.