Nicotine products

About Nicotine products

This belongs to the group of medicines known as smoking cessation aids.

The main components of tobacco smoke are nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide.

Nicotine is the ingredient in tobacco smoke which causes addiction. When inhaled, it causes relaxation, improved concentration, improved memory and a general feeling of well being. Giving up smoking can therefore cause withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety and difficulty concentrating.

Nicotine products are designed to help you give up smoking by gradually reducing your body's exposure to nicotine.

Nicotine products are available as chewing gum, sublingual (place under the tongue) tablets, lozenges, nasal spray, inhaler and patches.

It is also sometimes known as: Nicorette; Nicorette Nasal Spray; Nicotinell; Nicotinell TTS; Niquitin CQ. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using Nicotine products

Before using or taking any nicotine products make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from heart, liver, kidney or thyroid problems
• if you have problems with circulation or have ever suffered a stroke
• if you have recently suffered a serious head injury
• if you suffer from diabetes or phaeochromocytoma (a growth affecting the adrenal glands),
• if you suffer from or have ever suffered from a stomach ulcer
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use Nicotine products

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet before beginning treatment.
• Use nicotine products exactly as directed.
• If you are using the lozenges they should be placed in the mouth and allowed to dissolve (move the lozenge around from time to time), do not chew or swallow whole. Do not eat or drink while the lozenge is in the mouth.
• If you are using the sublingual form of nicotine products, the tablet should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve completely. Avoid swallowing until tablet is fully dissolved.
• Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has used an overdose of nicotine products contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Important: Do not smoke while you are using nicotine replacement products. Doing so will increase side effects.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside nicotine products.
• If you are using the nasal spray, do not use it whilst driving.
• If you are using the patches, never apply them to broken or infected skin.

Can Nicotine products cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome:

Feeling sick, dizziness, headache, cold and flu-like symptoms, a fast heartbeat, indigestion, hiccups, difficulty sleeping or muscle pain.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Nicotine products

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 14/02/2003