Information About the Nicotine Lozenge

Nicotine lozenges are sugar-free and come in cinnamon, fruit and mint flavors.

Because acidic foods and beverages can inhibit the absorption of the nicotine through the lining of the mouth, the manufacturer recommends waiting 15 minutes after eating before using a nicotine lozenge.

Do not smoke while using nicotine lozenges.

Nicotine Lozenge Brand Names

Brand names associated with the nicotine lozenge are Commit, Nicorette and Nicorette Mini Lozenge. All of these brands are made by GlaxoSmithKline.

Nicotine Lozenge Strengths

• The Nicorette/Commit lozenge is available in two strengths, 2mg and 4mg.


• The Nicorette mini lozenge is also available in 2mg and 4mg strengths, but is smaller in size and dissolves up to 3 times faster than regular Nicorette lozenges.

• 4mg nicotine lozenges if first cigarette is smoked within 30 minutes of waking
• 2mg nicotine lozenges if first cigarette is lit 30 minutes or more after waking

Nicotine lozenges are used as follows:

Weeks 1 - 6: Use one lozenge every 1 to 2 hours.

Weeks 7 - 9: Use one lozenge every 2 - 4 hours.

Weeks 10 - 12: Use one lozenge every 4 - 8 hours.

Do not use more than 5 lozenges in 6 hours or 20 lozenges in a 24 hour period. Quit using nicotine lozenges at the end of 12 weeks. Consult your doctor if you have trouble stopping.

• sore throat
• heartburn
• nausea/indigestion
• hiccups

If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

• irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations
• severe throat irritation
• mouth problems
• symptoms of nicotine overdose (see below)

Consult your doctor before starting nicotine lozenge therapy if you have:

• a heart condition or heart disease
• high blood pressure
• stomach ulcers
• diabetes

• You are pregnant. Smoking is harmful to the fetus so you should try to quit before you get pregnant, if possible.
• You are using prescription quit aids such as Chantix or Zyban or medications for depression or asthma. Dosages may need to be adjusted once you stop smoking. Share any vitamins and supplements you take as well.

Nicotine is poisonous, and lozenges may contain enough nicotine to harm children or pets. Store in a safe place and contact Poison Control services in your area in case of an overdose.

Signs of a nicotine overdose may include:

• dizziness
• upset stomach
• bad headaches
• vomiting
• cold sweats
• drooling
• confusion
• blurred vision
• hearing problems
• weakness or fainting

If you suspect you've had an overdose of nicotine, stop using the nicotine lozenge and call your doctor immediately.

Nicotine lozenges offer ex-smokers quick relief from cravings to smoke that are part of nicotine withdrawal.

Cons:

Nicotine lozenges are used on an as-needed basis and are similar to candy, both in taste and form. Because of this, the potential to abuse this quit aid is significant.

Please remember that the nicotine lozenge is a serious medication that must be used exactly as indicated. If you choose to use nicotine lozenges, carefully wean yourself off of them in the amount of time suggested.

The nicotine lozenge can help you quit smoking, but keep in mind that it is a quit aid, not a miracle worker. The magic for success with smoking cessation lies within you, not a product.

Work on developing your resolve to quit smoking one simple day at a time and be patient.

• Developing the Will to Quit Smoking

• Patience With the Process

• Smoking Cessation Support Forum

Time, determination and support will help you win this race. Believe that, believe in yourself, and be willing to do the work it takes to quit for as long as it takes. You'll find that you can quit smoking, just as others have.

_Sources:

_{National Institutes of Health. Nicotine Lozenges. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a606019.html Accessed September 2010.}

_{U.S. National Library of Medicine. NICORETTE (nicotine) lozenge. http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=17965 Accessed September 2010.}

_{GlaxoSmithKline. Nicotine Lozenges. http://www.nicorette.com/quit-smoking-products/nicorette-nicotine-lozenge.aspx Accessed September 2010.}

_{GlaxoSmithKline. Frequently Asked Questions About Nicorette. http://www.nicorette.com/faqs.aspx Accessed September 2010.}