Nicorette gum how many cigarettes

Seventy-four percent of Americans who smoke say they would like to give it up , and 67 percent of smokers believe they are addicted to cigarettes, according to a Gallup poll. Although quitting can be a challenge , there are a number of methods that have been proven to help, including medication and counseling. Many people who want to stop smoking turn to nicotine gum, which research shows can be helpful for smokers who are trying to quit but are struggling with nicotine withdrawal.

It was the first nicotine replacement therapy to be approved for over-the-counter sale by the U. Food and Drug Administration, which gave it the nod back in February , months before nicotine patches were approved for non-prescription use. Nicotine gum is available under the brand names Nicorette and Nicorette DS. Generic forms of nicotine polacrilex gum are available, under names such as Habitrol , Nicotrol , and Prostep.

Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. How to Use Nicotine Gum. The nicotine gum is an FDA-approved medicine that can help people quit smoking. It can be used every 2 hours by itself to control withdrawal symptoms, or it may be used as needed for stronger cravings when used in combination with nicotine patch. Menu Icon. For Healthcare Professionals. Do not chew more than 24 pieces a day.

Did you know? Related Articles. Follow us. All fields required. Nicorette Home. The nicotine from the gum makes its way into your system through the blood vessels that line your mouth. If you chew the gum without parking it, the nicotine will be released directly into the saliva in your mouth and you will swallow it. This may cause a stomachache, hiccups, or heartburn. Also, it may take longer for the nicotine to get into your bloodstream.

Other tips for using nicotine gum Avoid drinking beverages, especially acidic ones such as coffee, juices, and soda pop , for 15 minutes before and after you chew. Your body may not absorb the nicotine well because of the acid in these drinks. Follow the written instructions that come with the gum for how many pieces you can use per day.

Most people use 10 to 15 pieces a day. Do not chew more than 30 pieces of the 2 mg gum or 20 pieces of the 4 mg gum a day. Consider using the other materials provided with the nicotine gum. These can help you change your smoking behavior. Avoid the common mistakes of chewing too little gum or stopping use too early. Using too little of the gum will result in withdrawal symptoms similar to those caused by abruptly stopping smoking.