Description
Indications
Nicorette Fresh Fruit is a fruit-flavored nicotine gum used to help quit smoking. It should be used with a smoking cessation program, which may include support groups, counseling, or behavior change techniques.
As a smoking cessation aid, Nicorette Fresh Fruit works by providing a controlled amount of nicotine that is slowly absorbed through the mouth’s lining. This helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms, including cravings, nervousness, irritability, headaches, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating. Moreover, it serves as a substitute oral activity to reduce the desire to smoke.
Uses and Dosage
Before using Nicorette Fresh Fruit for the first time and with every refill, thoroughly read the provided user guide for detailed instructions and important information. If you have any questions, seek guidance from your doctor or pharmacist.
Nicorette Fresh Fruit is available in two strengths, and the recommended dose is determined by the number of cigarettes smoked daily prior to quitting.
For those who smoke their first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking, the recommended gum dose is 4mg. If the first cigarette is smoked more than 30 minutes after waking, the recommended dose is 2mg.
Treatment with Nicorette Fresh Fruit usually begins on the chosen quit day and will last for 12 weeks.
For the first 6 weeks, start by chewing one piece of gum every 1-2 hours, then extend to every 2-4 hours for the next 3 weeks, and finally every 4-8 hours for another 3 weeks.
If cravings are intense, a second piece of gum can be used within an hour. Aim to chew at least 9 pieces of gum daily during the initial 6 weeks to enhance the likelihood of success.
For effective use of Nicorette Fresh Fruit, use the ‘chew and park’ method:
- Chew the gum slowly until you can taste the nicotine or feel a tingling sensation in your mouth.
- Stop chewing and park the gum between your cheek and gums.
- Once the tingling subsides, resume chewing.
- Repeat this process until most of the tingle is gone, typically around 30 minutes.
Avoid consuming food or beverages 15 minutes before or while using the gum.
For optimal outcomes, use Nicorette Fresh Fruit precisely as directed on the user guide or as directed by your doctor if this medication is prescribed.
Chew only one gum piece at a time. Refrain from chewing consecutively to minimize potential side effects such as hiccups, nausea, or heartburn. Furthermore, do not exceed 24 gum pieces in a day.
Complete the entire 12-week course of Nicorette Fresh Fruit. If, after finishing the treatment, you feel the need to continue using the medication as a preventive measure against smoking, consult with your doctor.
Do not suddenly stop this medication, as it may result in withdrawal symptoms. To minimize withdrawal effects, a gradual dose reduction is necessary.
If you have a history of prolonged or high-dose nicotine use, the likelihood of withdrawal increases. Notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly if you encounter withdrawal symptoms.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth, upset stomach, burping, or hiccups
- Soreness in the mouth or throat
- Alterations in taste
- Headache
Inform your healthcare provider if any of these common side effects persist or deteriorate.
Serious Side Effects
- Fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in the chest
- Blisters forming within the oral cavity
- Issues affecting the teeth or jaw
- Wheezing, constriction in the chest, difficulty in breathing
Cease the use of Nicorette Fresh Fruit and promptly notify your healthcare provider should any severe side effects manifest.
Allergic Reactions
Rarely, Nicorette Fresh Fruit may trigger severe allergic responses. If you notice any of the signs of a serious allergic reaction, seek immediate medical assistance:
- Hives
- Face, lips, tongue, or throat swelling
- Trouble breathing
This list does not include all potential side effects of Nicorette Fresh Fruit. If you observe any unlisted effects, inform your healthcare provider.
Cautions
Before using Nicorette Fresh Fruit, seek advice from a medical professional if you have any hypersensitivities, particularly to any of the ingredients in this gum.
Consult a medical professional before using Nicorette Fresh Fruit if you have any medical issues, especially if you have a history of:
- Blood vessel disease (e.g., Raynaud’s disease, stroke)
- Dental/jaw problems (e.g., bridges, temporomandibular joint disease – TMJ)
- Diabetes
- Heart disease (e.g., chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat)
- High blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Esophagus problems (e.g., esophagitis)
- Stomach or intestinal sores (peptic ulcers)
- Adrenal problems (pheochromocytoma)
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Seizures
Seek advice from a healthcare professional to evaluate the compatibility of Nicorette Fresh Fruit with other medications if you are taking any prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
Notify your healthcare providers and pharmacists about your smoking cessation, as quitting smoking may impact the liver’s metabolism of specific drugs, including:
- Acetaminophen
- Caffeine
- Insulin
- Oxazepam
- Pentazocine
- Propoxyphene
- Propranolol
- Theophylline
- Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline/imipramine)
- Diuretics (e.g., furosemide)
Refrain from smoking or using any other nicotine products while utilizing Nicorette Fresh Fruit to minimize the potential for nicotine overdose.
If you are pregnant, aim to quit smoking without resorting to a nicotine replacement product if feasible. If necessary, use Nicorette Fresh Fruit during pregnancy only when clearly required. Discuss with your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits.
The nicotine from Nicorette Fresh Fruit gum can transfer to breast milk and may have adverse effects on a nursing infant. Seek advice from your doctor before breastfeeding.
Dispose of used Nicorette Fresh Fruit by wrapping it in paper and properly discarding it away from children and pets. The used gum retains enough nicotine to pose a potential risk of illness to a child or pet.
