Brand Names: Commit, Commit Cappuccino, Commit Cherry, Leader Nicotine Polacrilex, Nicorelief, Nicorette, Nicorette Cherry, Nicorette Cinnamon Surge, Nicorette Fruit Chill, Nicorette Mini, Nicorette Mint, Nicorette White Ice Mint, Thrive

Generic Name: nicotine (gum, lozenge) (Pronunciation: NIK oh teen)

• What is nicotine (Nicotrol)?
• What are the possible side effects of nicotine gum or lozenges?
• What is the most important information I should know about nicotine gum or lozenges?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using nicotine gum or lozenges?
• How should I take nicotine gum or lozenges?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while using nicotine gum or lozenges?
• What other drugs will affect nicotine gum or lozenges?
• Where can I get more information?

What is nicotine (Nicotrol)?

Nicotine is the primary ingredient in tobacco products.

Nicotine gum and lozenges are medical products used to aid in smoking cessation in adults. Using a controlled amount of nicotine helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms when you quit smoking.

Nicotine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of nicotine gum or lozenges?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• blisters inside your mouth;
• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest;
• extreme weakness or dizziness;
• severe nausea and vomiting; or
• bronchospasm (wheezing, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild dizziness;
• dry mouth, upset stomach, burping, or hiccups;
• muscle or joint pain;
• mouth or throat soreness;
• changes in taste; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Nicotrol (nicotine inhalation system) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about nicotine gum or lozenges?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using nicotine gum or lozenges if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, circulation problems, high blood pressure, history of stroke or heart attack, mouth or dental problems, jaw problems that make chewing difficult, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disorder, stomach ulcer, asthma or other breathing disorder, an adrenal gland tumor, or if you are on a low-salt diet.

Do not use nicotine gum or lozenges for longer than 12 weeks without the advice of your doctor.

Keep both used and unused gum and lozenges out of the reach of children or pets. The amount of nicotine in a used or unused lozenge or piece of gum can be fatal to a child who accidentally sucks or chews on it.