The Nicotine Lozenge is like a sore throat lozenge. Each lozenge gives you a small amount of nicotine, which helps you stop wanting to smoke. The lozenge is safe, and research shows using it doubles your chance of quitting. It does not require a doctor’s prescription.

Benefits of using the Nicotine Lozenge

• Reduces symptoms of nicotine withdrawal that can include headaches, irritability, and cravings to use tobacco
• You get to decide how many lozenges to use each day
• Can be combined with the nicotine patch to help reduce nicotine withdrawal
• Comes in different strengths depending on how much tobacco you smoke or chew

How to use it

• Allow the lozenge to slowly dissolve in your mouth.
• Do not chew, swallow, or suck on the lozenge.
• Move the lozenge from one side of the mouth to the other every few minutes. The lozenge should dissolve completely in about 30 minutes.
• Do not drink coffee, tea, juices, or colas when you have a lozenge in your mouth. The acid in these drinks will prevent your mouth from absorbing the nicotine.
• Most people use the lozenge for about 8 weeks. You can use it for a longer period of time if you need to.

How much should I use per day?

• You decide how much to use eachday.
• Start with 1 piece every 1 to 2 hours, but do not use more than 20 pieces per day

The Nicotine Lozenge comes in 2 different strengths:

• Start with the 2-mg lozenge if you have your first cigarette more than 30 minutes after waking
• Start with the 4-mg lozenge if you smoke within the first 30 minutes after waking

Before using the Nicotine Lozenge, let your doctor know if you:

• Have had a heart attack in the last 2 weeks
• Have had a stroke or TIA in the last 2 weeks
• Have a severe heart rhythm problem or a very fast heartbeat
• Have worsening angina or heart/chest pain
• Are pregnant or are actively trying to get pregnant

Cost

A day’s supply of nicotine lozenges costs less per day than a pack of cigarettes! Remember to check with your employer or health plan to see if they pay for all or part of the lozenge.

Common minor side effects: most of these go away after using the Nicotine Lozenge for a few days.

• Some people have an upset stomach from using the nicotine lozenge. This is usually because they are not using the lozenge correctly. Do not suck, chew, or swallow the nicotine lozenge, as it may upset your stomach.
• If you have a minor headache or upset stomach that does not go away after a few days of starting the lozenge, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

If you experience any of the following symptoms when using the Nicotine Lozenge, please contact your local pharmacist or your healthcare provider.

• Moderate to severe nausea or vomiting
• Severe headache
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Severe dizziness

Important: If you experience swelling of the throat or mouth with difficulty breathing, stop using the lozenge and seek immediate medical assistance. This may be a very rare, but very serious allergic reaction to something in the lozenge.