Questions about therapeutic nicotine products
Aren’t therapeutic nicotine products just as dangerous as cigarettes?
No. Patches, lozenges and gum have an excellent safety record and are much safer than smoking.
Cigarette smoke, on the other hand, is composed of over 4,000 chemicals including cyanide, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, radioactive substances and carcinogens - and it's these substances that make it deadly.
Aren’t nicotine-based quit smoking treatments addictive?
Nicabate® products are designed to provide a temporary source of therapeutic nicotine, to make adjusting to life without cigarettes more bearable. Used correctly, you should be nicotine-free by the end of the programme.
What effect does the nicotine in therapeutic nicotine products have on my body?
In non-smokers, dosing with therapeutic nicotine can cause nausea and vomiting but the use of therapeutic nicotine products by smokers trying to quit has an excellent safety record. The side effects associated with them are generally mild and may include a slightly sore/irritated throat for oral forms such as nicotine lozenges and redness/itching for nicotine patches. You should always read the information in the pack before you use a product. In the unlikely event that you experience unusual or severe side effects, contact a healthcare professional. If you have experienced a side effect please tell us about it by calling freephone 1800 028 533 and speak to one of our product support representatives.
Can I smoke whilst using therapeutic nicotine products?
If you think you can stop smoking straight away then you should. However, if you feel this is too big a step, then you may wish to try cutting down the amount of cigarettes you smoke as a first step before stopping completely. Nicabate® Gum, which contains therapeutic nicotine, can help. Click here to find out more.
Can I use both a patch and an oral aid (like lozenges or gum) simultaneously?
You should choose the product that suits you best, and follow the instructions carefully. Click here to find out the type that’s best for you. But if you feel you can’t give up by using one quit smoking aid alone, consult a healthcare professional for advice on finding extra support.
Will I get too much nicotine from a therapeutic nicotine product if I was previously smoking low nicotine cigarettes?
The nicotine levels on cigarette packs are highly misleading. Few people who change to low nicotine cigarettes substantially lower their exposure to tar and nicotine because they tend to smoke more of them and inhale deeper. However, if you used to smoke light cigarettes and experience excessive side effects from therapeutic nicotine products, you should consult a healthcare professional and move to a lower dose. In the unlikely event that you experience unusual or severe side effects, you should stop using the product and contact a healthcare professional. If you have experienced a side effect, please tell us about it by calling 1800 028 533 and speak to one of our product support representatives.
Do I need a prescription from a healthcare professional for therapeutic nicotine product such as patches, lozenges and gum?
No. You can buy them without prescription at most pharmacies and supermarkets.
Are therapeutic nicotine products suitable for pregnant women?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding it is best if you can give up smoking without using therapeutic nicotine. However, it is better to stop smoking using these products than to continue smoking. As with all medicines, if you are pregnant and want to use these products you should talk to a healthcare professional first.
Is there anyone who should not use nicotine-based quit smoking aids?
Yes, namely:
• Non-smokers
• People with an allergy to nicotine
• People under the age of 12
Also, people with certain conditions should consult their doctor before using therapeutic nicotine products. For example if:
• You have serious liver or kidney disease
• You have uncontrolled overactive thyroid gland or phaeochromocytoma
• You have stomach ulcers or other problems with your stomach or throat (oral formats only)
• You are pregnant or breast feeding
What do you mean by ‘healthcare professional?’
By the term ‘healthcare professional,’ we mean a doctor, nurse, smoking cessation advisor or a pharmacist
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