Nicotine chewing gum

In New Zealand there are a few brands of nicotine gum that you can buy from your pharmacy – Habitrol, Nicorette and Nicotrol. They are available in two strengths (2 mg and 4 mg) and a few different flavours. 

Habitrol is the funded brand, which means that it is available free from a stop-smoking service provider or at a subsidised cost from your pharmacy ($5 for a four week's supply, with the option of a free repeat). Learn more: How can I get NRT?

Nicotine gum is available in two strengths, 2 mg and 4 mg. For best results, make sure you start on the right dose. Your dose of gum depends on:

• how many cigarettes per day you are smoking and,
• how soon after waking you needed your first cigarette and,
• other NRT products you are using.

Your health care provider will advise you on the best dose for you.

• Use no more than one piece of gum every 1 to 2 hours for the first 6 weeks of your quit attempt. Try to think ahead about when you might get a craving for a cigarette, and then use a piece of gum before the craving happens. This is to ensure that your body gets enough nicotine to ease the withdrawal symptoms you may be feeling. 
• If you are using the gum with the nicotine patch, you should use the lower 2mg strength. You may not need to use the gum as frequently because you will use it when you get or expect a craving.

Nicotine gum is not like regular chewing gum. For the best results it is important to use it correctly.

• Place one piece of gum in your mouth and chew slowly until the taste becomes strong.
• Rest or park the gum between the gum and the cheek to absorb the nicotine.
• When the taste has faded, start chewing again.
• In total, chew for around 30 minutes then discard the gum. 

• Avoid acidic drinks such as coffee, fizzy drinks or fruit juice for 15 minutes before chewing the gum.
• Remove dentures before using the gum as the gum can stick to and damage dentures.
• After 3 months you may only need 1 to 2 pieces of gum per day; then you may be able to stop completely. For some people, this could take up to 6 months. 

Like all medicines, NRT can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them and serious side effects are very rare. Side effects may be similar to smoking withdrawal symptoms which should disappear within 4 weeks. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.