Frequently Asked Questions

More than 130 clinical studies confirm the efficacy and safety of NICORETTE Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
By using our products, your chance of successfully quitting smoking is doubled versus willpower alone*
* Results vs. placebo in a 52-week clinical study on heavy smokers. Heavy smokers are defined as those smoking 15 or more cigarettes in a 24-hr period. Reference: Tonnesen P, et al. Eur Respir J 1999; 13:238-246. Individual results vary.

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The nicotine in Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products, like NICORETTE, is absorbed through the skin or the saliva. As a result, nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms are alleviated. NICORETTE helps you control your desire to smoke so that you can gradually reduce your nicotine intake and wean your body from nicotine. Therefore, NICORETTE makes it easier for you to quit smoking.
By using our products, your chance of successfully quitting smoking is doubled versus willpower alone*
* Results vs. placebo in a 52-week clinical study on heavy smokers. Heavy smokers are defined as those smoking 15 or more cigarettes in a 24-hr period. Reference: Tonnesen P, et al. Eur Respir J 1999; 13:238-246. Individual results vary.

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If you’re used to getting nicotine via cigarettes, this scratchy sensation is not uncommon. When you smoke cigarettes, the nicotine is absorbed through your lungs. When you use NICORETTE products, you absorb nicotine through your saliva. Since it’s a new way of absorbing nicotine, it can lead to irritation of your pharynx. After some time, the scratchy sensation should subside.

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Avoid stopping the programme before 12 or 16 weeks, as your body may still be craving nicotine. The 16 week programme gradually steps you down from your nicotine addiction. Quitters are individual so speak with your pharmacist if you have any questions. Without any Nicotine Replacement Therapy, the temptation to smoke may be hard to resist if you don't complete the programme. The dosage is a guide only. The dose is individual and depends on how much nicotine you need to reduce the withdrawal symptoms.

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Yes, you can use NICORETTE products if you’re diabetic. However, you should monitor your blood sugar levels more often when starting to use Nicorette, as you may find your insulin or medication requirements alter. Our products are sugar free (do not contain sucrose) and contain sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium (also known as acesulfame K). Please speak with your healthcare professional for more information.  

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Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medicines such as theophylline, clozapine, ropinirole, tacrine, insulin, imipramine, olanzapine, clomipramine, fluvoxamine, flecainide or pentazocine.

Also note that when you stop smoking, medicines which you are taking – even those you buy without a prescription – may work differently in your body. It is best to consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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It is not recommended since nicotine can have harmful effects on the fetus. If you’re pregnant, please consult your doctor. Only after a careful benefit-risk assessment by your doctor and with his or her recommendation, would using Nicorette be allowed.

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No, NICORETTE^® Gum is sugar-free and doesn’t promote tooth decay. Using the gum regularly also does not increase calories.

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You can leave the NICORETTE® Patch on when you have a short shower or bath, or when you are in the sun.

You should remove the NICORETTE^® Patch for all sporting activities in which you sweat heavily, your heart rate is greatly increased, and/or your body temperature rises.

You should also remove the NICORETTE^® Patch before going for an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to prevent the risk of burns.

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It’s not the nicotine, but the numerous toxins in cigarette smoke that cause the many smoking-related diseases. NICORETTE^® contains nicotine in controlled doses - just enough to relieve your cravings, but sparing you the damaging tar and carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke, which are the primary causes of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

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The nicotine found in a cigarette is responsible for the dependence. Your body gets used to smoking and keeping a constant level of nicotine in the blood. Whenever the intake stops your body experiences withdrawal symptoms. With Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), like NICORETTE, your body receives a dose of medical nicotine through your skin (with the patch), or via your saliva (with the gum). Therefore, the physical craving for a cigarette is satisfied. However, NRT doesn’t create the intoxicating effect or the "kick" that tobacco triggers. NICORETTE helps you control your desire to smoke so that you can gradually reduce your nicotine intake and wean your body from nicotine. By using our products, your chance of successfully quitting smoking is doubled versus willpower alone.

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In small amounts, nicotine is not toxic for a smoker. Smokers are accustomed to a high dose of nicotine so overdosing with NICORETTE is not expected. However, non-smokers may feel nauseous if they try our products. For children, nicotine can have extremely harmful effects. All Nicorette products always should be kept out of children’s reach.

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No, yellowish discoloration of fingers and teeth is caused by the tar in cigarette smoke.

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