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 higher versus willpower alone.

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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 higher versus willpower alone.

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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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NICORETTE® products are available at local pharmacy stores or healthcare clinics.

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Combination Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is when you use a patch along with gum. It may be a therapy strategy that a healthcare professional would advise for a heavily dependent smoker and/or someone who has previously failed to quit with NRT. For further advice about combination or dual therapy, please consult your doctor.

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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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Most people use 8-12 gums in a day. Do not exceed 24 gums over 24 hours. If you plan to use the patch with an oral product, you should speak with your healthcare professional.

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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. If you’re a smoker who’s planning a family, or who’s pregnant or breastfeeding, you should know these facts about smoking and NRT.

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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 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.

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It’s not the nicotine, but the numerous toxins in cigarette smoke that cause the many smoking-related diseases, including cancer, chronic lung disease, and heart disease. Reducing your risk for developing these diseases is among the many benefits of quitting smoking.

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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 higher 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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