Nicotine (NicoDerm, Nicorette, and others) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Who should not use nicotine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use nicotine.

• Commit
• Habitrol
• NicoDerm
• Nicorette
• Nicotine
• Nicotrol
• Thrive
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific nicotine products they stock.

What should I know about nicotine before using it?

There are multiple forms of nicotine available, and they are used in different ways. If nicotine was prescribed to you by a health care provider, use it as prescribed. If you are using over-the-counter (OTC) nicotine, read and follow the instructions that come with the product.

Do not share nicotine that was prescribed for you by a health care provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Make sure you understand how to use your nicotine product properly. Proper use can increase your chances of quitting smoking successfully and lower your risk of side effects. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

For the best chances of success, nicotine should be used as part of a program to help you stop smoking. Talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider if you need help finding one.

Nicotine can be addictive, even when it is used to help you stop smoking. You may be more likely to become dependent on nicotine nasal spray than other forms of nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches. Your chance of dependence may be higher if you use more nicotine than recommended or use it for longer than is recommended.

Keep nicotine out of the reach of children and pets. Even unused nicotine patches, chewed pieces of nicotine gum, and used nicotine nasal spray bottles may still have enough nicotine in them to harm a child or pet. Fold nicotine patches in half so the sticky sides are together and wrap used pieces of nicotine gum or lozenges in paper before throwing them away. Throw nicotine away in a place that children and pets are not able to get to. Ask your pharmacist or other health care provider if you are not sure how to throw away your nicotine product safely.

If you are using a nicotine patch and have trouble sleeping or vivid dreams, you can take the patch off before going to bed to see if that helps. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your health care provider.

If you are using a nicotine patch, stop using it and contact your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms where you applied the patch.

• Redness that lasts for four days or longer
• Swelling
• Rash

Do not cut the nicotine patch.

If you are using nicotine gum or lozenge, stop using it and contact your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Blisters in your mouth
• Severe sore throat
• Problems with your mouth, teeth, or jaw
• An upset stomach that does not go away

Do not chew or swallow nicotine lozenges.

If you are using nicotine nasal spray and have nasal irritation, it usually goes away over time. If you are still having problems with nasal irritation after a week of regular use, contact your health care provider. If you have a runny or stuffy nose or are using certain nasal sprays (such as oxymetazoline) for these symptoms, it may affect how nicotine nasal spray works. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns.

Use of nicotine nasal spray can lead to short-term symptoms such as sneezing or watery eyes. Wait five minutes after using it before driving. Be careful not to spray nicotine nasal spray into your eyes while using it.

What should I tell my health care provider before using nicotine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if nicotine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

• Heart problems, including heart disease, a recent heart attack, chest pain (angina), or an irregular heartbeat
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Peripheral vascular disease or Raynaud’s disease
• Thyroid problems
• Pheochromocytoma
• A stomach ulcer or esophagitis
• Diabetes, especially if you use insulin to manage your blood sugar
• Seizures
• Kidney or liver problems
• An allergy to tape (patches)
• Skin problems (patches)
• Phenylketonuria (some lozenges may contain phenylalanine)
• Asthma or wheezing (nasal spray)
• Sinus or nasal problems, including allergies (nasal spray)

Low-Sodium (Salt) Diet. Talk with your health care provider if you follow a low-sodium diet. Some nicotine gums or lozenges may contain sodium.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Nicotine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using nicotine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how nicotine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use nicotine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Nicotine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use nicotine while breastfeeding.