* Follow the instructions of your primary care provider for the proper dosage and use of the nicotine gum.
- Begin using nicotine gum after you stop smoking on your Quit Date.
a. Combination with nicotine patch or bupropion: use 1 piece of gum when you have a craving to smoke. Use up to 6-10 pieces per day.
b. Nicotine gum only (no other medicines to help you quit): use 1 piece of gum every 1-2 hours and more pieces as needed when you have a craving to smoke. Use up to 24 pieces per day. - "Bite & park:" Bite into 1 piece of gum a few times until you can taste the nicotine (a peppery taste) or feel a slight tingling in your mouth. Then stop and park the piece of gum between your cheek and gum. When the tingling/taste is gone, bite again and repeat for 30 minutes.
- Do not chew nicotine gum like regular gum - it can cause an upset stomach or heartburn.
- Do not eat or drink for 15 minutes before or after using nicotine gum. Also, do not eat or drink while using the gum. Avoid acidic drinks like coffee, juice, and soft drinks since they can reduce the absorption of nicotine.
- Only use 1 piece of gum at a time and wait for at least 30 minutes before using the next piece. Do not combine with regular chewing gum.
