what is nicotine gum

Nicotine gum is a medication used to help people quit smoking cigarettes. It is a type of nicotine replacement therapy product that replaces the nicotine your body once got from smoking. Nicotine gum works by providing nicotine to your body to decrease the withdrawal symptoms experienced when quitting smoking. It is used by mouth as a chewing gum and should not be swallowed. Nicotine gum comes in two strengths (2 mg and 4 mg) and can be used regularly by chewing one piece of gum every 1 to 2 hours for the first 6 weeks, followed by one piece every 2 to 4 hours for 3 weeks, and then one piece every 4 to 8 hours for 3 weeks. To improve your chances of quitting smoking, chew at least 9 pieces of nicotine gum each day for the first 6 weeks. Nicotine gum can be used alone or in combination with other nicotine replacement therapy products, such as patches. It is important to follow the directions on the package label carefully and to ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.