What is this medication for?

This medication belongs to the family of medications known as nicotine replacement therapies. It is used to help people over 18 years of age quit smoking. When a person stops smoking, they go through withdrawal from nicotine which can cause symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, restlessness, trouble concentrating, and increased appetite. This medication helps reduce the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal by replacing some of the nicotine that the person no longer receives through cigarettes. Gradually, the dose is reduced until the person no longer craves nicotine, and they can stop using the medication.

You should not smoke and use nicotine lozenges at the same time. This medication works best when used with a comprehensive program to quit smoking.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

Nicotine Polacrilex by Perrigo is available as:

• lozenge/troche
• 2 mg
• 4 mg

How should I use this medication?

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to teach you how to use the nicotine lozenge effectively and to give you tips on quitting smoking. You will get the most benefit out of nicotine lozenges if you use them properly.

When you start to experience a cigarette craving, place the lozenge in your mouth and allow the lozenge to slowly dissolve (about 20 to 30 minutes). Minimize swallowing. Do not chew or swallow the lozenge. Occasionally move the lozenge from one side of your mouth to the other until completely dissolved.

It is recommended that you do not drink fluids 15 minutes before or while the lozenge is in your mouth since this may affect the ability of the medication to deliver nicotine. The dosage is individualized and depends on how much nicotine is needed to relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

If you smoke your first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking up, use the 4 mg nicotine lozenge. If you smoke your first cigarette more than 30 minutes after waking up, use the 2 mg nicotine lozenge.

For weeks 1 to 6, use one lozenge every 1 to 2 hours. For weeks 7 to 9, use one lozenge every 2 to 4 hours. For weeks 10 to 12, use one lozenge every 4 to 8 hours. To increase your chances of quitting, use at least 9 lozenges per day for the first 6 weeks. The maximum dose is 20 lozenges per day. Do not use more than 5 lozenges in 6 hours, and never use two lozenges at once. You should not use the nicotine lozenges for more than 12 weeks without consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

Who should NOT take this medication?

This medication should not be used by anyone who:

• continues to smoke or use other tobacco-containing products such as snuff or chewing tobacco
• has life-threatening arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
• have a condition affecting the jaw, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease
• have recently had a stroke
• have severe or worsening angina (chest pain)
• is a non-smoker or occasional smoker
• is allergic to nicotine, or any ingredients of the medication
• is using other nicotine products such as nicotine patches, lozenges, or inhalers
• just had a heart attack