Nicotine gum gives you a dose of nicotine as you chew. It also gives your mouth something to do instead of smoking. This can help you break the habit.
Nicotine gum is a fast-acting form of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). It can be used in combination with nicotine patches.
NRT combination treatment (using a fast and slow-acting product) is the best way to help you stop smoking. It is safe and recommended in Ireland's National Clinical Guideline on Stop Smoking Care.
You can get NRT for free through:
- our stop smoking advisors
- our Quitline on 1800 201 203
- your GP if you have a medical card
Choosing the strength of nicotine gum
You can get nicotine gum in 2 strengths:
- 4mg - use this if your first cigarette is within 30 minutes of waking and you smoke more than 20 a day
- 2mg - use this if your first cigarette is 30 minutes or more after waking and you smoke fewer than 20 a day
How to use nicotine gum
- Chew the nicotine gum slowly until the taste becomes strong or hot.
- Rest the nicotine gum between your cheek and your gum - this helps the nicotine get into your bloodstream.
- When the taste fades, repeat the process again.
Keep chewing and resting the nicotine gum until there's no taste after you chew. A piece of gum lasts around 30 minutes.
Use the gum as often as you need to, up to 15 pieces a day.
Stopping nicotine gum
Use the gum for up to 12 weeks. You can gradually stop using nicotine gum between weeks 10 and 12.
Try to:
- reduce the length of time you chew each piece
- reduce the number you chew each day
- cut the gum into smaller pieces
- swap the nicotine gum for ordinary sugar-free gum
If you’re finding it hard to stop using the gum, talk to your stop smoking advisor, pharmacist or GP.