nicotine

So You Decided To Quit.

Congratulations. Your decision to stop smoking is an important one. That’s why you’ve made the right choice in choosing Nicotine Polacrilex Gum. Your own chances of quitting smoking depend on how much you want to quit, how strongly you are addicted to tobacco, and how closely you follow a quitting program like the one that comes with Nicotine Polacrilex Gum.

Quitting Smoking Is Hard!

If you’ve tried to quit before and haven’t succeeded, don’t be discouraged! Quitting isn’t easy. It takes time, and most people try a few times before they are successful. The important thing is to try again until you succeed. This User’s Guide will give you support as you become a nonsmoker. It will answer common questions about Nicotine Polacrilex Gum and give tips to help you stop smoking, and should be referred to often.

Where To Get Help.

You are more likely to stop smoking by using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum with a support program that helps you break your smoking habit. There may be support groups in your area for people trying to quit. Call your local chapter of the American Lung Association, American Cancer Society or American Heart Association for further information. Toll free phone numbers are printed on the Wallet Card on the back cover of this User’s Guide. (For Booklet Only)

You are more likely to stop smoking by using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum with a support program that helps you break your smoking habit. There may be support groups in your area for people trying to quit. Call your local chapter of the American Lung Association, American Cancer Society or American Heart Association for further information. Toll free phone numbers are printed on the Wallet Card on the bottom of this User’s Guide. (For Leaflet Only)

If you find you cannot stop smoking or if you start smoking again after using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum, remember breaking this addiction doesn’t happen overnight. You may want to talk to a health care professional who can help you improve your chances of quitting the next time you try Nicotine Polacrilex Gum or another method.

Let’s Get Organized.

Your reason for quitting may be a combination of concerns about health, the effect of smoking on your appearance, and pressure from your family and friends to stop smoking. Or maybe you’re concerned about the dangerous effect of secondhand smoke on the people you care about. All of these are good reasons. You probably have others. Decide your most important reasons, and write them down on the wallet card inside the back cover of this User’s Guide. Carry this card with you. In difficult moments, when you want to smoke, the card will remind you why you are quitting. (For Booklet Only)

Your reason for quitting may be a combination of concerns about health, the effect of smoking on your appearance, and pressure from your family and friends to stop smoking. Or maybe you’re concerned about the dangerous effect of secondhand smoke on the people you care about. All of these are good reasons. You probably have others. Decide your most important reasons, and write them down on the wallet card on the back of this User’s Guide. Carry this card with you. In difficult moments, when you want to smoke, the card will remind you why you are quitting. (For Leaflet Only)

What You’re Up Against.

Smoking is addictive in two ways. Your need for nicotine has become both physical and mental. You must overcome both addictions to stop smoking. So while Nicotine Polacrilex Gum will lessen your body's physical addiction to nicotine, you've got to want to quit smoking to overcome the mental dependence on cigarettes. Once you’ve decided that you're going to quit, it’s time to get started. But first, there are some important warnings you should consider.

Some Important Warnings.

This product is only for those who want to stop smoking.

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, only use this medicine on the advice of your health care provider. Smoking can seriously harm your child. Try to stop smoking without using any nicotine replacement medicine. This medicine is believed to be safer than smoking. However, the risks to your child from this medicine are not fully known.

Do not use

• •if you continue to smoke, chew tobacco, use snuff, or use a nicotine patch or other nicotine containing products.

Ask a doctor before use if you have

• •a sodium-restricted diet
• •heart disease, recent heart attack, or irregular heartbeat. Nicotine can increase your heart rate.
• •high blood pressure not controlled with medication. Nicotine can increase your blood pressure.
• •stomach ulcer or diabetes

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are

• •using a non-nicotine stop smoking drug
• •taking a prescription medicine for depression or asthma. Your prescription dose may need to be adjusted.

Stop use and ask a doctor if

• •mouth, teeth or jaw problems occur
• •irregular heartbeat or palpitations occur
• •you get symptoms of nicotine overdose such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, weakness and rapid heartbeat
• •oral blistering occurs (for cinnamon flavor)
• •you have symptoms of an allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing or rash)

Keep out of reach of children and pets. Pieces of nicotine gum may have enough nicotine to make children and pets sick. Wrap used pieces of gum in paper and throw away in the trash. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).

Let's Get Started.

Becoming a nonsmoker starts today. First, check that you bought the right starting dose. If you smoke your first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking up, use Nicotine Polacrilex Gum, 4 mg. If you smoke your first cigarette more than 30 minutes after waking up, use Nicotine Polacrilex Gum, 2 mg. Next, read through the entire User’s Guide carefully. Then, set your personalized quitting schedule. Take out a calendar that you can use to track your progress, and identify four dates, using the stickers in the center of this User’s Guide: (For Booklet Only)

Becoming a nonsmoker starts today. First, check that you bought the right starting dose. If you smoke your first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking up, use Nicotine Polacrilex Gum, 4 mg. If you smoke your first cigarette more than 30 minutes after waking up, use Nicotine Polacrilex Gum, 2 mg. Next, read through the entire User’s Guide carefully. Then, set your personalized quitting schedule. Take out a calendar that you can use to track your progress, and identify four dates, using the reminders on the back side of this leaflet: (For Leaflet Only)

STEP 1. (Weeks 1-6). Your quit date (and the day you'll start using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum).

Choose your quit date (it should be soon). This is the day you will quit smoking cigarettes entirely and begin using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum to satisfy your cravings for nicotine. For the first six weeks, you’ll use a piece of Nicotine Polacrilex Gum every hour or two. Be sure to follow the directions starting on pages 9 and 10. Place the Step 1 sticker on this date. (For Booklet Only)

STEP 1. (Weeks 1-6). Your quit date (and the day you'll start using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum).

Choose your quit date (it should be soon). This is the day you will quit smoking cigarettes entirely and begin using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum to satisfy your cravings for nicotine. For the first six weeks, you’ll use a piece of Nicotine Polacrilex Gum every hour or two. Be sure to read the How To Use Nicotine Polacrilex Gum section. Place the Step 1 reminder on this date. (For Leaflet Only)

STEP 2. (Weeks 7-9). The day you’ll start reducing your use of Nicotine Polacrilex Gum.

After six weeks, you’ll begin gradually reducing your Nicotine Polacrilex Gum usage to one piece every two to four hours. Place the Step 2 sticker on this date (the first day of week seven). (For Booklet Only)

STEP 2. (Weeks 7-9). The day you’ll start reducing your use of Nicotine Polacrilex Gum.

After six weeks, you’ll begin gradually reducing your Nicotine Polacrilex Gum usage to one piece every two to four hours. Place the Step 2 reminder on this date (the first day of week seven). (For Leaflet Only)

STEP 3. (Weeks 10-12). The day you’ll further reduce your use of Nicotine Polacrilex Gum.

Nine weeks after you begin using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum, you will further reduce your nicotine intake by using one piece every four to eight hours. Place the Step 3 sticker on this date (the first day of week ten). For the next three weeks, you’ll use a piece of Nicotine Polacrilex Gum every four to eight hours. (For Booklet Only)

STEP 3. (Weeks 10-12). The day you’ll further reduce your use of Nicotine Polacrilex Gum.

Nine weeks after you begin using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum, you will further reduce your nicotine intake by using one piece every four to eight hours. Place the Step 3 reminder on this date (the first day of week ten). For the next three weeks, you’ll use a piece of Nicotine Polacrilex Gum every four to eight hours. (For Leaflet Only)

End of treatment: The day you’ll complete Nicotine Polacrilex Gum therapy.

Nicotine Polacrilex Gum should not be used for longer than twelve weeks. Identify the date thirteen weeks after the date you chose in Step 1, and place the "EX-SMOKER" sticker on your calendar. (For Booklet Only)

End of treatment: The day you’ll complete Nicotine Polacrilex Gum therapy.

Nicotine Polacrilex Gum should not be used for longer than twelve weeks. Identify the date thirteen weeks after the date you chose in Step 1, and place the "EX-SMOKER" reminder on your calendar. (For Leaflet Only)

Plan Ahead.

Because smoking is an addiction, it is not easy to stop. After you’ve given up cigarettes, you will still have a strong urge to smoke. Plan ahead NOW for these times, so you’re not defeated in a moment of weakness. The following tips may help:

• •Keep the phone numbers of supportive friends and family members handy.
• •Keep a record of your quitting process. Track the number of Nicotine Polacrilex Gum pieces you use each day, and whether you feel a craving for cigarettes. In the event that you slip, immediately stop smoking and resume your quit attempt with the Nicotine Polacrilex Gum program.
• •Put together an Emergency Kit that includes items that will help take your mind off occasional urges to smoke. Include cinnamon gum or lemon drops to suck on, a relaxing CD, and something for your hands to play with, like a smooth rock, rubber band, or small metal balls.
• •Set aside some small rewards, like a new magazine or a gift certificate from your favorite store, which you’ll “give” yourself after passing difficult hurdles.
• •Think now about the times when you most often want a cigarette, and then plan what else you might do instead of smoking. For instance, you might plan to take your coffee break in a new location, or take a walk right after dinner, so you won’t be tempted to smoke.

How Nicotine Polacrilex Gum Works.

Nicotine Polacrilex Gum sugar-free chewing pieces provide nicotine to your system - they work as a temporary aid to help you quit smoking by reducing nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine Polacrilex Gum provides a lower level of nicotine to your blood than cigarettes, and allows you to gradually do away with your body’s need for nicotine. Because Nicotine Polacrilex Gum does not contain the tar or carbon monoxide of cigarette smoke, it does not have the same health dangers as tobacco. However, it still delivers nicotine, the addictive part of cigarette smoke. Nicotine can cause side effects such as headache, nausea, upset stomach, and dizziness.

How To Use Nicotine Polacrilex Gum.

If you are under 18 years of age, ask a doctor before use. Before you can use Nicotine Polacrilex Gum correctly, you have to practice! That sounds silly, but it isn’t. Nicotine Polacrilex Gum isn’t like ordinary chewing gum. It’s a medicine, and must be chewed a certain way to work right. Chewed like ordinary gum, Nicotine Polacrilex Gum won’t work well and can cause side effects. An overdose can occur if you chew more than one piece of Nicotine Polacrilex Gum at the same time, or if you chew many pieces one after another. Read all the following instructions before using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum. Refer to them often to make sure you’re using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum correctly. If you chew too fast, or do not chew correctly, you may get hiccups, heartburn, or other stomach problems. Don’t eat or drink for 15 minutes before using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum, or while chewing a piece. The effectiveness of Nicotine Polacrilex Gum may be reduced by some foods and drinks, such as coffee, juices, wine or soft drinks.

• 1.Stop smoking completely before you start using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum.
• 2.To reduce craving and other withdrawal symptoms, use Nicotine Polacrilex Gum according to the dosage schedule on page 10. (For Booklet Only)
•  To reduce craving and other withdrawal symptoms, use Nicotine Polacrilex Gum according to the dosage schedule on the back of this leaflet. (For Leaflet Only)
• 3.Chew each Nicotine Polacrilex Gum piece very slowly several times.
• 4.Stop chewing when you notice a peppery taste, or a slight tingling in your mouth. (This usually happens after about 15 chews, but may vary from person to person.)
• 5.“PARK” the Nicotine Polacrilex Gum piece between your cheek and gum, and leave it there.
• 6.When the peppery taste or tingle is almost gone (in about a minute), start to chew a few times slowly again. When the taste or tingle returns, stop again.
• 7.Park the Nicotine Polacrilex Gum piece again (in a different place in your mouth).
• 8.Repeat steps 3 to 7 (chew, chew, park) until most of the nicotine is gone from the Nicotine Polacrilex Gum piece (usually happens in about half an hour; the peppery taste or tingle won't return.)
• 9.Wrap the used Nicotine Polacrilex Gum piece in paper and throw away in the trash.

To improve your chances of quitting, use at least 9 pieces of Nicotine Polacrilex Gum a day. If you experience strong or frequent cravings you may use a second piece within the hour. However, do not continuously use one piece after another, since this may cause you hiccups, heartburn, nausea or other side effects.

How To Reduce Your Nicotine Polacrilex Gum Usage.

The goal of using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum is to slowly reduce your dependence on nicotine. The schedule for using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum will help you reduce your nicotine craving gradually as you reduce and then stop your use of Nicotine Polacrilex Gum. Here are some tips to help you cut back during each step and then stop using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum:

• •After a while, start chewing each Nicotine Polacrilex Gum piece for only 10 to 15 minutes, instead of half an hour. Then, gradually begin to reduce the number of pieces used.
• •Or, try chewing each piece for longer than half an hour, but reduce the number of pieces you use each day.
• •Substitute ordinary chewing gum for some of the Nicotine Polacrilex Gum pieces you would normally use. Increase the number of pieces of ordinary gum as you cut back on the Nicotine Polacrilex Gum pieces.
• •Check how well you’ve reduced your daily usage of Nicotine Polacrilex Gum in Weeks 10 to 12. You should only be using about 3 to 5 pieces a day. Get ready to stop.

STOP USING NICOTINE POLACRILEX GUM AT THE END OF WEEK 12.

The following tips may help you with stopping Nicotine Polacrilex Gum at the end of 12 weeks.

• •Set a stop date.
• •Use the same number of pieces of confectionery gum or mints as you were using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum per day. At the times when you have an urge to use Nicotine Polacrilex Gum, use a strong flavored gum or mint such as cinnamon or peppermint.
• •Reduce the number of pieces of gum or mints you use by one piece per day until you do not need to use any gum or mints.

Talk to your doctor if you:

• •still feel the need to use Nicotine Polacrilex Gum at the end of week 12
• •start using Nicotine Polacrilex Gum again after stopping
• •start smoking again

Tips To Make Quitting Easier.

Within the first few weeks of giving up smoking, you may be tempted to smoke for pleasure, particularly after completing a difficult task, or at a party or bar. Here are some tips to help get you through the important first stages of becoming a nonsmoker:

On Your Quit Date:

• •Ask your family, friends and coworkers to support you in your efforts to stop smoking.
• •Throw away all your cigarettes, matches, lighters, ashtrays, etc.
• •Keep busy on your quit day. Exercise. Go to a movie. Take a walk. Get together with friends.
• •Figure out how much money you’ll save by not smoking. Most ex-smokers can save more than $1,000 a year.
• •Write down what you will do with the money you save.
• •Know your high risk situations and plan ahead how you will deal with them.
• •Keep Nicotine Polacrilex Gum near your bed, so you’ll be prepared for any nicotine cravings when you wake up in the morning.
• •Visit your dentist and have your teeth cleaned to get rid of the tobacco stains.

Right After Quitting:

• •During the first few days after you’ve stopped smoking, spend as much time as possible at places where smoking is not allowed.
• •Drink large quantities of water and fruit juices.
• •Try to avoid alcohol, coffee and other beverages you associate with smoking.
• •Remember that temporary urges to smoke will pass, even if you don't smoke a cigarette.
• •Keep your hands busy with something like a pencil or a paper clip.
• •Find other activities which help you relax without cigarettes.
• •Swim, jog, take a walk, play basketball.
• •Don't worry too much about gaining weight. Watch what you eat, take time for daily exercise, and change your eating habits if you need to.
• •Laughter helps. Watch or read something funny.

What To Expect.

Your body is now coming back into balance. During the first few days after you stop smoking, you might feel edgy and nervous and have trouble concentrating. You might get headaches, feel dizzy and a little out of sorts, feel sweaty or have stomach upsets. You might even have trouble sleeping at first. These are typical withdrawal symptoms that will go away with time. Your smoker's cough will get worse before it gets better. But don’t worry, that’s a good sign. Coughing helps clear the tar deposits out of your lungs.