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Public Hospital Services > Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand Southern >

Southern DHB Smokefree South

Public Service, Community

Nicotine Gum

Strengths:

4mg and 2mg – to meet individual needs.

 Using it:

  • Use the gum 20 minutes before you would usually have a smoke.
  • Chew the gum until you get a peppery taste, then rest it between your gum and cheek.
  • Repeat this process every few minutes for 30 minutes then discard safely out of reach of children and pets.
  • Do not chew continuously like normal gum.
  • Can be used in combination with patches.
  • Video about how to use Nicotine Gum is available below

 

Good points:

  • Discreet product to use.
  • Looks like regular gum.
  • Available in mint and fruit flavour.

 Things to think about:

  • If not used as per instructions can cause indigestion.
  • The taste can take some time to get used to.
  • Avoid eating and drinking while using the product.

 Cost and availability:

  • FREE when enrolled with the Southern Stop Smoking Service
  • Available on prescription from GP or from any community pharmacy at a cost of $5.00 per product (patch, gum, lozenge).

 How long do I take it?

  • 8 to 12 weeks.

 Not suitable for:

  • Children under the age of 12 years.
  • People who have false teeth or  braces as the gum may stick.

Further information:

  • Okay to use if pregnant and breastfeeding but discuss risks and benefits with health professional or stop smoking coach.

This page was last updated at 12:52PM on April 8, 2024.