Using Nicotine Polacrilex Lozenges and Mini-Lozenges Properly
Read all the instructions in your package before taking your first Nicotine Polacrilex Lozenge or Mini-lozenge. Refer back to the guide often to make sure you’re using the product correctly. Remember, these lozenges aren’t like ordinary lozenges, such as cough drops. They are specifically designed to deliver nicotine into your system through the lining of your mouth, not through your stomach like most other medicines. Therefore, it is important to minimize swallowing the dissolved medicine in the lozenge so that it can be properly absorbed in your mouth.
No matter which lozenge you are using, always remember:
- Place the lozenge in your mouth and allow it to slowly dissolve. You may feel a warm or tingling sensation.
- Minimize swallowing your saliva, and do not chew or swallow the lozenge.
- Occasionally move the lozenge from one side of your mouth to the other until completely dissolved.
- Do not use more than one lozenge at a time or many lozenges one after another. This may cause hiccups, heartburn, nausea or other side effects.
- This isn’t candy, it is medicine. So, don’t give up if you do not like the taste of the lozenge. Most people get used to the taste after a day or two.
- Do not eat or drink 15 minutes before using or while using the lozenge.
Starting The Program
Whether you’re using the lozenge or mini-lozenge, the following quit program is the same.
Before you begin, confirm you have the right dose:
If you typically smoke your first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking up, start with the 4 mg lozenge or mini-lozenge.
If you smoke your first cigarette more than 30 minutes after waking up, start with the 2 mg lozenge or mini-lozenge.
Next, plan your quitting schedule:
Get a calendar and pick a quit date. Then mark the following four important dates on the calendar. Prior to the quit date, get rid of all your cigarettes to remove temptations and make it more difficult to start smoking again.
Place these reminders on your calendar:
Begin taking your lozenges or mini-lozenges:
To reduce urges to smoke and other withdrawal symptoms, use the lozenges according to the following dosage schedule, outlined in STEP 1 through STEP 3.
NOTE: Do not use more than 5 lozenges or mini-lozenges in 6 hours. Do not use more than 20 lozenges or mini-lozenges per day.
STEP 1: Weeks 1-6
Use 1 lozenge or mini-lozenge every 1 to 2 hours
Welcome to Step 1. Starting on your quit date through week 6, use 1 lozenge or mini-lozenge every 1 to 2 hours.
QUIT TIP: Be sure to use at least 9 lozenges or mini-lozenges each day to help prevent unexpected cravings and improve your chances of quitting. Some people may need more to reduce their cravings. Do not exceed the recommended maximum daily dosage of 20 lozenges or mini-lozenges per day.
STEP 2: Weeks 7-9
Use 1 lozenge or mini-lozenge every 2 to 4 hours
You’ve made it to Step 2, which is week 7. You can now start using 1 lozenge or mini-lozenge every 2 to 4 hours. This will help you gradually use less as the program progresses.
QUIT TIP: Some people find it easier to reduce use by substituting ordinary sweets or sugar-free candy for some of the lozenges they would normally use. As time goes on, you can increase the number of pieces of candy as you further reduce your use of the lozenges.
STEP 3: Weeks 10-12
Use 1 lozenge or mini-lozenge every 4 to 8 hours
You’ve made it to Step 3, which is the beginning of week 10 and the final 3 weeks of the program. You can now start using 1 lozenge or mini-lozenge every 4 to 8 hours.
QUIT TIP: At the end of week 12, you’ll complete your quit program, and you will be smoke- and nicotine-free. Put the “EX-SMOKER” reminder on your calendar 12 weeks after the day you stopped smoking and started using the product. If you still feel the need to use an NRT to keep from smoking after week 12, talk with your healthcare provider.
You've Made It!
Once your 12-week quitting program is over, you’ve taken your last Nicotine Polacrilex Lozenge or Mini-lozenge. Now, you are both cigarette- and nicotine-free. Get up and give yourself a standing ovation. We mean it. Do you realize that you have just done a really difficult thing?
Now is a good time to think back on the process. Think of all your reasons for quitting smoking. Think of the extra time you may have added to your life and what you can do with it. Think of what you’re going to do with your newly liberated cigarette money. Think of all the places you can now go smoke-free.
Although, you may still experience temptations from time to time, remember to think positively, stay strong and be a proud non-smoker.