How can I use Nicorette (nicotine) Starter Kit 4 MG Gum to help me quit smoking?

How to Use Nicorette 4 MG Gum to Quit Smoking

Use Nicorette 4 mg gum in combination with behavioral support for 12 weeks, chewing at least 9 pieces per day during the first 6 weeks, with each piece chewed slowly until it tingles, then parked between your cheek and gum for approximately 30 minutes. 1, 2

Proper Chewing Technique

The "chew and park" method is critical for nicotine absorption:

• Chew the gum slowly until you feel a tingling sensation in your mouth 2
• Park it between your cheek and gum when the tingle appears—nicotine must be absorbed through the mouth lining, not swallowed 1, 2
• Resume chewing when the tingle fades, then park again 2
• Repeat this cycle for approximately 30 minutes until most of the tingle is gone 2
• Do not eat or drink for 15 minutes before or during gum use, as this interferes with nicotine absorption 2

Dosing Schedule

Follow this structured 12-week tapering regimen 2:

• Weeks 1-6: 1 piece every 1-2 hours (minimum 9 pieces daily) 1, 2
• Weeks 7-9: 1 piece every 2-4 hours 2
• Weeks 10-12: 1 piece every 4-8 hours 2

Do not exceed 24 pieces per day 2. If you experience strong cravings, you may use a second piece within the hour, but avoid using pieces continuously back-to-back as this causes hiccups, heartburn, and nausea 2.

Confirming You Need 4 mg (Not 2 mg)

The 4 mg dose is appropriate only if you smoke your first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking up 2. This indicates high nicotine dependence. If you smoke your first cigarette more than 30 minutes after waking, use 2 mg gum instead 2. The 4 mg gum increases quit rates significantly in highly dependent smokers (OR 2.20,95% CI 1.85 to 3.25) compared to 2 mg 1, 3.

Combining with Behavioral Support

Behavioral therapy is not optional—it significantly increases your success rate. 1

Effective behavioral support options include:

• Quitline services: Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free telephone counseling 1
• Group or individual counseling: Minimum 4 sessions over 12 weeks is preferred 1
• Web-based programs: Smokefree.gov, BecomeAnEX, or Freedom From Smoking 1
• Text messaging programs: SmokefreeTXT or "This is Quitting" 1

Adding behavioral therapy to NRT increases quit rates by approximately 22% at 6-12 months 1.

Consider Combination NRT for Better Results

Combination NRT (nicotine patch + gum) is more effective than gum alone, increasing quit rates by 25% (RR 1.25,95% CI 1.15 to 1.36) 1, 4. If you continue to struggle with cravings on gum alone:

• Add a 21 mg nicotine patch worn daily for baseline nicotine coverage 1, 5
• Use the 4 mg gum as needed for breakthrough cravings 1
• This combination provides both steady nicotine levels and rapid relief when cravings strike 5

Expected Outcomes

With proper use of 4 mg gum:

• NRT approximately doubles your quit rate compared to no treatment 1, 3
• Gum alone increases abstinence with an OR of 1.66 (95% CI 1.52 to 1.81) 3
• Combination NRT further improves success to 13-19% long-term abstinence rates 1
• Nicotine withdrawal symptoms peak within 1-2 weeks, so persistence through this period is critical 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Chewing too quickly or swallowing nicotine: This wastes the medication and causes stomach upset 1, 2
• Using too few pieces: Many people underdose—you need at least 9 pieces daily in weeks 1-6 1, 2
• Stopping too early: Complete the full 12 weeks even if you feel confident 1, 2
• Not combining with behavioral support: Medication alone is less effective 1
• Eating or drinking immediately before/during use: Wait 15 minutes 2

If You Relapse or Continue Smoking

Relapse is common and does not mean failure. 1

If you slip or continue smoking after starting treatment:

• Resume or continue the gum immediately—don't wait 1
• Increase behavioral support with additional counseling sessions 1
• Consider switching to combination NRT (patch + gum) if not already using it 1
• Consider adding varenicline as an alternative if NRT alone is insufficient 1

Safety Considerations

• NRT is safer than continued smoking, even for people with cardiovascular disease 1
• Few people become long-term dependent on NRT 1
• If you need to use gum beyond 12 weeks to avoid returning to smoking, talk to your healthcare provider 2
• Not recommended under age 18 without medical supervision 2