Nicotinell Gum 2mg Alternative: SMOKO Sugar-Free Nicotine Gum

Nicotinell Gum helps you quit smoking by releasing nicotine to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This article will explain its benefits, how to use it, and compare it with SMOKO Sugar-Free Nicotine Gum.

Key Takeaways

• Nicotinell and SMOKO Sugar-Free Gum are effective smoking cessation aids that release 2mg of nicotine to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

   

• SMOKO offers unique flavour options such as Blueberry and Watermelon, while Nicotinell provides traditional flavours like Mint and Liquorice.

   

• Nicotine gum offers a discreet way to get your nicotine when quitting smoking or in places you can't use your E-Cigarette.

   

What is Nicotinell Gum?

Nicotinell chewing gum is a well-known quit smoking aid designed to help individuals quit smoking by managing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This medicated chewing gum releases nicotine as you chew, providing a substitute for the nicotine obtained from smoking cigarettes. Its effectiveness can vary based on the user’s level of nicotine dependence, but Nicotinell nicotine gum helps generally increase the chances of quitting smoking successfully using the Nicotinell chewing technique.

One of the significant advantages of Nicotinell Gum is its sugar-free formulation, making it an appealing option for those concerned about their sugar intake. Each piece of gum contains 2mg of nicotine and is intended to be chewed whenever the urge to smoke arises. This method helps in relieving nicotine cravings and managing withdrawal symptoms, thus supporting the user’s journey to quit smoking.

Product Details

Nicotinell 2mg Gum is available in a 2mg nicotine strength per piece, ensuring a consistent and controlled release of nicotine to help manage cravings effectively. This sugar-free nicotinell nicotine offers a convenient and discreet way to satisfy nicotine cravings, making it a practical choice for those looking to quit smoking. The gum comes in three distinct flavours: Mint, Fruit, and Liquorice, catering to various taste preferences.

The formulation of Nicotinell Gum includes key ingredients such as sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate, and titanium dioxide, which contribute to its structure and effectiveness and colour. The enclosed leaflet provides detailed instructions on how to use the gum correctly, ensuring users can maximise its benefits safely.

While titanium dioxide is used in a multitude of products, from paint and paper to cosmetics and sunscreen, even some food products, there are concerns over its safety. For this reason, it was banned by the EU as a food additive in 2023 and is under review at the UK's FSA (Food Standards Agency).(1)

What is SMOKO Sugar-Free Nicotine Gum

SMOKO Sugar-Free Nicotine Gum is another effective smoking aid, designed to supply nicotine in a similar manner to Nicotinell Gum. This nicotine-containing chewing gum is also sugar-free, catering to those who are mindful of their sugar consumption. Just like Nicotinell, SMOKO Gum helps to relieve nicotine cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms, making it a valuable tool as 2 mg medicated gum smokers require to help them quit smoking.

What sets SMOKO Gum apart is its unique flavour offerings. While it includes a classic Mint flavour, it also comes in Blueberry and Watermelon, appealing to a wider audience. This variety contrasts with Nicotinell’s more traditional flavours, which include Mint, 'Fruit' (whatever that means!) and Liquorice.

Additionally, each piece of SMOKO Gum weighs 1.7g, offering 70% more volume than some other nicotine gum brands, providing a more robust chewing experience.

Product Details

SMOKO Nicotine Chewing Gum range is available in a 2mg nicotine strength per piece, ensuring it provides a consistent nicotine release to help manage cravings and avoid nicotine withdrawal symptoms effectively. This gum is also sugar-free, making it a suitable option for those who are concerned about sugar intake. The sugar free flavours available – Mint, Blueberry, and Watermelon – are designed to cater to diverse taste preferences, offering a refreshing alternative to more traditional gum flavours.

The combination of these features makes SMOKO Nicotine Gum a compelling option for those seeking a novel and enjoyable way to manage their nicotine cravings while working towards becoming smoke-free.

How to Use Nicotine Chewing Gum

Using nicotine chewing gum correctly is crucial to maximise its effectiveness in helping you quit smoking. Unlike ordinary chewing gum, nicotine gum should be chewed slowly until a strong nicotine flavour or tingling sensation emerges. At this point, the user should stop chewing and park the gum between the cheek and gums (2). This allows nicotine to be absorbed through the lining of the mouth, providing a steady release of nicotine into the bloodstream.

It’s important to chew one piece of nicotine gum whenever the urge to smoke arises, typically every 1-2 hours. This regular use helps to manage cravings and reduce the frequency and intensity of nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Remember, nicotine gum should not be chewed like ordinary chewing gum, as improper use can lead to reduced effectiveness and potential side effects.

To ensure the best results, avoid eating or drinking for at least 15 minutes before and during the use of nicotine gum (3). This precaution helps to maintain the gum’s effectiveness by preventing any interference with nicotine absorption. Following these guidelines allows users to effectively leverage nicotine gum as a valuable tool in their journey to quit smoking.

Who Can Use Nicotine Gum?

Nicotine gum is suitable for adults and adolescents aged 12 and older who are looking to quit smoking (4). However, it’s important for individuals under 12 years old to avoid using nicotine gum due to potential health risks as it is known that nicotine can impact the developing brain. Adolescents aged 12 to 18 should use nicotine gum under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially if they are occasional smokers or have lower nicotine dependence.

Who Needs to Be Careful About Using Nicotinell 2mg or SMOKO 2mg Nicotine Gum?

Pregnant or breast feeding women, non-smokers, and those on prescribed medications should consult a healthcare provider before using nicotine gum. This ensures that the gum is used safely and effectively, considering any potential interactions or contraindications. By seeking professional advice, users can better tailor their quitting strategy to their specific health needs and circumstances.

Potential Side Effects and Cautions

While nicotine gum is a valuable tool in quitting smoking, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects and necessary precautions, including nicotine withdrawal symptoms associated with the process. Common side effects include mouth soreness, stomach discomfort, and light-headedness, particularly if the gum is not used correctly (5). Proper usage, as outlined in the enclosed instructions, can help minimise these issues.

Individuals with recent heart problems, severe jaw pain, or those who are pregnant should consult a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before using nicotine gum. Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid eating or drinking for 15 minutes before chewing the gum to ensure its effectiveness.

As with all medications, keeping nicotine gum out of reach of children is crucial to prevent accidental ingestion.

Comparing Nicotinell with SMOKO Nicotine Gum

When comparing Nicotinell and SMOKO Nicotine Gum, several factors come into play, including flavour options, availability, and user preferences. Nicotinell Gum is available in Mint, Fruit, and Liquorice flavours, catering to traditional tastes. In contrast, SMOKO offers Mint, Blueberry, and Watermelon, which might appeal to those seeking more novel, diverse and refreshing flavours.

Availability is another consideration. Nicotinell products are widely accessible in pharmacies, making them a convenient choice for many users. On the other hand, SMOKO Nicotine Gum can be found online at smoko.com and at our flagship store in Tunbridge Wells, providing a unique shopping experience.

User preferences often dictate the choice between these two brands. Some users prefer Nicotinell for its familiarity and classic gum texture, while others are drawn to SMOKO’s innovative flavour profiles and higher volume per piece. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal taste and the specific needs of the individual smoker.

Ingredients Breakdown

Understanding the ingredients in nicotine gum can help users make informed choices about which product to use. Nicotinell Gum contains nicotine as its primary active ingredient, along with components like gum base, calcium carbonate, sorbitol, and glycerol, which contribute to its structure and effectiveness. Additives such as acesulfame potassium and xylitol enhance the flavour, making the gum more palatable. As previously mentioned, Nicotinell 2mg gum contains titanium dioxide, which is under review by the FSA regarding its safety.

SMOKO Nicotine Gum also contains nicotine, complemented by ingredients like:

• gelatinoid
• xylitol
• sorbitol
• gum arabic
• maltitol
• vegetable oil
• soybean phospholipid
• sucralose

These components work together to create a flavourful and effective nicotine gum that helps manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

By examining the ingredients, users can better understand what goes into each piece of gum and how it aids in their quitting journey.

Storage and Safety Tips

Proper storage of nicotine gum is essential to maintain its effectiveness and safety. Nicotine gum should be stored at temperatures below 25°C to prevent degradation (6). It’s also important to keep the gum securely stored away from children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion, which can be harmful.

Reading and following the enclosed instructions carefully ensures that the gum is used and stored correctly, maximising its benefits and safety for the user.

Support for Quitting Smoking

Seeking support is a critical component of a successful quitting strategy. The national Smokefree Helpline offers free, expert advice for individuals attempting to quit smoking, providing valuable guidance and encouragement to assist smokers. Local stop smoking services can also offer tailored support, helping users develop personalised strategies to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms of quitting.

Public campaigns and community support initiatives play a vital role in motivating smokers to seek help and quit. These resources often highlight the importance of combining nicotine replacement therapies with behavioural support, which can triple the likelihood of quitting successfully. It’s common for individuals to require multiple attempts to quit smoking, underscoring the need for ongoing support and persistence.

Combining various methods and seeking professional help can help to address the 'quitting anxiety frustration restlessness' often experienced when quitting smoking. By leveraging the available resources and support systems, individuals can better navigate the challenges of quitting and achieve their goal of becoming smoke-free.

Using E-Cigarettes for Quitting Smoking

E-cigarettes have become a popular alternative for those looking to quit smoking, offering a similar hand-to-mouth action and, with certain devices, a real smoking sensation. SMOKO has been helping smokers smoking quit for over 10 years, providing a range of e-cigarettes and vapes designed to aid smokers wishing to leave tobacco cigarettes behind. These devices allow smokers to consume nicotine without the harmful effects of tobacco, improving quit rates and addressing the habitual aspects of smoking.

SMOKO’s range of E-Cigarettes and Vapes comes in a variety of flavours, helping to keep vapers engaged and less likely to revert to smoking tobacco. Additionally, SMOKO Sugar-Free Nicotine Gum can complement E-Cigarette use, providing a nicotine source when vaping is not possible, such as on public transport, in public buildings or when flying to your favourite holiday destination!

This combination of products offers a comprehensive approach to quitting smoking, catering to both the physical and psychological aspects of smoking dependence, making both options a great stop smoking aid, tackling restlessness irritability and cravings.

What Is More Effective For Quitting Smoking?

Medicated chewing gum containing 2mg nicotine has been used for many years for smoking cessation, where E-Cigarettes and vaping have been a more recent addition to the variety of smoking cessation tools. Smokers looking to stop may wonder which is the most effective stop smoking aid.

As more information on the effectiveness of E-Cigarettes has emerged, the evidence indicates that E-Cigarettes are up to twice as effective at helping smokers stop smoking compared with traditional forms of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) - so that includes patches, medicated chewing gum and other products like nicotine lozenges and sprays.

What is the evidence that E-Cigarettes are more effective than Medicated Chewing Gum as a Stop Smoking Aid?

The most recent and largest study to-date, conducted by Cochrane, found 'high-certainty' evidence that E-Cigarettes are more effective for stopping smoking than NRT (7). However, E-Cigarettes are subject to limitations and are often restricted as smoking is, so nicotine gum is a great option to tackle nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings for those times you can't use your vape!

Summary

In conclusion, both Nicotinell Gum and SMOKO Sugar-Free Nicotine Gum offer effective solutions for managing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Nicotinell Gum is widely accessible and comes in traditional flavours, making it a familiar choice for many. SMOKO Gum, with its innovative flavours and higher volume per piece, provides a refreshing alternative for those seeking something different.

Quitting smoking is a challenging journey that often requires multiple attempts and various support methods. Combining nicotine replacement therapies like gum with professional support and behavioural strategies can significantly enhance the chances of success. Whether you choose Nicotinell or SMOKO, the key is to stay committed and seek the support you need to achieve a smoke-free life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between Nicotinell and SMOKO Nicotine Gum?

The primary difference between Nicotinell and SMOKO Nicotine Gum is their flavour options and purchasing locations; Nicotinell offers Mint, Fruit, and Liquorice flavours and is available in pharmacies, while SMOKO provides Mint, Blueberry, and Watermelon flavours, primarily sold online and at their flagship store.

How should I use nicotine gum to quit smoking?

To effectively use nicotine gum for quitting smoking, chew it slowly until a strong flavour develops, then place it between your cheek and gums to facilitate nicotine absorption. Ensure you do not eat or drink for 15 minutes before and during its use.

Are there any side effects of using nicotine gum?

Yes, nicotine gum can cause side effects such as mouth soreness, stomach discomfort, and light-headedness, particularly if not used correctly. It is essential to adhere to the instructions provided and consult a healthcare professional for any concerns.

Can teenagers use nicotine gum?

Teenagers aged 12 to 18 may use nicotine gum, but it is essential that they do so under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially if they are occasional smokers.

What additional support is available for quitting smoking?

Various resources, including the national Smokefree Helpline and local stop smoking services, provide essential support for individuals seeking to quit smoking. Utilising these services alongside nicotine replacement therapies can significantly improve the likelihood of success.

REFERENCES

(1) Goodbye E171: The EU bans titanium dioxide as a food additive

(2) CDC: How to Use Nicotine Gum

(3) NIH: Nicotine Replacement Therapy

(4) NHS: Stop smoking treatments

(5) Nicotine Gum: Friend or Foe?

(6) MedLine Plus: Nicotine Gum

(7) Latest Cochrane Review finds high certainty evidence that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective than traditional nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) in helping people quit smoking