Lozenge

The nicotine lozenge comes in the form of a hard candy, and releases nicotine as it slowly dissolves in the mouth. The lozenge is available in 2mg or 4mg doses. One lozenge is one dose, and maximum dosage should not exceed 20 lozenges per day. The lozenge is to be used over 12 weeks, and eventually, the user will consumer fewer and fewer lozenges until he or she is completely nicotine free.

Each lozenge will last about 20 to 30 minutes, and nicotine will continue to leach through the lining of the mouth for a short time after the lozenge has dissolved. The most common side effects of lozenge use are soreness of the teeth and gums, indigestion, and throat irritation.

Steps for nicotine lozenge users to follow include:

• Do not eat or drink for 15 minutes before using the lozenge or while it is in your mouth.
• Do not bite or chew the lozenge, as that can cause more nicotine to be swallowed quickly and result in indigestion and heartburn.
• Do not use the nicotine lozenge for longer than 12 weeks.  If you feel the need to continue to use the lozenge after 12 weeks, contact your health care provider.