Nicotine Gum (Thrive™)

This section describes Thrive™ gum (2mg/4mg), one of two NRT products covered under the BC Smoking Cessation Program.

Thrive™ gum is a non-prescription (over-the-counter) nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) product and only contains nicotine and none of the other toxins that are in tobacco smoke. Each piece of gum has nicotine in it, which is released when chewed, allowing you to receive nicotine when you have a craving for a cigarette.

For information on quitting smoking, check out our QuitPlan for tips and tools on how to quit.

Advantages of using nicotine gum

It's good for occasional smokers to reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings and manage stress.
You can use the gum to help you reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke daily.

Warnings and precautions

If you have an active jaw disease or jaw/dental pain you should use a different form of NRT, as these conditions will make it difficult to chew the gum.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist prior to starting the nicotine gum if the following apply to you:

pregnant or breastfeeding
being treated for any serious heart condition
heart attack or stroke within last 2 weeks
require kidney dialysis
use any prescribed medication regularly

Stop using the nicotine gum immediately and see your doctor if you have chest pain, irregular heartbeat, palpitations, leg pain or persistent stomach pain.

How to use nicotine gum properly

Nicotine gum is available in two strengths (2mg and 4 mg) so choose which is right for you.

Nicotine gum shouldn’t be chewed like regular chewing gum:

Avoid acidic food or beverages like coffee, tea, juice, and soda 15 minutes before using the gum. The acid in these products can prevent your mouth from absorbing the nicotine from the gum.
Use bite-park technique. 'Bite' the gum once or twice, then “park” the gum in the corner of your mouth (between your cheek and gums).
Wait one minute, bite the gum a few more times, and then “park” the gum again.
Repeat the 'bite' and “park” process for 30 minutes.
It takes 15 to 30 minutes for the gum to start working so use the gum prior to when you think you will need it. For instance, if you used to smoke on your coffee break, take the gum 30 minutes prior to your regular break.

Appropriate dose to use

Dosing should be individualized depending on your needs and how much you smoke.
2mg gum is recommended for people who smoke 25 cigarettes or less per day
4mg gum is for people who smoke more than 25 cigarettes per day.

What is the usual dosage: (Daily maximum: 20 pieces)

	Week 1-2	Week 3-4	Month 2	Month 3
# Cigarettes per day	Gums/day	Gums/day	Gums/day	Gums/day
More than 20	20	15	10	5
15-19 cigarettes	16	12	6	3
11-14 cigarettes	12	9	5	3
10 or less	10	8	4	2

Note: Discontinue when dose is reduced to 1-2 pieces per day.

Common side effects of using gum

nausea
stomach upset
mouth, throat or gum irritation
jaw ache
hiccups
headaches
trouble sleeping

Reducing the side effects

Use the gum correctly. Nicotine gum is not like regular gum. If used incorrectly, you are more likely to experience side effects including dizziness and hiccups.
Mix the nicotine gum with regular gum to improve the texture (but don't chew like regular gum).