nicorette gum

[Barb]

What are the long-term risks of continuing to chew nicorette gum for years?  I chew maybe one or 2 pieces a day.  I quit smoking 8 years ago and I realize I am addicted to the nicotine in the gum.  This is all right with me, but is it possible it can cause cancer of the mouth like chewing tobacco can?  I asked the nicorette people at their 800 number, and they said it couldn't give you cancer, but they sternly advised me to stop chewing it, that I was addicted to it now instead of cigarettes.  

Many thanks - this is a great idea for a website!

[sober0II0]

I can relate with most of the people here. I smoked cigarettes and marijuana for quite over 8 years. It got so intense that when I did not have weed, I would suck of cigarettes like there was no tomorrow.
So I decided to leave smoking entirely, but with the help of nicorette gum.

Now with this gum, albeit that it is not properly tested as to its long term effects, and the surrounding studies that it may contribute to cancer; it has been the best means against smoking, and I amongst all those who have know of the health growth upon quitting cigarettes for over 6 months with some exercise.

But the thing is, I realise this gum is causing me memory problems as well as concentration.  Well it is nicotine, but I did not have these problems on cigarette alone, nor with weed, as it would wear off in short time. The gum on the other hand, I believe is contributing to memory and concentration lags, and I would like to hear from anyone else who has experienced this same symptoms.

[lori3288]

I quit drinking 2-1/2 years ago.  I then decided  I needed to have a vice, so I started smoking.  Then, in order to quit the smoking, I bought Nicorette which I have chewed for over 2 years now.  Today is my second day without the gum.   Like others here, I was lethargic, got sick quite a bit with bronchitis and the flu, my stomach was constantly gurgling, and it gave me gas and diarrhea on a daily basis.  I've had gum stuck to my pants, all over my car, tin foil packets everywhere.  I've replaced the Nicorette with Peelu Dental Chewing Gum I purchased at Whole Foods.  It has the same shape and it's coated like the Nicorette.  I used EFT (tapping on pressure points) to help me to stop.  This made it easy.  However, I am still irritable and edgy from withdrawal.  Hope this helps someone.

[AlbertaLydia]

Was very nice to find this thread today, even though it dates back 10 years.  Today is DAY ONE for me without Nicorette.  Again.  I know I can do it, but surfed for some posts just to help me out. And reading that last post, about apoptosis, may be just the extra boost I need today.  Thanks for posting that!  

Smoking history - started at age 11, quit at 31 with Nicorette - chewed it for 9 months.  Had 7 years nicotine free - never even though about a cigarette!  Then came some stress, I thought I could have ONE PUFF (ha!), and soon started smoking again.  Smoked 2 years, feeling guilty as hell.  Stopped again with nicorette - 5 and a half years ago!  I don't ever, ever, ever plan to put a cigarette in my mouth again - not ever ONE PUFF!!

Now it's time to get off the gum... I used to joke I'd chew it forever - I, too, chewed it like regular gum, easily 20 - 25 pieces a day.  My New Year's Resolution was to not buy any more.  I ran out yesterday - well, almost.  I threw the last 5 pieces in the garbage so I could wake up this morning and not have even one.  I know I'll be o.k. - I've been through this before.  But I'm dizzy today, very distracted, and have decided to not make any big decisions till maybe mid-week ;)  Wish me luck!  

[Pittypat1]

I have just read that nicotine, whether it be smoking, patch or gum, causes an interference in the way chemotherapy works regarding cancer of the lung.  The article stated that the nicotine prevents apoptosis.  We need apoptosis to keep from getting cancer.  The article said somehow the nicotine protects the cell (the one that should be killed) from being killed by apoptosis.

I getting ready for a stem cell transplant, just having taken chemotherapy.  I don't have lung cancer.  I have non-hodgins lymphoma. Just because my cancer type is different, I don't see that my situation would be different because I too, need apoptosis to work correctly.  I'm quitting!  Won't you?  I know it is going to be hard, but I've been fighting cancer a long time.  I can do it.  You can, too.  We need to get the word out about this apoptosis thing.  I don't think the doctors warn their patients.  Maybe they can't say too much because the research is an on going thing.  Maybe doctors could get sued if they told their patients not to use the patch or gum.  All they can tell the patient is to stop smoking.

I hope this helps some of you out there.  Just google apoptosis and nicotine.  There is a good amount of info there.

[Pittypat1]

I have read that chewing the nicotine gum can cause a break in apoptosis.  Apoptosis is cell death.  We need apoptosis to kill cells that are changing or just not normal.  More research needs to be done.  I have chewed the gum many years.  After the first maybe 4 or 5 years I found out I have non-hodgkins lymphoma (a form of cancer).    The cancer includes a problem with apoptosis.

I can't say for sure that nicotine gum has caused my cancer.  I do wish I had never started using the gum.  I have found it very, very addictive.  If you use nicotine gum, I suggest you work very hard to quit.  Good luck and God Bless You.

[jbuckl]

these were the funniest posts i have ever read anywhere!!!!   Needless to say i can relate.  I am a physician, so of course no one can understand  why i smoke and or chew nicorette.  I quit smoking from age 48 to age  51  using nicorette like 15 pieces a day,  and yes its better than smoking and plus we can chew it in surgery,  try smoking there. Unfortunately,i could never get off the gum  ,    so 2 years ago I started smoking again:  and now after two  years of smoking,   and chewing the nicorette and sometimes wearing patches also  to lower  the gum and cigs,  i quit everything but the gum.  I know this is my last chance,   so i plan on chewing the   generic gum (members mark)  for 6 months or so and then get off the gum,   the funny thing is i do not even like to chew gum unless it is  nicotine gum,  oh well i agree we need a site for people trying to do the right thing but have a hard time with out NICOTINE!!!!!!!!!!!