Nicotrol NS 10 mg/mL nasal spray

Generic name:
Nicotine spray - nasal

Pronunciation
(NICK-oh-teen)

Brand name(s)
Nicotrol NS

This medication can help you quit smoking by replacing the nicotine in cigarettes. The nicotine in tobacco is an important part of cigarette addiction. When you stop smoking, your nicotine levels drop quickly. This drop can cause withdrawal symptoms such as craving tobacco, nervousness, irritability, headache, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating.

Stopping smoking is hard and your chance of success is best when you are ready and have made a commitment to quit. Nicotine replacement products are part of a total stop-smoking program that includes behavior change, counseling, and support. Smoking causes lung disease, cancer, and heart disease. Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health and live longer.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using your nicotine nasal spray and each time you get a refill. Follow all the directions for use carefully. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

It is very important to stop smoking completely while using this nicotine product. Tilt your head back and use 1 spray in each nostril or as directed by your doctor. Do not sniff, swallow, or inhale through the nose as you use the spray. Follow all instructions and learn proper technique for use.

When you quit smoking, start using your nicotine nasal spray whenever you crave a cigarette, using 2 to 4 sprays per hour. Usually, you will use at least 8 doses (16 sprays) each day when you first start or as directed by your doctor. Do not use more than 40 doses total (80 sprays) in a day. Your doctor may direct you to use this product on a regular schedule as well as at times when you have the urge to smoke. Regular use during the first week can help your body get used to the medication and decrease side effects such as nose irritation. The best dose for you is the dose that decreases the urge to smoke without side effects from too much nicotine. Follow your doctor's orders carefully. Your dose will need to be adjusted to your needs, including smoking history and medical condition.

If this drug touches the skin, lips, mouth, or ears, rinse the affected area right away with water. Do not use soap. If this medication gets into your eyes, flush your eyes with clear water for 20 minutes. Discard used containers with the child-resistant cap on and away from the reach of children and pets.

After you have stopped smoking and you have reached the best dose and schedule for you, continue at that dose. Usually, after about 8 weeks, your doctor will help you gradually reduce your dose until you are no longer smoking and no longer need nicotine replacement. Treatment for longer than 6 months is usually not recommended, but consult your doctor.

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as tobacco cravings, nervousness, irritability, headache). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used nicotine for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

Tell your doctor if you have not been able to quit smoking after using this product for 4 weeks. Some smokers are unsuccessful the first time they try to quit. You may need to stop using this product and try again later. Many people who cannot quit the first time are successful the next time.

Nasal irritation/blistering/tingling, runny or bloody nose, throat irritation, watering eyes, sneezing, cough, heartburn, or a change in taste or smell may occur. Common nicotine withdrawal symptoms can occur when you stop smoking and include: dizziness, anxiety, depression, or trouble sleeping, among others. If any of these withdrawal symptoms or side effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Serious side effects are more likely if you continue to smoke while using this product. Do not smoke while you are using this medication.

Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• dizziness
• mental/mood changes (such as irritability, trouble sleeping, vivid dreams)
• numbness/tingling in hands/feet
• swelling hands/ankles/feet

Stop using this medication and get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• chest pain
• confusion
• severe headache
• fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat
• trouble speaking
• weakness on one side of the body

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• blood vessel disease (such as Raynaud's disease, stroke)
• breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema)
• diabetes
• heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat)
• high blood pressure
• liver disease
• kidney disease
• esophagus problems (such as esophagitis)
• chronic nasal disorders (such as nasal allergies, nasal polyps, sinusitis)
• stomach/intestinal sores (peptic ulcers)
• a certain adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma)
• overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• seizures

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Nicotine and smoking may harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant, try to stop smoking without using a nicotine replacement product if possible. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Nicotine from smoking and from this medication passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Smoking near an infant can also harm the infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Stopping smoking can change the way the liver removes certain drugs from the body (including acetaminophen, caffeine, insulin, oxazepam, pentazocine, propoxyphene, propranolol, theophylline, tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline/imipramine, "water pills"/diuretics such as furosemide). Tell all your doctors and pharmacists that you are quitting smoking.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: confusion, drooling, seizure, slow/shallow breathing, hearing problems.

Do not share this medication with others.

If you are using this on a regular schedule and you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.