Read the label first.
Directions can vary by brand, product type, strength, and count. Read the Drug Facts, warnings, dosing instructions, and disposal directions before use.
Product Safety
Use nicotine replacement products safely and as directed.
Nicotine replacement therapy products can support adults who are trying to quit smoking, but they contain nicotine and must be used carefully. Read the label, follow directions, and ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure.
Read every product label
Keep away from children and pets
Ask a healthcare professional when unsure
Safety basics
Five rules before using any NRT product.
NRT products are not all used the same way. Patches, gum, and lozenges have different directions, strengths, warnings, and use schedules. The package label is the source of truth for the product you buy.
Use on schedule.
Do not use more than directed, use products more often than directed, or continue longer than the label allows unless a healthcare professional tells you to.
Do not mix casually.
Do not combine patches, gum, lozenges, cigarettes, vapes, or other nicotine products unless the label allows it or a healthcare professional recommends it.
Store securely.
Keep nicotine products away from children and pets. Used patches, gum, or lozenges may still contain nicotine and should be disposed of carefully.
Stop and ask if concerned.
If you experience concerning symptoms, unexpected reactions, or have questions about whether NRT is right for you, stop using the product and seek professional guidance.
Keep the package.
Keep the box or insert while using the product so you can recheck directions, warnings, ingredients, expiration date, lot number, and manufacturer information.
Ask before use
Talk with a healthcare professional before using NRT in these situations.
NRT products may not be appropriate for every person. The safest next step is to ask a healthcare professional if you have medical conditions, medication concerns, or are unsure whether nicotine replacement therapy is right for you.
Ask before using nicotine products.
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with a healthcare professional before using any nicotine replacement product.
Ask if you have heart-related concerns.
Ask before use if you have heart disease, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure not controlled with medication, or have recently had a heart attack.
Ask about medication interactions.
Quitting smoking and using NRT can affect how some medications work. Ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist if you take prescription medications.
Not for children.
Nicotine products should not be used by children. Follow all age restrictions, product warnings, and local rules that apply to nicotine products.
Do not overload nicotine.
Do not use NRT while continuing to use cigarettes, vapes, pouches, or other nicotine products unless directed by the label or a healthcare professional.
Stop if something feels wrong.
If symptoms feel severe, unusual, or concerning, stop using the product and seek medical guidance. In an emergency, contact emergency services.
By product type
Each format has different safety instructions.
Use the label for the specific product you buy. These cards are only a shopping and safety overview.
Patches
Patch safety basics
Patches are worn on the skin and commonly use step-down strengths. Follow directions for where to apply, how long to wear, and how to dispose.
- Apply only as directed on the label.
- Do not cut patches unless the label says it is allowed.
- Fold used patches sticky sides together before disposal if directed.
Gum safety basics
Nicotine gum is not used like regular gum. Follow the product’s chew-and-park directions, use schedule, and maximum daily amount.
- Use the correct 2mg or 4mg strength from label guidance.
- Do not chew continuously like ordinary gum unless the label says so.
- Dispose of used gum safely away from children and pets.
Lozenge safety basics
Lozenges dissolve slowly and should not be chewed, swallowed whole, or used more often than directed unless the product label says otherwise.
- Use the correct 2mg or 4mg strength from label guidance.
- Let dissolve slowly as directed.
- Store securely because lozenges can be mistaken for candy.
Storage & disposal
Keep nicotine products secure before, during, and after use.
Nicotine products can be dangerous if misused, swallowed accidentally, or handled by children or pets. Used products may still contain nicotine.
Store products out of reach and sight.
Keep products in child-resistant packaging when provided, away from children, pets, heat, moisture, and anyone who should not use nicotine.
Do not leave used products accessible.
Used gum, lozenges, and patches may still contain nicotine. Dispose of them according to label directions immediately after use.
Keep packaging until the product is finished.
The packaging includes directions, warnings, expiration date, lot number, ingredients, manufacturer information, and disposal instructions.
Act quickly after accidental exposure.
If a child, pet, or anyone else accidentally uses, swallows, or is exposed to nicotine products, contact poison control, a veterinarian, or emergency services as appropriate.
When to stop and ask
Pay attention to symptoms and product warnings.
The product label should explain warnings, possible side effects, and when to stop use. This page does not diagnose symptoms.
Situation
Possible meaning
What to do
Who to contact
Unsure about strength
The product may not match your smoking pattern or routine.
Read the exact label before buying or using.
Strength guide or healthcare professional.
Using more than directed
Nicotine exposure may be higher than recommended.
Stop exceeding directions and review the label.
Healthcare professional or pharmacist.
Concerning symptoms
Could be a side effect, nicotine exposure issue, or unrelated medical concern.
Stop use if directed by the label or if symptoms are concerning.
Healthcare professional. Emergency services for severe symptoms.
Accidental child or pet exposure
Nicotine can be dangerous if swallowed or misused.
Act immediately. Keep the product package available.
Poison control, veterinarian, or emergency services as appropriate.
Product integrity
Check packaging before use.
If something looks wrong, do not use the product until the issue is reviewed.
Check the seal and packaging.
Do not use if packaging appears opened, torn, tampered with, contaminated, or different from what you expected.
Check the expiration date.
Do not use expired products. Keep the box or insert so you can reference the expiration date and lot number.
Check the product type and strength.
Confirm you received the correct format, strength, count, and flavor before opening or using the product.
Contact support if something is wrong.
Send your order number, photos of the product, packaging, shipping label, and packing slip before using or discarding anything.
Safety FAQ
Common product safety questions.
These answers are general shopping and safety guidance. Always follow the label on the exact product you buy.
Are nicotine replacement products safe?
Nicotine replacement products are intended to be used as directed by adults who are trying to quit smoking, but they contain nicotine and have warnings, directions, and risks. Read the product label and ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure whether they are right for you.
Can I use more than the label says if cravings are strong?
No. Do not use more than directed unless a healthcare professional tells you to. If cravings are not controlled, ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist about the safest next step.
Can I use patches with gum or lozenges?
Do not combine NRT products unless the product label allows it or a healthcare professional recommends it. Combining nicotine products can increase nicotine exposure.
Can I smoke, vape, or use nicotine pouches while using NRT?
Do not combine NRT with cigarettes, vapes, pouches, or other nicotine products unless directed by the label or a healthcare professional. Using multiple nicotine sources can increase nicotine exposure.
What should I do if a child or pet gets into nicotine products?
Act immediately. Nicotine can be dangerous if swallowed or misused. Contact poison control, a veterinarian, or emergency services as appropriate. Keep the package nearby so you can provide product details.
Should I use NRT if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Ask a healthcare professional before using any nicotine product if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
What if I receive a damaged or questionable product?
Do not use the product if packaging appears opened, damaged, tampered with, contaminated, or incorrect. Contact support with photos of the product, packaging, shipping label, and packing slip.
Can customer support tell me which product is medically right for me?
Support can help with product information, labels, orders, and shopping navigation, but cannot provide medical advice. Ask a healthcare professional about medical conditions, medications, symptoms, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or whether NRT is right for you.
Have a product safety concern?
For damaged packaging, wrong items, missing items, expired products, or questions about what you received, contact support before using the product.
Medical disclaimer: This page provides general product safety and shopping guidance only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always read and follow the label on the product you buy. Ask a healthcare professional if you have questions about whether nicotine replacement therapy is right for you.