Nicotine Gum vs Nicotine Patch: Which is more effective?

Tobacco usage is a primary cause of avoidable death. It is predicted that it killed 77,900 people in England in 2016. Although most smokers want to quit, the psychological and physiological dependence on smoking and the nicotine inherent in tobacco makes quitting difficult¹⁸⁶.

Many people utilize smoking cessation drugs to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cigarette cravings. Smoking cessation drugs might increase your chances of quitting permanently. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is by far the most widely utilized class of smoking cessation drugs. NRT alleviates withdrawal symptoms by providing a tiny regulated quantity of nicotine while containing none of the other harmful compounds contained in cigarettes. This modest dose of nicotine helps to fulfill your nicotine needs and lessens your desire to smoke¹⁸⁷.

NRT is available in different forms that are utilized in various ways. You can select the forms that appeal to you the most. For some people, some NRT products work better than others. Some people may prefer one NRT product over another.

NRT strives to make the transition from cigarette smoking to abstinence as easy as possible. It alleviates cravings and withdrawal symptoms by providing nicotine through skin patches, chewing gum, nasal and oral sprays, inhalers, lozenges, or tablets. Although there is significant evidence that NRT increases a person's odds of quitting smoking, it is uncertain whether greater dosages, longer treatment durations, or starting NRT before quitting smoking boosts its efficacy¹⁸⁸.

What is Nicotine Patch & How does it help quit smoking?

The nicotine patch is a staple of treatment¹⁸⁹, frequently used in conjunction with other kinds of short-acting nicotine replacement therapy and counseling. The patch's key benefits are steady delivery, ease of application, and concealment. The main downside is that it causes sleeplessness, which may be addressed by not using the patch at night¹⁹⁰.

According to Cornish and Gariti (2002), after the second day of patch use, nicotine levels are 50% or higher than those obtained by smoking. After one year, abstinence rates for the gum and patch are approximately 25% higher than for the pill.

Also, check out the risks involved with having a Nicotine patch on and smoking simultaneously here.

What is Nicotine Chewing Gum & How does it help quit smoking?

Nicotine chewing gum is a product that aids in the cessation of smoking. Nicotine chewing gum should be used in conjunction with a smoking cessation program that includes support groups, counseling, or particular behavioral modification strategies. Nicotine gum is a type of drug known as a smoking cessation aid. It works by supplying nicotine to your body in order to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking and as an alternative oral activity in order to diminish the desire to smoke¹⁹¹.

Nobody has all of the adverse effects, and some people have none. In most cases, stomach and jaw pain is caused by inappropriate gum usage, such as ingesting nicotine or chewing too quickly. Stop using the gum and consult your doctor if your heart is speeding or beating irregularly. If your NRT dose is too low, you may experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, to avoid these adverse effects, you need to ensure that you follow the instructions on the pack and consult with a healthcare provider should you have any concerns.

What are the differences between Nicotine Gum & Nicotine Patch?

The addition of a short-acting type of NRT (gum, lozenge, nasal spray) to the patch enhances the chances of success by controlling cravings and allowing the smoker to titrate the dose. Combination treatment is becoming the usual method for the majority of NRT patients¹⁹².

Although the patch works in a slower manner, it is longer lasting than the spiking nicotine levels of the gum. The side effects, regardless of longevity, lie in similar areas. Both nicotine substitutes have prevalent gastrointestinal side effects, ranging from nausea, vomiting, and upset stomachs. The nicotine patch has shown unique side effects such as swelling of the patched area, itching, and redness.

Comparing the quit rates between Nicotine Gum & Nicotine Patch?

In conclusion, there is strong evidence that taking combining the patch and the gum rather than single-form NRT, particularly 4 mg nicotine gum rather than 2 mg nicotine gum, can improve the odds of effectively quitting smoking. The use of a fast-acting type of NRT, such as gum or lozenge, resulted in quit rates comparable to nicotine patches¹⁹³.

Our aim at Nicorette is to help you quit smoking for good. Find more blogs from our medical professionals and understand why you should embrace your smoke-free journey with us.

 References: 

• ¹⁸⁶ https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2018/09/25/health-matters-stopping-smoking-what-works

• ¹⁸⁷ https://smokefree.gov/tools-tips/how-to-quit/using-nicotine-replacement-therapy

• ¹⁸⁸ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5003586

• ¹⁸⁹ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/nicotine-patch

• ¹⁹⁰ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/quit-smoking-medications/how-to-use-quit-smoking-medicines/how-to-use-a-nicotine-patch.html

• ¹⁹¹ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/nicotine-gum

• ¹⁹² https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/using-both-nicotine-patches-and-gum-together-improves-the-chances-of-quitting-smoking