Nicotinell Lozenge can cause adverse reactions similar to those associated with nicotine administered by smoking. These can be attributed to the pharmacological effects of nicotine, which are dose-dependent. Non dose- dependent adverse reactions are as follows: hypersensitivity, angioneurotic oedema and anaphylactic reactions.
Most of the adverse reactions which are reported by patients occur generally during the first 3-4 weeks after initiation of therapy. Nicotine from lozenges may sometimes cause a slight irritation of the throat and increased salivation at the start of the treatment.
Excessive swallowing of nicotine which is released in the saliva may, at first, cause hiccups. Those who are prone to indigestion may suffer initially from minor degrees of dyspepsia or heartburn; slower sucking will usually overcome this problem.
Excessive consumption of lozenges by subjects who have not been in the habit of inhaling tobacco smoke, could possibly lead to nausea, faintness and headache. Increased frequency of aphthous ulcer may occur after abstinence from smoking.
The following undesirable effects detailed in Table 1 are nicotine related adverse events for all oral dosage forms. Adverse reactions are listed below, by system organ class and frequency. Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000, <1/1,000) or very rare (<1/10,000).
Table 1 shows events which were identified from a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled lozenge clinical study involving 1818 patients. Adverse events reported in this study have been considered for inclusion, where the incidence in the 2 mg or 4 mg nicotine arm was higher than the corresponding placebo arm.
Frequencies are calculated from safety data of the study. g. , abdominal pain, upper diarrhea, dry mouth, constipation. g. atrial fibrillation) Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders - Pharyngitis, cough*, pharyngolaryngeal pain - - *These events may also be due to withdrawal symptoms following smoking cessation.
Post Marketing Data Table 2 shows events which were identified from post-marketing experience of nicotine oral forms. As these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, the frequency of these reactions is unknown.
Table 2:
Adverse Reactions from post-marketing data System Organ Class Adverse Reactions Immune System Disorders Hypersensitivity, angioedema, urticaria, ulcerative stomatitis, and very rare anaphylactic reactions. Nervous System Disorders Tremor.
Cardiac Disorders Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias. Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Dyspnoea. Gastrointestinal Disorders Dysphagia, eructation, salivary hypersecretion. General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Asthenia**, fatigue**, malaise**, influenza type illness**.
**These events may also be due to withdrawal symptoms following smoking cessation. Certain symptoms which have been reported such as dizziness, headache and insomnia may be ascribed to withdrawal symptoms in connection with smoking cessation and may be due to insufficient administration of nicotine.
Cold sores may develop in connection with smoking cessation, but any relation with the nicotine treatment is unclear. The patient may still experience nicotine dependence after smoking cessation. Reporting of suspected adverse reactions Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important.
It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.