Nicotine Polacrilex Coupons & Prices

Use the Rx.com nicotine polacrilex coupon above to check today's price on nicotine gum and lozenges at pharmacies near you. Nicotine polacrilex is the active ingredient in Nicorette and many store-brand quit-smoking products sold over the counter. Because some over-the-counter items ring up cheaper with a discount coupon (and sometimes when your prescriber writes for them), it is worth entering your ZIP above to compare before you buy.

What is nicotine polacrilex and how does it work?

Nicotine polacrilex is a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) used as an over-the-counter aid to quitting smoking. It comes as a chewing gum and as a dissolving lozenge, in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths. When you chew the gum slowly or let the lozenge dissolve in your mouth, a controlled dose of nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth (the buccal mucosa). That steady, lower dose helps ease the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that come with stopping cigarettes, without the smoke, tar, and other harmful chemicals in tobacco.

The strength you choose depends on how soon after waking you usually smoke: pick 4 mg if your first cigarette is within 30 minutes of waking, otherwise pick 2 mg. NRT works best as part of a behavioral support or counseling program rather than on its own. It is a nicotinic receptor agonist and carries no controlled-substance schedule.

How to use nicotine gum and lozenges correctly

These products are only absorbed properly when used the right way. For the lozenge, let it dissolve slowly over about 20 to 30 minutes; do not chew or swallow it. For the gum, use the "chew and park" method: chew slowly until you notice a peppery taste or tingle, then "park" the gum between your cheek and gum until the feeling fades, then chew again, repeating for about 30 minutes.

Both forms are meant to be used on a step-down schedule over several weeks as your cravings lessen. Follow the directions on the package for how many pieces per day and how to taper, and do not exceed the daily maximum listed. Eating or drinking (especially coffee, soda, or acidic drinks) right before or during use can reduce how much nicotine your body absorbs, so avoid it for about 15 minutes beforehand.

Cost and how to save with an Rx.com coupon

Nicotine polacrilex is widely available as a low-cost generic, sold under the Nicorette and Nicorette Lozenge brands and under many store labels including CVS Health, Up & Up (Target), Amazon Basic Care, Leader, and Equate. Prices vary by pharmacy, package size, and strength, so it pays to compare.

Even though it is an over-the-counter product, some shoppers pay less using a pharmacy discount coupon, and in some cases when a prescriber writes for it. Enter your ZIP above to see today's price and print or show your free Rx.com coupon at the pharmacy counter. There is no manufacturer copay card for this ingredient; the official Nicorette site lists current product options, and any promotional terms there vary.

Alternatives and related quit-smoking options

Nicotine polacrilex is one of several nicotine replacement options. In the US, the FDA-approved over-the-counter nicotine replacement forms are the gum, the lozenge, and the skin patch; the patch delivers a steady dose through the skin and can be combined with gum or lozenges under guidance. Nicotine nasal spray and the nicotine inhaler are also available, but only by prescription. If NRT alone is not enough, prescription non-nicotine medicines are an option to discuss with your provider.

• Varenicline (formerly branded Chantix) is a prescription pill that reduces the urge to smoke and blunts the reward from nicotine.
• Bupropion is a prescription medicine also used to help people quit smoking. The bupropion product FDA-approved for smoking cessation is sold under the brand Zyban; the same drug is sold as Wellbutrin for depression and is used off-label to help with quitting.

These prescription options work differently from nicotine gum and lozenges and are not sold over the counter. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the approach, or combination, most likely to work for you.

Safety, side effects, and who should ask a doctor first

Nicotine polacrilex is an over-the-counter product with no FDA boxed warning. Common side effects include mouth or throat irritation, hiccups, heartburn, nausea, sore mouth, and jaw ache with the gum. Stop use and ask a doctor if you develop mouth, teeth, or jaw problems, an irregular or rapid heartbeat or palpitations, or signs of taking too much nicotine such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, or a racing heart.

Ask a doctor before use if you have heart disease, had a recent heart attack, have an irregular heartbeat, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a stomach ulcer, or diabetes, or if you take prescription medicine for depression or asthma. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with a healthcare provider first, since smoking and nicotine can both harm the baby. Keep these products out of reach of children and pets, because nicotine can be toxic or even fatal if a child chews or swallows it. This is general information, not medical advice; check with your provider or pharmacist about your situation.