You should start using the lozenges after your last cigarette.

Do not wait until you feel the urge to smoke before using a lozenge; use regularly throughout the day. Aim to use 1 lozenge an hour, at least 8 a day.

The lozenge may taste a little unpleasant at first, and irritate the throat. Do not be put off by this. The lozenge is a medicine, not a sweet. Most people adapt to it very well after persisting for a day or two, but it may take up to a week to get used to it.

Sucking the lozenge releases nicotine, which is absorbed into your blood stream through the lining of your mouth. Place the lozenge in your mouth and suck slowly until the taste becomes strong. Rest the lozenge between the gum and the cheek. Suck again when the taste has faded. Suck the lozenge so it remains whole for about 30 minutes: the lozenges should not be chewed.

Peak levels of nicotine are reached 30-60 minutes after placing the lozenge in your mouth.

For the lozenges to be effective you will need to take between 8 and 12 lozenges a day. This will allow your body to absorb about half of the average levels of nicotine in your system as you were getting when you were smoking cigarettes. This is enough to be of substantial help in reducing or removing the urge to smoke and withdrawal symptoms.

Using 2 or 3 lozenges a day is unlikely to be helpful.

Try to avoid fizzy drinks, tea or coffee before or during using the lozenge as they will increase the acidity of your saliva and decrease absorption of nicotine. If you have had one of these drinks and you are due for a lozenge, rinse your mouth out with water first.

Nicotine lozenges should be used fully for at least 8 - 12 weeks after stopping smoking. The dose should be gradually reduced over the last 2 weeks of treatment.

For information on:

nicotine products that are available and their prices click here.

the side effects of NRT click here.