- Approval Id
- 18c391b67505549e
- Drug Approval Emc Name
- Nicorette Fruit 4 mg Lozenge
- Drug Name
- Nicorette Fruit 4 mg Lozenge
- Company Name
- McNeil Products Ltd
- Company Address
- 50-100 Holmers Farm Way, High Wycombe, HP12 4EG, UK
- Company Medical Info Direct Line
- 0808 238 9999 (freephone)
- Company Medical Info Email
- consumer-gb@kenvue.com
- Atc Code
- N07BA01
- Legal Category
- General Sales List
- Authorisation Holder
- McNeil Products Limited
50 – 100 Holmers Farm Way
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP12 4EG
UK
- Authorisation Number
- PL 15513/0394
- Authorisation Date
- 04/05/2018
- Instruction Authorisation Holder
- McNeil Products Limited
50 – 100 Holmers Farm Way
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP12 4EG
UK
- Instruction Authorisation Number
- PL 15513/0394
- Instruction Authorisation Date
- 04/05/2018
- Instruction Composition
- Each lozenge contains 4 mg nicotine (as nicotine resinate).
Excipients with known effects:
Sulphites (0.000096 mg per lozenge).
For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
- Instruction Dosage Form
- Compressed lozenge.
An oval, white to off-white lozenge imprinted with a “n” on one side and “4” on the other side.
- Instruction Clinical Particulars
- 4.1 Therapeutic indications
Nicorette Fruit 4 mg Lozenge relieves and/or prevents craving and nicotine withdrawal symptoms in nicotine dependence, such as those arising from the use of tobacco or electronic cigarettes. It is indicated to aid quitting or reduction prior to quitting, to assist those who are unwilling or unable to use such products , and as a safer alternative to smoking tobacco for smokers and those around them.
This product is indicated in pregnant and lactating women making a quit attempt.4.2 Posology and method of administration
\*Adults and children over 12 years of age\*
The strength of lozenge to be used will depend on the smoking/vaping habits of the individual. In general, if the patient smokes 20 or less cigarettes a day, 2 mg nicotine lozenge is indicated. If more than 20 cigarettes per day are smoked, 4 mg nicotine lozenge will be needed to meet the withdrawal of the high serum nicotine levels from heavy smoking.
Light to moderate vapers (e.g. vape infrequently or use low strength e-liquid) should start with 2 mg nicotine lozenge. If the 2 mg nicotine lozenge does not relieve the urge to vape, 4 mg nicotine lozenge should be used. Heavy vapers (e.g. vape frequently or use high strength e-liquid) should use 4 mg nicotine lozenge.
This product should be used whenever the urge to smoke or vape is felt or to prevent cravings in situations where these are likely to occur.
Patients willing or able to stop smoking/vaping immediately should initially replace all their cigarettes/e-cigarettes with the lozenges and as soon as they are able, reduce the number of lozenges used until they have stopped completely.
Patients aiming to reduce cigarettes/e-cigarettes should use the lozenges, between smoking/vaping episodes, as needed, to prolong smoke/vape-free intervals and to reduce their use as much as possible.
As soon as they are ready patients should aim to quit smoking/vaping completely.
Most patients require 8 to 12 lozenges per day, not to exceed 15 lozenges.
When making a quit attempt behavioural therapy, advice and support will normally improve the success rate. Those who have quit smoking/vaping but are having difficulty discontinuing with the lozenge are recommended to contact their pharmacist or doctor for advice.
For those using the 4 mg lozenges, switching to the 2 mg lozenges may be helpful when stopping treatment or reducing the number of lozenges used each day.
\*Method of administration\*
One lozenge should be placed in the mouth and allowed to dissolve. Periodically, the lozenge should be moved from one side of the mouth to the other, and repeated, until the lozenge is completely dissolved. You should not chew or swallow the lozenge.4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any of components of the lozenge.
This product is contraindicated in children under the age of 12 years.4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Any risks which may be associated with the use of NRT are substantially outweighed in virtually all circumstances by the well-established dangers of continued smoking. The risks of continued vaping are not yet established.
A risk-benefit assessment should be made by an appropriate healthcare professional for patients with the following conditions:
\*Underlying cardiovascular disease:\* In stable cardiovascular disease this product presents a lesser hazard than continuing to smoke. However dependent smokers currently hospitalised as a result of myocardial infarction, unstable or worsening angina including Prinzmetal angina, severe dysrhythmia or cerebrovascular accident and who are considered to be haemodynamically unstable and/or who have uncontrolled hypertension should be encouraged to stop smoking with non-pharmacological interventions. If this fails, this product may be considered, but as data on safety in this patient group are limited, initiation should only be under medical supervision. The risks of continued vaping are not yet established.
\*Diabetes Mellitus:\* Patients with diabetes mellitus should be advised to monitor their blood sugar levels more closely than usual when quitting and NRT is initiated as reductions in nicotine induced catecholamine release can affect carbohydrate metabolism.
\*Renal and hepatic impairment:\* Use with caution in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment and/or severe renal impairment as the clearance of nicotine or its metabolites may be decreased with the potential for increased adverse effects.
\*Phaeochromocytoma and uncontrolled hyperthyroidism:\* Use with caution in patients with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism or phaeochromocytoma as nicotine causes release of catecholamines.
\*Gastrointestinal disease:\* Nicotine may exacerbate symptoms in patients suffering from oesophagitis, gastric or peptic ulcers and NRT preparations should be used with caution in these conditions. Ulcerative stomatitis has been reported.
\*Seizures:\* Potential risks and benefits of nicotine should be carefully evaluated before use in subjects with a history of epilepsy as cases of convulsions have been reported in association with nicotine.
\*Danger in children\*: Doses of nicotine tolerated by adult and adolescent smokers or vapers can produce severe toxicity in children that may be fatal. Products containing nicotine should not be left where they may be misused, handled or ingested by children, see section 4.9 Overdose.
\*Transferred dependence:\* Transferred dependence is rare and is both less harmful and easier to break than smoking dependence.
\*Stopping smoking:\* Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in tobacco smoke induce the metabolism of drugs metabolised by CYP 1A2 (and possibly by CYP 1A1). When a smoker stops smoking, this may result in slower metabolism and a consequent rise in blood levels of such drugs. This is of potential clinical importance for products with a narrow therapeutic window, e.g. theophylline, clozapine and ropinirole.
\*Choking hazard:\* Lozenges can represent a choking hazard, therefore keep out of the reach of children. Use with caution in individuals with aspiration and swallowing problems.
Excipients:
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per lozenge, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'. This medicine also contains a small amount of sulphites, coming from the flavour, which may rarely cause severe hypersensitivity reactions and bronchospasm.4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
No clinically relevant interactions between nicotine replacement therapy and other drugs have definitely been established. However nicotine may possibly enhance the haemodynamic effects of adenosine i.e. increase in blood pressure and heart rate and also increase pain response (angina-pectoris type chest pain) provoked by adenosine administration.4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
\*Pregnancy\*
Stopping smoking is the single most effective intervention for improving the health of both the pregnant smoker and her baby, and the earlier abstinence is achieved the better. Ideally smoking cessation during pregnancy should be achieved without NRT. Nicotine passes to the foetus and affects its breathing movements and circulation. The effect on the circulation is dose-dependent. However, if the mother cannot (or is considered unlikely to) quit without pharmacological support, NRT may be used as the risk to the foetus is lower than that expected with smoking tobacco. Stopping completely is by far the best option but if this is not achievable this product may be used in pregnancy as a safer alternative to smoking. Because of the potential for nicotine-free periods, intermittent dose forms are preferable, but patches may be considered as an alternative if there is significant nausea and/or vomiting. If patches are used they should, if possible, be removed at night when the foetus would not normally be exposed to nicotine.
There is no or limited data regarding the effect of vaping in pregnancy.
Use of NRT by the pregnant smoker/vaper should only be initiated after advice from a health care professional.
\*Lactation\*
Nicotine should be avoided during breast-feeding. The relatively small amounts of nicotine found in breast milk during NRT use are less hazardous to the infant than second-hand smoke. Intermittent dose forms would minimize the amount of nicotine in breast milk and permit feeding when levels were at their lowest.
There is no or limited data regarding the effect of vaping in lactating women.
Use of NRT by breast feeding smokers/vapers should only be initiated after advice from a health care professional. Women should use the product as soon as possible after breastfeeding.
\*Fertility\*
In females tobacco smoking delays time to conception, decreases in-vitro fertilization success rates, and significantly increases the risk of infertility.
In males tobacco smoking reduces sperm production, increases oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Spermatozoa from smokers have reduced fertilizing capacity.
The specific contribution of nicotine to these effects in humans is unknown.
There is no or limited data regarding the effect of vaping on fertility.4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
This product has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.4.8 Undesirable effects
Effects of Smoking Cessation
Some symptoms may be related to nicotine withdrawal associated with stopping smoking. These can include: irritability/aggression, frustration/anger, dysphoria/depressed mood, anxiety, restlessness, poor concentration, increased appetite/weight gain, urges to smoke (cravings), night-time awakenings/sleep disturbance, decreased heart rate, dizziness, presyncopal symptoms, cough, constipation, gingival bleeding or nasopharyngitis.
Increased frequency of aphthous ulcer may occur after stopping smoking. The causality is unclear.
Effects of Vaping Cessation
The nicotine withdrawal effects of vaping cessation have not been established, however it is anticipated that many of the effects relating to nicotine withdrawal will be the same as those seen with tobacco smoking cessation.
Adverse Drug Reactions
This product may cause adverse reactions similar to those associated with nicotine given by other means, including smoking and vaping, and these are mainly dose-dependent. At recommended doses this product has not been found to cause any serious adverse effects. Excessive consumption of this product by those who have not been in the habit of inhaling tobacco smoke or vaping could possibly lead to nausea, faintness or headaches.
Most of the undesirable effects reported by the patient occur during the first 3-4 weeks after start of treatment. During the first few days of treatment irritation in the mouth and throat may be experienced. Most patients will get used to this sensation after the first few days.
Allergic reactions (including symptoms of anaphylaxis) can occur during the use of the product.
The adverse reactions observed in patients treated with oral nicotine formulations during clinical trials and post-marketing experience are listed below by system organ class (SOC). Frequencies are defined in accordance with current guidance as: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100, <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1 000, <1/100); rare (≥1/10 000, <1/1 000); very rare (<1/10 000); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Body System\*\* | \*\*Reported adverse event (Preferred Term)\*\* | \*\*Incidence\*\* |
| Immune system disorders | Hypersensitivitya | Common |
| Anaphylactic reactiona | Not known |
| Psychiatric disorders | Abnormal dreams\\* | Uncommon |
| Nervous system disorders | Headachea# | Very common |
| Burning sensationc | Common |
| Dizziness | Common |
| Dysgeusia | Common |
| Paraesthesiaa | Common |
| Seizures | Not known |
| Eye disorders | Blurred vision | Not known |
| Lacrimation increased | Not known |
| Cardiac disorders | Palpitationsa | Uncommon |
| Tachycardiaa | Uncommon |
| Reversible atrial fibrillation | Very rare |
| Vascular disorders | Flushinga | Uncommon |
| Hypertensiona | Uncommon |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | Cough\\*\\* | Common |
| Sore mouth or throat | Very common |
| Throat irritation\\*\\* | Very common |
| Bronchospasm | Uncommon |
| Dysphonia | Uncommon |
| Dyspnoeaa | Uncommon |
| Nasal congestion | Uncommon |
| Sneezing | Uncommon |
| Throat tightness | Uncommon |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Hiccups\\*\\*\\*\\* | Very common |
| Nauseaa | Very common |
| Abdominal pain | Common |
| Diarrhoea\\*\\*\\* | Common |
| Dry mouth | Common |
| Dyspepsia | Common |
| Flatulence | Common |
| Salivary hypersecretion | Common |
| Stomatitis | Common |
| Vomitinga | Common |
| Eructation | Uncommon |
| Glossitis | Uncommon |
| Oral mucosal blistering and exfoliation | Uncommon |
| Paraesthesia oral\\*\\*\\* | Uncommon |
| Dysphagia | Rare |
| Hypoaesthesia oral\\*\\*\\* | Rare |
| Retching | Rare |
| Dry throat | Not known |
| Gastrointestinal discomforta | Not known |
| Lip pain | Not known |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | Pain in Jawb | Uncommon |
| Muscle tightnessb | Not known |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Hyperhidrosisa | Uncommon |
| Pruritusa | Uncommon |
| Rasha | Uncommon |
| Urticaria\\*\\* | Uncommon |
| Erythemaa | Not known |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | Fatiguea | Common |
| Astheniaa | Uncommon |
| Chest discomfort and pain a | Uncommon |
| Malaisea | Uncommon |
| Allergic reactions including angioedema | Rare |
a Systemic effects; b Tightness of jaw and pain in jaw with nicotine gum formulation
c At the application site
\\*Identified only for formulations applied during the night
\\*\\*Higher frequency observed in clinical studies with inhaler formulation.
\\*\\*\\*Reported the same or less frequently than placebo
\\*\\*\\*\\*Higher frequency observed in clinical studies with mouth spray formulation
# Although the frequency in the active group is less than that of the placebo group, the frequency in the specific formulation in which the PT was identified as a systemic ADR was greater in the active group than the placebo group\*.\*
\*\*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. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store\*.\*4.9 Overdose
\*Symptoms:\* Symptoms of overdose with nicotine from this product may occur in smokers/vapers who have previously had a low nicotine intake from cigarettes/e-cigarettes or if other sources of nicotine are used concomitantly with this product.
Acute or chronic toxicity of nicotine in man is highly dependent on mode and route of administration. Adaptation to nicotine (e.g. in smokers/vapers) is known to significantly increase tolerability compared with non-smokers/vapers. The minimum lethal dose of nicotine in a non-tolerant man has been estimated to be 40 to 60 mg. Symptoms of acute nicotine poisoning include nausea, vomiting, increased salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, sweating, headache, dizziness, disturbed hearing and marked weakness. In extreme cases, these symptoms may be followed by hypotension, rapid or weak or irregular pulse, breathing difficulties, prostration, circulatory collapse and terminal convulsions.
\*Management of an overdose\*: All nicotine intake should stop immediately and the patient should be treated symptomatically. Artificial respiration should be instituted if necessary. Activated charcoal reduces the gastro-intestinal absorption of nicotine.
Doses of nicotine that are tolerated by adult smokers/vapers during treatment may produce severe symptoms of poisoning in children and may prove fatal. Suspected nicotine poisoning in a child should be considered a medical emergency and treated immediately.
- Instruction Pharmacology
- 5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Drug used in nicotine dependence.
ATC code: N07B A01
Nicotine is an agonist at nicotine receptors in the peripheral and central nervous system and has pronounced CNS and cardiovascular effects.
Abrupt cessation of the use of tobacco-containing products following a prolonged period of daily use results in a characteristic withdrawal syndrome that includes four or more of the following: dysphoria or depressed mood; insomnia; irritability, frustration or anger; anxiety; difficulty concentrating, restlessness or impatience; decreased heart rate; and increased appetite or weight gain. Nicotine craving is an important element in the withdrawal syndrome after smoking/vaping cessation.
Clinical studies have shown that nicotine replacement products can help smokers abstain from use by relieving these withdrawal symptoms.
Increased appetite is a recognised symptom of nicotine withdrawal and post- cessation weight gain is common. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Nicotine Replacement Therapy can help control weight following a quit attempt.
A bioequivalence study for the 2 mg and 4 mg lozenges measured relief in urges to smoke (i.e. craving relief) at specified intervals after the start of study drug administration.
Study subjects rated urges to smoke using a scale with 4 ordered categories:
1. No or very light urge to smoke (0-25% of maximum urge conceivable)
2. Noticeable urge to smoke (25%-50% of maximum urge conceivable)
3. Disturbing urge to smoke (50%-75% of maximum urge conceivable)
4. Very strong or extreme urge to smoke (75%-100% of maximum urge conceivable)
The data below presents urges to smoke data obtained for the 4 mg lozenges in 97 subjects, before and at 2, 5 and 10 minutes after start of treatment administration.
\*\*Table 1:\*\* Subjects who rated their urges to smoke either 'No or very light' or stronger (number and percent)
| | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| How strong was your urge to smoke? | Before start of administration of study treatment | After 2 minutes | After 5 minutes | After 10 minutes |
| Category 1 (No or very light urge to smoke) | 0 (0%) | 20 (23.5%) | 43 (50.5%) | 57 (68%) |
| Category 2 – Category 4 | 80 (100%) | 65 (76.5%) | 42 (49.5%) | 28 (32%) |
\*\*Table 2:\*\* Subjects who experienced any relief in urges to smoke (number and percent)
| | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Any relief in urges to smoke? | Before start of administration of study treatment | After 2 minutes | After 5 minutes | After 10 minutesa |
| Yes | 0 (0%) | 40 (47%) | 70 (85%) | 78 (93%) |
| No | 90 (100%) | 45 (53%) | 15 (15%) | 6 (7%) |
a one observation missing5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
\*Absorption\*
A 4 mg lozenge dissolves completely, typically in 10-20 minutes. Assuming complete dissolution in the mouth, most of its nicotine is absorbed through the oral mucosa. This fraction is almost entirely delivered to the systemic circulation. The remaining nicotine released in the mouth is swallowed and undergoes considerable first-pass metabolism in the intestine and liver. As a consequence, only a small part of the total nicotine given with a lozenge reaches the circulation via the intestine.
A maximum nicotine plasma concentration of about 5 ng/ml is achieved after a single-dose of the 2 mg lozenge, and about 8 ng/mL after a single-dose of the 4 mg lozenge. Area under the time vs. plasma concentration curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC∞) after a single-dose of a 2 mg lozenge is about 16 h\\*ng/ml, and about 31 h\\*ng/ml after a single-dose of a 4 mg lozenge.
\*Distribution\*
The volume of distribution following intravenous administration of nicotine is about 2 to 3 l/kg.
Plasma protein binding of nicotine is less than 5%. Therefore, changes in nicotine binding from use of concomitant drugs or alterations of plasma proteins by disease states would not be expected to have any significant effects on the nicotine pharmacokinetics.
\*Biotransformation\*
The major eliminating organ is the liver, although the kidney and lung also metabolise nicotine. More than 20 metabolites of nicotine have been identified, all of which are believed to be less active than the parent compound.
The primary metabolite of nicotine in plasma, cotinine, has a terminal half-life of 15 to 20 hours and concentrations that exceed nicotine by 10-fold.
\*Elimination\*
The average plasma clearance is about 70 l/h and the elimination half-life is approximately 2-3 hours.
The primary urinary metabolites are cotinine (12% of the dose) and trans-3- hydroxy-cotinine (37% of the dose). About 10% of nicotine is excreted unchanged in the urine, but as much as 30% of nicotine may be excreted unchanged with high flow rates and acidification of the urine below pH 5.
\*\*\*Characteristics in specific groups of subjects\*\*\*
\*Renal Impairment\*
Progressive severity of renal impairment is associated with decreased total clearance of nicotine. Nicotine clearance was decreased by on average 50% in subjects with severe renal impairment. Raised nicotine levels have been seen in smoking subjects undergoing haemodialysis.
\*Hepatic Impairment\*
The pharmacokinetics of nicotine is unaffected in individuals with liver cirrhosis and mild liver impairment (Child-Pugh score 5), and decreased by 40- 50% in subjects with moderate liver impairment (Child-Pugh score 7). There is no information available in subjects with a Child-Pugh score > 7.
A minor reduction in total clearance of nicotine has been demonstrated in healthy elderly subjects, however not justifying adjustment of dosage.5.3 Preclinical safety data
Preclinical data indicate that nicotine is neither mutagenic nor genotoxic.
There are no other findings derived from preclinical testing of relevance to the prescriber in determining the safety of the product which have not been considered in other relevant sections of this Summary of Product Characteristics.
- Instruction Pharmaceutical Particulars
- 6.1 List of excipients
Core
Mannitol (E421)
Xanthan gum (E415)
Tutti Frutti Flavour Spray dried (contains traces of sulphites, orange oil, orange oil terpenes, isoamyl butyrate, citral, and gum acacia)
Sodium carbonate anhydrous (E500) (i)
Sucralose (E955)
Acesulfame potassium (E950)
Magnesium stearate (E470b)
Coating
Hypromellose (E464))
Tutti Frutti Flavour liquid (contains orange oil, orange oil terpenes, isoamyl butyrate and citral)
Titanium dioxide (E171)
Sucralose (E955)
Microcrystalline Cellulose (E460)
Acesulfame potassium (E950)
Polysorbate 80
Sepifilm Gloss (contains hypromellose (E464), mica-based pearlescent pigments)6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.6.3 Shelf life
Polypropylene container with silica gel desiccant (“Flip pack”): 36 months
Cardboard box: 36 months. Use within 3 months after removing the overwrap.6.4 Special precautions for storage
Polypropylene container: Store the lozenges in the original container in order to protect from moisture.
Cardboard box: Store in the original container in order to protect from moisture.6.5 Nature and contents of container
Polypropylene container with silica gel desiccant (“Flip pack”)
Pack Sizes: 20 (1x20) and 80 (4x20) lozenges.
Cardboard box of 40 lozenges. Pack sizes: 40 (1x40), 80 (2x40) and 160 (4x40) lozenges.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
- Instruction Content
- ## Composition
Each lozenge contains 4 mg nicotine (as nicotine resinate).
Excipients with known effects:
Sulphites (0.000096 mg per lozenge).
For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
## Pharmaceutical Form
Compressed lozenge.
An oval, white to off-white lozenge imprinted with a “n” on one side and “4” on the other side.
## Clinical Particulars
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Nicorette Fruit 4 mg Lozenge relieves and/or prevents craving and nicotine withdrawal symptoms in nicotine dependence, such as those arising from the use of tobacco or electronic cigarettes. It is indicated to aid quitting or reduction prior to quitting, to assist those who are unwilling or unable to use such products , and as a safer alternative to smoking tobacco for smokers and those around them.
This product is indicated in pregnant and lactating women making a quit attempt.4.2 Posology and method of administration
\*Adults and children over 12 years of age\*
The strength of lozenge to be used will depend on the smoking/vaping habits of the individual. In general, if the patient smokes 20 or less cigarettes a day, 2 mg nicotine lozenge is indicated. If more than 20 cigarettes per day are smoked, 4 mg nicotine lozenge will be needed to meet the withdrawal of the high serum nicotine levels from heavy smoking.
Light to moderate vapers (e.g. vape infrequently or use low strength e-liquid) should start with 2 mg nicotine lozenge. If the 2 mg nicotine lozenge does not relieve the urge to vape, 4 mg nicotine lozenge should be used. Heavy vapers (e.g. vape frequently or use high strength e-liquid) should use 4 mg nicotine lozenge.
This product should be used whenever the urge to smoke or vape is felt or to prevent cravings in situations where these are likely to occur.
Patients willing or able to stop smoking/vaping immediately should initially replace all their cigarettes/e-cigarettes with the lozenges and as soon as they are able, reduce the number of lozenges used until they have stopped completely.
Patients aiming to reduce cigarettes/e-cigarettes should use the lozenges, between smoking/vaping episodes, as needed, to prolong smoke/vape-free intervals and to reduce their use as much as possible.
As soon as they are ready patients should aim to quit smoking/vaping completely.
Most patients require 8 to 12 lozenges per day, not to exceed 15 lozenges.
When making a quit attempt behavioural therapy, advice and support will normally improve the success rate. Those who have quit smoking/vaping but are having difficulty discontinuing with the lozenge are recommended to contact their pharmacist or doctor for advice.
For those using the 4 mg lozenges, switching to the 2 mg lozenges may be helpful when stopping treatment or reducing the number of lozenges used each day.
\*Method of administration\*
One lozenge should be placed in the mouth and allowed to dissolve. Periodically, the lozenge should be moved from one side of the mouth to the other, and repeated, until the lozenge is completely dissolved. You should not chew or swallow the lozenge.4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any of components of the lozenge.
This product is contraindicated in children under the age of 12 years.4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Any risks which may be associated with the use of NRT are substantially outweighed in virtually all circumstances by the well-established dangers of continued smoking. The risks of continued vaping are not yet established.
A risk-benefit assessment should be made by an appropriate healthcare professional for patients with the following conditions:
\*Underlying cardiovascular disease:\* In stable cardiovascular disease this product presents a lesser hazard than continuing to smoke. However dependent smokers currently hospitalised as a result of myocardial infarction, unstable or worsening angina including Prinzmetal angina, severe dysrhythmia or cerebrovascular accident and who are considered to be haemodynamically unstable and/or who have uncontrolled hypertension should be encouraged to stop smoking with non-pharmacological interventions. If this fails, this product may be considered, but as data on safety in this patient group are limited, initiation should only be under medical supervision. The risks of continued vaping are not yet established.
\*Diabetes Mellitus:\* Patients with diabetes mellitus should be advised to monitor their blood sugar levels more closely than usual when quitting and NRT is initiated as reductions in nicotine induced catecholamine release can affect carbohydrate metabolism.
\*Renal and hepatic impairment:\* Use with caution in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment and/or severe renal impairment as the clearance of nicotine or its metabolites may be decreased with the potential for increased adverse effects.
\*Phaeochromocytoma and uncontrolled hyperthyroidism:\* Use with caution in patients with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism or phaeochromocytoma as nicotine causes release of catecholamines.
\*Gastrointestinal disease:\* Nicotine may exacerbate symptoms in patients suffering from oesophagitis, gastric or peptic ulcers and NRT preparations should be used with caution in these conditions. Ulcerative stomatitis has been reported.
\*Seizures:\* Potential risks and benefits of nicotine should be carefully evaluated before use in subjects with a history of epilepsy as cases of convulsions have been reported in association with nicotine.
\*Danger in children\*: Doses of nicotine tolerated by adult and adolescent smokers or vapers can produce severe toxicity in children that may be fatal. Products containing nicotine should not be left where they may be misused, handled or ingested by children, see section 4.9 Overdose.
\*Transferred dependence:\* Transferred dependence is rare and is both less harmful and easier to break than smoking dependence.
\*Stopping smoking:\* Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in tobacco smoke induce the metabolism of drugs metabolised by CYP 1A2 (and possibly by CYP 1A1). When a smoker stops smoking, this may result in slower metabolism and a consequent rise in blood levels of such drugs. This is of potential clinical importance for products with a narrow therapeutic window, e.g. theophylline, clozapine and ropinirole.
\*Choking hazard:\* Lozenges can represent a choking hazard, therefore keep out of the reach of children. Use with caution in individuals with aspiration and swallowing problems.
Excipients:
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per lozenge, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'. This medicine also contains a small amount of sulphites, coming from the flavour, which may rarely cause severe hypersensitivity reactions and bronchospasm.4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
No clinically relevant interactions between nicotine replacement therapy and other drugs have definitely been established. However nicotine may possibly enhance the haemodynamic effects of adenosine i.e. increase in blood pressure and heart rate and also increase pain response (angina-pectoris type chest pain) provoked by adenosine administration.4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
\*Pregnancy\*
Stopping smoking is the single most effective intervention for improving the health of both the pregnant smoker and her baby, and the earlier abstinence is achieved the better. Ideally smoking cessation during pregnancy should be achieved without NRT. Nicotine passes to the foetus and affects its breathing movements and circulation. The effect on the circulation is dose-dependent. However, if the mother cannot (or is considered unlikely to) quit without pharmacological support, NRT may be used as the risk to the foetus is lower than that expected with smoking tobacco. Stopping completely is by far the best option but if this is not achievable this product may be used in pregnancy as a safer alternative to smoking. Because of the potential for nicotine-free periods, intermittent dose forms are preferable, but patches may be considered as an alternative if there is significant nausea and/or vomiting. If patches are used they should, if possible, be removed at night when the foetus would not normally be exposed to nicotine.
There is no or limited data regarding the effect of vaping in pregnancy.
Use of NRT by the pregnant smoker/vaper should only be initiated after advice from a health care professional.
\*Lactation\*
Nicotine should be avoided during breast-feeding. The relatively small amounts of nicotine found in breast milk during NRT use are less hazardous to the infant than second-hand smoke. Intermittent dose forms would minimize the amount of nicotine in breast milk and permit feeding when levels were at their lowest.
There is no or limited data regarding the effect of vaping in lactating women.
Use of NRT by breast feeding smokers/vapers should only be initiated after advice from a health care professional. Women should use the product as soon as possible after breastfeeding.
\*Fertility\*
In females tobacco smoking delays time to conception, decreases in-vitro fertilization success rates, and significantly increases the risk of infertility.
In males tobacco smoking reduces sperm production, increases oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Spermatozoa from smokers have reduced fertilizing capacity.
The specific contribution of nicotine to these effects in humans is unknown.
There is no or limited data regarding the effect of vaping on fertility.4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
This product has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.4.8 Undesirable effects
Effects of Smoking Cessation
Some symptoms may be related to nicotine withdrawal associated with stopping smoking. These can include: irritability/aggression, frustration/anger, dysphoria/depressed mood, anxiety, restlessness, poor concentration, increased appetite/weight gain, urges to smoke (cravings), night-time awakenings/sleep disturbance, decreased heart rate, dizziness, presyncopal symptoms, cough, constipation, gingival bleeding or nasopharyngitis.
Increased frequency of aphthous ulcer may occur after stopping smoking. The causality is unclear.
Effects of Vaping Cessation
The nicotine withdrawal effects of vaping cessation have not been established, however it is anticipated that many of the effects relating to nicotine withdrawal will be the same as those seen with tobacco smoking cessation.
Adverse Drug Reactions
This product may cause adverse reactions similar to those associated with nicotine given by other means, including smoking and vaping, and these are mainly dose-dependent. At recommended doses this product has not been found to cause any serious adverse effects. Excessive consumption of this product by those who have not been in the habit of inhaling tobacco smoke or vaping could possibly lead to nausea, faintness or headaches.
Most of the undesirable effects reported by the patient occur during the first 3-4 weeks after start of treatment. During the first few days of treatment irritation in the mouth and throat may be experienced. Most patients will get used to this sensation after the first few days.
Allergic reactions (including symptoms of anaphylaxis) can occur during the use of the product.
The adverse reactions observed in patients treated with oral nicotine formulations during clinical trials and post-marketing experience are listed below by system organ class (SOC). Frequencies are defined in accordance with current guidance as: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100, <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1 000, <1/100); rare (≥1/10 000, <1/1 000); very rare (<1/10 000); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Body System\*\* | \*\*Reported adverse event (Preferred Term)\*\* | \*\*Incidence\*\* |
| Immune system disorders | Hypersensitivitya | Common |
| Anaphylactic reactiona | Not known |
| Psychiatric disorders | Abnormal dreams\\* | Uncommon |
| Nervous system disorders | Headachea# | Very common |
| Burning sensationc | Common |
| Dizziness | Common |
| Dysgeusia | Common |
| Paraesthesiaa | Common |
| Seizures | Not known |
| Eye disorders | Blurred vision | Not known |
| Lacrimation increased | Not known |
| Cardiac disorders | Palpitationsa | Uncommon |
| Tachycardiaa | Uncommon |
| Reversible atrial fibrillation | Very rare |
| Vascular disorders | Flushinga | Uncommon |
| Hypertensiona | Uncommon |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | Cough\\*\\* | Common |
| Sore mouth or throat | Very common |
| Throat irritation\\*\\* | Very common |
| Bronchospasm | Uncommon |
| Dysphonia | Uncommon |
| Dyspnoeaa | Uncommon |
| Nasal congestion | Uncommon |
| Sneezing | Uncommon |
| Throat tightness | Uncommon |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Hiccups\\*\\*\\*\\* | Very common |
| Nauseaa | Very common |
| Abdominal pain | Common |
| Diarrhoea\\*\\*\\* | Common |
| Dry mouth | Common |
| Dyspepsia | Common |
| Flatulence | Common |
| Salivary hypersecretion | Common |
| Stomatitis | Common |
| Vomitinga | Common |
| Eructation | Uncommon |
| Glossitis | Uncommon |
| Oral mucosal blistering and exfoliation | Uncommon |
| Paraesthesia oral\\*\\*\\* | Uncommon |
| Dysphagia | Rare |
| Hypoaesthesia oral\\*\\*\\* | Rare |
| Retching | Rare |
| Dry throat | Not known |
| Gastrointestinal discomforta | Not known |
| Lip pain | Not known |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | Pain in Jawb | Uncommon |
| Muscle tightnessb | Not known |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Hyperhidrosisa | Uncommon |
| Pruritusa | Uncommon |
| Rasha | Uncommon |
| Urticaria\\*\\* | Uncommon |
| Erythemaa | Not known |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | Fatiguea | Common |
| Astheniaa | Uncommon |
| Chest discomfort and pain a | Uncommon |
| Malaisea | Uncommon |
| Allergic reactions including angioedema | Rare |
a Systemic effects; b Tightness of jaw and pain in jaw with nicotine gum formulation
c At the application site
\\*Identified only for formulations applied during the night
\\*\\*Higher frequency observed in clinical studies with inhaler formulation.
\\*\\*\\*Reported the same or less frequently than placebo
\\*\\*\\*\\*Higher frequency observed in clinical studies with mouth spray formulation
# Although the frequency in the active group is less than that of the placebo group, the frequency in the specific formulation in which the PT was identified as a systemic ADR was greater in the active group than the placebo group\*.\*
\*\*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. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store\*.\*4.9 Overdose
\*Symptoms:\* Symptoms of overdose with nicotine from this product may occur in smokers/vapers who have previously had a low nicotine intake from cigarettes/e-cigarettes or if other sources of nicotine are used concomitantly with this product.
Acute or chronic toxicity of nicotine in man is highly dependent on mode and route of administration. Adaptation to nicotine (e.g. in smokers/vapers) is known to significantly increase tolerability compared with non-smokers/vapers. The minimum lethal dose of nicotine in a non-tolerant man has been estimated to be 40 to 60 mg. Symptoms of acute nicotine poisoning include nausea, vomiting, increased salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, sweating, headache, dizziness, disturbed hearing and marked weakness. In extreme cases, these symptoms may be followed by hypotension, rapid or weak or irregular pulse, breathing difficulties, prostration, circulatory collapse and terminal convulsions.
\*Management of an overdose\*: All nicotine intake should stop immediately and the patient should be treated symptomatically. Artificial respiration should be instituted if necessary. Activated charcoal reduces the gastro-intestinal absorption of nicotine.
Doses of nicotine that are tolerated by adult smokers/vapers during treatment may produce severe symptoms of poisoning in children and may prove fatal. Suspected nicotine poisoning in a child should be considered a medical emergency and treated immediately.
## Pharmacological Properties
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Drug used in nicotine dependence.
ATC code: N07B A01
Nicotine is an agonist at nicotine receptors in the peripheral and central nervous system and has pronounced CNS and cardiovascular effects.
Abrupt cessation of the use of tobacco-containing products following a prolonged period of daily use results in a characteristic withdrawal syndrome that includes four or more of the following: dysphoria or depressed mood; insomnia; irritability, frustration or anger; anxiety; difficulty concentrating, restlessness or impatience; decreased heart rate; and increased appetite or weight gain. Nicotine craving is an important element in the withdrawal syndrome after smoking/vaping cessation.
Clinical studies have shown that nicotine replacement products can help smokers abstain from use by relieving these withdrawal symptoms.
Increased appetite is a recognised symptom of nicotine withdrawal and post- cessation weight gain is common. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Nicotine Replacement Therapy can help control weight following a quit attempt.
A bioequivalence study for the 2 mg and 4 mg lozenges measured relief in urges to smoke (i.e. craving relief) at specified intervals after the start of study drug administration.
Study subjects rated urges to smoke using a scale with 4 ordered categories:
1. No or very light urge to smoke (0-25% of maximum urge conceivable)
2. Noticeable urge to smoke (25%-50% of maximum urge conceivable)
3. Disturbing urge to smoke (50%-75% of maximum urge conceivable)
4. Very strong or extreme urge to smoke (75%-100% of maximum urge conceivable)
The data below presents urges to smoke data obtained for the 4 mg lozenges in 97 subjects, before and at 2, 5 and 10 minutes after start of treatment administration.
\*\*Table 1:\*\* Subjects who rated their urges to smoke either 'No or very light' or stronger (number and percent)
| | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| How strong was your urge to smoke? | Before start of administration of study treatment | After 2 minutes | After 5 minutes | After 10 minutes |
| Category 1 (No or very light urge to smoke) | 0 (0%) | 20 (23.5%) | 43 (50.5%) | 57 (68%) |
| Category 2 – Category 4 | 80 (100%) | 65 (76.5%) | 42 (49.5%) | 28 (32%) |
\*\*Table 2:\*\* Subjects who experienced any relief in urges to smoke (number and percent)
| | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Any relief in urges to smoke? | Before start of administration of study treatment | After 2 minutes | After 5 minutes | After 10 minutesa |
| Yes | 0 (0%) | 40 (47%) | 70 (85%) | 78 (93%) |
| No | 90 (100%) | 45 (53%) | 15 (15%) | 6 (7%) |
a one observation missing5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
\*Absorption\*
A 4 mg lozenge dissolves completely, typically in 10-20 minutes. Assuming complete dissolution in the mouth, most of its nicotine is absorbed through the oral mucosa. This fraction is almost entirely delivered to the systemic circulation. The remaining nicotine released in the mouth is swallowed and undergoes considerable first-pass metabolism in the intestine and liver. As a consequence, only a small part of the total nicotine given with a lozenge reaches the circulation via the intestine.
A maximum nicotine plasma concentration of about 5 ng/ml is achieved after a single-dose of the 2 mg lozenge, and about 8 ng/mL after a single-dose of the 4 mg lozenge. Area under the time vs. plasma concentration curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC∞) after a single-dose of a 2 mg lozenge is about 16 h\\*ng/ml, and about 31 h\\*ng/ml after a single-dose of a 4 mg lozenge.
\*Distribution\*
The volume of distribution following intravenous administration of nicotine is about 2 to 3 l/kg.
Plasma protein binding of nicotine is less than 5%. Therefore, changes in nicotine binding from use of concomitant drugs or alterations of plasma proteins by disease states would not be expected to have any significant effects on the nicotine pharmacokinetics.
\*Biotransformation\*
The major eliminating organ is the liver, although the kidney and lung also metabolise nicotine. More than 20 metabolites of nicotine have been identified, all of which are believed to be less active than the parent compound.
The primary metabolite of nicotine in plasma, cotinine, has a terminal half-life of 15 to 20 hours and concentrations that exceed nicotine by 10-fold.
\*Elimination\*
The average plasma clearance is about 70 l/h and the elimination half-life is approximately 2-3 hours.
The primary urinary metabolites are cotinine (12% of the dose) and trans-3- hydroxy-cotinine (37% of the dose). About 10% of nicotine is excreted unchanged in the urine, but as much as 30% of nicotine may be excreted unchanged with high flow rates and acidification of the urine below pH 5.
\*\*\*Characteristics in specific groups of subjects\*\*\*
\*Renal Impairment\*
Progressive severity of renal impairment is associated with decreased total clearance of nicotine. Nicotine clearance was decreased by on average 50% in subjects with severe renal impairment. Raised nicotine levels have been seen in smoking subjects undergoing haemodialysis.
\*Hepatic Impairment\*
The pharmacokinetics of nicotine is unaffected in individuals with liver cirrhosis and mild liver impairment (Child-Pugh score 5), and decreased by 40- 50% in subjects with moderate liver impairment (Child-Pugh score 7). There is no information available in subjects with a Child-Pugh score > 7.
A minor reduction in total clearance of nicotine has been demonstrated in healthy elderly subjects, however not justifying adjustment of dosage.5.3 Preclinical safety data
Preclinical data indicate that nicotine is neither mutagenic nor genotoxic.
There are no other findings derived from preclinical testing of relevance to the prescriber in determining the safety of the product which have not been considered in other relevant sections of this Summary of Product Characteristics.
## Pharmaceutical Particulars
6.1 List of excipients
Core
Mannitol (E421)
Xanthan gum (E415)
Tutti Frutti Flavour Spray dried (contains traces of sulphites, orange oil, orange oil terpenes, isoamyl butyrate, citral, and gum acacia)
Sodium carbonate anhydrous (E500) (i)
Sucralose (E955)
Acesulfame potassium (E950)
Magnesium stearate (E470b)
Coating
Hypromellose (E464))
Tutti Frutti Flavour liquid (contains orange oil, orange oil terpenes, isoamyl butyrate and citral)
Titanium dioxide (E171)
Sucralose (E955)
Microcrystalline Cellulose (E460)
Acesulfame potassium (E950)
Polysorbate 80
Sepifilm Gloss (contains hypromellose (E464), mica-based pearlescent pigments)6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.6.3 Shelf life
Polypropylene container with silica gel desiccant (“Flip pack”): 36 months
Cardboard box: 36 months. Use within 3 months after removing the overwrap.6.4 Special precautions for storage
Polypropylene container: Store the lozenges in the original container in order to protect from moisture.
Cardboard box: Store in the original container in order to protect from moisture.6.5 Nature and contents of container
Polypropylene container with silica gel desiccant (“Flip pack”)
Pack Sizes: 20 (1x20) and 80 (4x20) lozenges.
Cardboard box of 40 lozenges. Pack sizes: 40 (1x40), 80 (2x40) and 160 (4x40) lozenges.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
