13 Jul Nicotine Inhalers: Just A Bad Idea
11%: Nicotine Inhaler Success Rate
I honestly don’t hear from many people that say they use or have used the nicotine inhaler. The ones that do talk about the terrible taste and irritation of the throat. This has to be one of the worst ideas I have seen! Here you go, try to stop a hand to mouth habit by reinforcing it. Clearly the intent is for the individual to continue using the product indefinitely.
Each cartridge delivers up to 400 puffs of nicotine vapor. It takes at least 80 puffs to obtain the equivalent amount of nicotine delivered by one cigarette. The initial dosage is individualized. The best effect is achieved by frequent, continuous puffing for 20 minutes. Who has 20 minutes to kill? This will deliver 4 mg of nicotine; only 2 mg are actually absorbed. This is the equivalent of about 2 cigarettes. The maximum suggested dose is 16 cartridges per day.
The average retail cost of the nicotine inhaler is approximately $45.00/package (42 cartridges) which would last the average smoker 4 to 5 days. About the same price as smoking! I mean, really, where is the logic here?
Below are the side effects from the product insert.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- chest pain
- coughing
- diarrhea
- dry mouth
- flatulence
- headache
- hiccups
- indigestion
- irritation, numbness, redness or swelling of gums, mouth, nose or throat
- mouth and throat irritation
- nausea
- shortness of breath
- stuffy nose
- stomach discomfort
- thirst
- throat irrititation
- vomiting
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- fever with or without chills
- headache
- nausea with or without vomiting
- runny nose
- shortness of breath, tightness in chest, difficulty breathing, or wheezing
- skin rash, itching, or hives
- tearing of eyes
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- cold sweat
- confusion
- convulsions (seizures)
- disturbed hearing and vision
- drooling
- extreme exhaustion
- pale skin
- fast heartbeat
- symptoms of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the mouth or throat, chest tightness, or shortness of breath
- tremors
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.