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A nicotine pouch is a small bag that contains the nicotine chemical mixed with other ingredients. Nicotine pouches are considered a safer alternative to smoking. You can check out Nicotine Pouches Canada for the product. Remember to consult a physician before you start taking them. They have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a type of nicotine replacement therapy1.
They are taken by mouth and contain no tobacco. You simply put one between your gum and lip, requiring no consumption or smoking.
What’s in a Nicotine Pouch?
Nicotine pouches don’t contain tobacco leaves, making them different from other smokeless products that contain nicotine, like chewing tobacco, snus, and snuff.
Here’s what you can expect in a nicotine pouch: nicotine, flavorings, water, plant-based fibers, and sweeteners. Some nicotine pouches contain less quantities of nicotine than others.
How Do They Affect Your Health?
This is a relatively new product in the market, so more research needs to be conducted on the safety and effectiveness of nicotine pouches. These are the common side effects you can experience:
- Upset stomach
- Hiccups
- Sore mouth
Nicotine pouches can’t be shared, and if by chance you swallow one, call a physician immediately. As nicotine pouches don’t have any traces of tobacco, they could be considered a safer alternative to snuff, snus, and other smokeless products which have been known to cause the following side effects:
- Loss of teeth
- Cancers of the mouth, throat, and pancreas
- Stained teeth and cavities
- Gum disease
- Higher chances of stroke and heart disease
Nicotine pouches are in the smokeless tobacco category. Their long-term effects haven’t been established either. One can expect the side effects associated with nicotine.
How Much Nicotine and What Flavours are in Oral Nicotine Pouches?
The nicotine concentration differs with each product. Usually, they come in 1.5, 2, 3.5, 4, 6,9 0r 12mg. Also, the different brands tend to have different concentrations of nicotine. Canada approves up to a maximum of 4mg with imports. It’s important always to check the rules and regulations.
Flavours to Expect
Oral nicotine pouches have a wide range of flavours, including mint, fruit, and much more. The main concern with nicotine pouches is their sweet and fruity flavours, which could appeal to youths, leading to addiction at a young age. Flavours play a significant role in drawing the youth market to tobacco products.
Can Nicotine Pouches Help With Nicotine Dependence?
The experts still don’t think these products are safe, although there isn’t enough data and information to certify them as a substantial way to quit. The well-known and standard therapies that have worked as a replacement include:
- Lozenges2
- Nicotine inhaler
- Nicotine patches
- Gum
- Nasal spray
Always discuss any of these options with a healthcare provider before taking them.
Successful Ways to Quit Tobacco
Remember to always consult your doctor before using a nicotine pouch. Replacement products such as nicotine patches and gum could assist with tobacco cravings. You can also quit tobacco by:
- Working with your doctor to create a plan to quit
- Calling a quitline
- Using apps that offer quitting tips
- Joining programs that encourage you not to smoke
- Using healthy alternatives and habits to curb stressful situations
- Joining a support group
- Avoiding people and situations that make you crave tobacco
- Ask family and friends to keep you accountable as you try to stop consuming tobacco
- Devi, Rajkumari E., et al. “Nicotine replacement therapy: A friend or foe.” Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care 9.6 (2020): 2615. ↩︎
- Gopale, Onkar, Shraddha Jethawa, and Suvarna Shelke. “Medicated lozenges: a review.” Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development 10.2 (2022): 129-134. ↩︎
Last Updated on by Sanjana
