Evaluating the Safety of Nicotine Pouches: A Modern Alternative to Traditional Methods

With their growing popularity, nicotine pouches and lozenges are becoming the go-to choice for those seeking an alternative form of nicotine consumption. These products, designed to fit comfortably between the cheek and gum, contain no tobacco but are packed with nicotine, flavorings, sweeteners, and plant-based fibers. Brands like IVIDA offer these pouches in attractive, mint-like packaging to cater to consumers.

While marketing highlights their convenience and appeal, it’s vital to be aware that they deliver varying levels of nicotine—a substance known for its addictive qualities and potential to adversely affect cognitive functions such as learning and attention.

Assessing the Safety of Nicotine Pouches Compared to Chewing, Smoking, or Vaping

Despite their rising popularity, the long-term health effects of using nicotine pouches remain undetermined. Since these products aren’t classified under smokeless tobacco, they fall outside the rigorous regulatory oversight of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that applies to smoked or combustible tobacco. Without comprehensive long-term studies, it’s difficult to confirm if reduced nicotine exposure through these pouches can mitigate health risks.

Potential side effects might include:

Gum irritation

Mouth soreness

Hiccups

Nausea

Nicotine addiction, possibly leading to relapse in tobacco usage

Can Nicotine Pouches Facilitate Quitting Nicotine?

Currently, no evidence suggests that nicotine pouches are an effective or safe means of quitting nicotine. Medical experts at the University Health Center and certified tobacco treatment specialist Jill Selzle, PA, from Nebraska Medicine, advise against their use for cessation purposes.

In contrast, other nicotine replacement therapies have been more thoroughly studied. For example, nicotine replacement therapy as a whole has shown a success rate ranging from 50% to 90%, depending on multiple factors such as the patient’s willpower, treatment methods, and drug usage.

When it comes to specific nicotine replacement products:

Nicotine Patches: A meta-analysis of 17 eligible studies involving 5098 patients showed that the overall smoking cessation rate at the end of treatment for patients using nicotine patches was 27%. In contrast, the rate for those using placebo patches was only 13%. At the 6 – month follow-up, the smoking cessation rate for those using nicotine patches was 22% and for those using placebo patches was 9%. Regardless of the patch type (16-hour or 24-hour), the duration of patch treatment, the way of dose reduction, the form of counseling, and the intensity of adjunctive behavioral counseling, the smoking cessation effect of the active patch group was better than that of the placebo patch group.
Nicotine Gum: Data indicates that the use of nicotine gum can relatively increase the success rate of smoking cessation. Although the exact figures vary due to different research samples and methods, its effect is generally considered to be similar to that of nicotine patches. It can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation to some extent and increase the likelihood of quitting smoking.
Nicotine Sprays and Inhalers: As prescription-only nicotine replacement products, they can provide users with a quick and effective way of nicotine intake and are more effective for some smokers who have difficulty tolerating withdrawal symptoms. However, there is currently a lack of large-scale, long-term comparative studies to clarify their exact smoking cessation success rate. Only some short-term studies have shown their positive effects in alleviating withdrawal symptoms and assisting in smoking cessation.

Moreover, according to the guidelines of the American College of Cardiology, clinicians can combine nicotine replacement therapy with drugs such as bupropion or varenicline to improve the success rate of smoking cessation. For example, for smokers who have not successfully quit smoking using nicotine replacement therapy or varenicline alone, the combination can enhance the smoking cessation effect. In particular, the combination of nicotine patches and bupropion can further increase the likelihood of smoking cessation to a certain extent.

For those already using nicotine pouches and who have successfully quit tobacco, transitioning away from these pouches is recommended to achieve complete nicotine independence. Other approved short-term nicotine replacement options available include:

Nicotine patches

Gum

Lozenges

Nasal spray

Nicotine inhaler

It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss potential side effects and appropriate usage of these products.

Embracing a Nicotine-Free Lifestyle

Living without nicotine is achievable with the right strategies and mindset. Here are some expert tips to support your journey to quitting permanently:
Recognize and understand your personal experience of nicotine withdrawal.
Develop healthy physical and mental strategies to cope with cravings.
Use delay and distraction techniques to resist tobacco use.
Practice mindfulness to remain conscious of your decisions regarding nicotine.
Engage in visualization, deep breathing, or meditation to center yourself.
Explore new hobbies or activities to keep occupied.
Alter routines to break associations with nicotine use.
Limit access to tobacco by not keeping it nearby, paying at the pump, and avoiding situations with high temptation.
Regular exercise can boost endorphins and help maintain a healthy balance.

Stay hydrated and choose nutritious foods.

By adopting these strategies, you can pave the way toward a healthier, nicotine-free future.