Have you noticed anyone you know with a puff in their lower lip? Just as vaping or e-cigarettes came on the market as an alternative to traditional cigarettes, there are also options available to replace chewing tobacco in the form of nicotine pouches. Brands of these nicotine pouches seem to be everywhere lately, thanks to a push of online advertising, influencer marketing, and in-store promotion and sales. These unassuming little pouches can be slyly slipped inside of your lower lip and used in just about any environment, without telltale smoke, strong smells, or the need to spit (as seen with smokeless tobacco), which makes them ideal for teens and young adults who want to use them covertly.
Nicotine pouches come in a can similar to chewing tobacco but are in self-contained, individual pouches that release flavor and nicotine. Like vaping, these pouches are available in many different flavors and typically do not contain any actual tobacco. However, they do contain powerfully addictive nicotine.
Like many predecessor products, nicotine pouches still have downsides and can be harmful to your health. Because these products are so new, there is no data on the long-term effects. However, all other forms of smokeless tobacco are known to cause an increase in cavities, gum recession, and mouth lesions. Not to mention that nicotine is very addictive, and some of the products are not clearly marked with the amount of nicotine they contain.
A few of the known short-term side effects include sore mouth, hiccups, gum irritation, and nausea.
Nicotine content
Because of their convenience, users have the ability to use nicotine pouches more frequently and in many more settings than traditional tobacco products. Users may go through a large quantity of pouches and therefore take in large amounts of nicotine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that for an average adult with a weight of 150 pounds, 30-60 milligrams of nicotine can cause poisoning or even be deadly. A cigarette contains about 6-12 milligrams of nicotine (with an average of 1 milligram being absorbed per cigarette), whereas a single extra-strong nicotine pouch can contain as much as 12 milligrams. Because people typically use multiple pouches at a time, it would be much easier to get nicotine poisoning when using pouches. One popular pouch brand reports users typically go through 8-12 pouches a day, the nicotine equivalent of 1-3 packs of cigarettes.
Signs of nicotine poisoning include:
- Feeling queasy or throwing up
- Stomachache
- Mouth watering
- Quick, heavy breathing
- Faster heartbeat
- Higher blood pressure
- Pale skin
- Headache
- Dizzy, off-balance, or confused
If you or someone close to you is experiencing these symptoms after using nicotine products, call the Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222.
As with all nicotine products, please keep away from young children.
Nicotine pouches are not effective tools for cutting down or eliminating nicotine and/or tobacco addiction. In fact, they can sometimes lead to more frequent use. If you or someone you know needs help quitting tobacco or nicotine, find resources here.
This information in this post is for general educational purposes only and does not warrant or represent any information as related to health as specifically appropriate for you. It is not intended to be medical advice or replace the relationship that you have with your health care providers. You should always seek medical advice on any diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.
