What Are the Dangers of Nicotine Lozenges?

Nicotine lozenges are clearly better for you than cigarettes, as lozenges do not include the tar or carbon monoxide found in tobacco. Still, there are side effects and dangers associated with nicotine lozenges.

Heart Risks

• Nicotine in any form, including lozenges, increases your risk for heart disease, narrowing the arteries in your heart and raising your blood pressure.

Addiction

• Nicotine lozenges are nearly as addictive as cigarettes, as users of lozenges have been known to take them for years after quitting smoking.

Cost

• Most nicotine lozenges are considerably more costly than tobacco products--a box of 72 can cost anywhere from $40 to $45. That's the same cost as about 160 cigarettes.

Tooth Decay

• Longtime users of nicotine lozenges occasionally experience issues with decaying teeth and gums, as the lozenges often take up to 40 minutes or more to completely dissolve.

Aspartame

• Nicotine lozenges typically are flavored with aspartame, a low-calorie sweetener found in diet sodas that has been accused of causing cancer and neurological problems by some in the medical field.