Drug watchdogs have updated the potential side effects list for Nicotinell's Mint Compressed Lozenges to include atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder that can increase the risk of stroke. The warning applies to the brand's 1mg and 2mg lozenges, which are commonly available in UK high-street stores.
Nicotine, the active stimulant in the lozenges, is absorbed into the bloodstream as they dissolve in the mouth. Research indicates that nicotine can elevate heart rate and cause the heart to beat faster and pump more forcefully by triggering the body's 'fight or flight' response. The likelihood of atrial fibrillation occurring from the use of these lozenges is listed as 'not known' in Nicotinell's updated guidance.
Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Risk
Atrial fibrillation is characterized by a rapid and intense heartbeat. According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), individuals with this condition are five times more likely to experience a stroke. Stroke is a significant cause of death in the UK, resulting in approximately 38,000 fatalities annually. A Danish study published in the British Medical Journal in 2024 also found that individuals with atrial fibrillation have a 40% likelihood of developing heart failure and a 20% chance of experiencing a stroke during their lifetime.
The BHF reports that around 1.5 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a 50% increase since 2013. The charity estimates that an additional 270,000 people may have the condition without being aware of it. Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, BHF medical director, has previously stated that these figures reflect an 'astonishing rise' in diagnoses and emphasized the ongoing need to identify undiagnosed individuals at heightened stroke risk.
Symptoms and Other Side Effects
Symptoms of atrial fibrillation can include an irregular or rapid heartbeat, extreme tiredness, chest pains, shortness of breath, and feeling faint. The NHS advises individuals experiencing these symptoms to consult a general practitioner. Other potential side effects associated with Nicotinell lozenges, also listed as 'not known,' include tremors, flu-like symptoms, and itchy hives. More common side effects reported for the lozenges are nausea, mouth and throat pain, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness, and insomnia.