Nicotine pouches, such as Nordic Spirit, Zyn, and Velo, are compact sachets filled with nicotine and other components that are positioned beneath the upper lip. These pouches are not meant to be chewed or sucked, as doing so would not deliver the full nicotine effect. Additionally, while they resemble snus, nicotine pouches are free of tobacco and are frequently viewed as aids for quitting tobacco use. As with snus, it’s crucial that nicotine pouches are not ingested but are instead removed with a finger and discarded.
Should you accidentally swallow a nicotine pouch, there’s no need for alarm. Since these pouches are tobacco-free, they won’t trigger severe internal reactions like those that might occur with snus. In fact, less nicotine will enter your bloodstream compared to using the pouch as directed.
The ingredients in the pouches, aside from nicotine, are generally benign. The list of ingredients is reminiscent of a typical household concoction: water, salt, food-grade additives, and optional flavorings. However, the pouches themselves are not meant for digestion, so users are advised to take them out from under the lip and dispose of them, similar to how one would treat chewing gum—another item not intended for the digestive system.
Ingesting a pouch or two over a lifetime is unlikely to have significant consequences. Nonetheless, if you frequently swallow nicotine pouches, it’s advisable to cease this practice, as the ingredients are not suitable for large-scale consumption. Remember that nicotine is a chemical and should only be used as instructed on the packaging.
Using nicotine always carries some risk, so it’s important to be mindful of your body’s response. Although nicotine isn’t carcinogenic, an excessive amount can lead to nicotine poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, abdominal pain, reduced appetite, dehydration, and elevated blood pressure. While the risk of death from nicotine poisoning is low, it can disrupt your body’s functions and should be a consideration if you’re tempted to swallow a nicotine pouch again.
It’s vital to keep nicotine pouches away from children. If a child were to find and consume these pouches, the effects on their small, developing bodies could be more severe.
Always pay attention to your body’s signals; it will communicate its state if you listen. If you’ve swallowed a nicotine pouch and feel unwell or anxious, consulting a healthcare provider for a quick examination is a wise choice. When in doubt, it’s better to be cautious.
