Dry mucous membranes caused by Sjögren’s syndrome elicits descriptions from patients like, “food tastes like paper” and “eyes feel gritty.” Sjögren’s syndrome can occur by itself or along with autoimmune conditions, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Just as joints and connective tissues can be attacked as part of the autoimmune condition, the moisture-producing glands also can be attacked.
The prescription medications available to treat dry eyes and dry mouth are listed in the Sjögren’s syndrome chart. The oral drugs listed here work internally to help your body produce more moisture in the mouth. The dry-eye treatments add moisture to the eye or suppress eye inflammation. A surgical procedure to block the tear ducts (punctal occlusion) is an option for severe cases of dry eyes. Other prescription medications, such as the DMARD hydroxychloroquine sulfate (Plaquenil), may be used to treat other manifestations.
Over-the-counter treatments are available, too. Sugar-free chewing gum and candies, mouth sprays and rinses can help moisten the mouth and lessen discomfort. Available in sprays, liquids and pretreated swabs, artificial saliva products are sold under a number of brand names, including Glandosane, Moi-Stir, MouthKote, Optimoist, Oralube, Salivart and Xero-Lube. These products should be applied directly to the tongue, gums and roof of the mouth, according to package directions. Although these products do not stimulate saliva production, they do provide temporary moisture and can be reapplied as needed.
Eye drops can be used as needed (up to four times per day if bottles contain preservatives) and are available without prescription. Artificial tears (hydroxypropyl cellulose drops) are also sold under a number of brand names, including Artificial Tears, Bion Tears, Gonak, Isopto Tears, Lacril, Nature’s Tears and Ocucoat. To use the tears, place one drop in each lower eyelid and then close eyes one or two minutes, so tears can absorb. As with artificial salivas, the benefits of artificial tears are temporary. They can be applied three or four times daily. Be sure to check specific directions on the product’s packaging.
Other measures you can take on your own include sipping water throughout the day, avoiding smoking and caffeine and talking with your doctor about any medications you may be taking that could be drying your mucous membranes.
Drug Guide: Sjogrens Syndrome Medications
Shari 16 Nov 2009, 18:28 |
| Salagen has helped both my eyes and mouth. I rinse w/Biotene, occasionally chew sugar-free gum. Salagen is very expensive even in generic (Evoxac $225 for 90 capsules, 3 per day). I have also had punctal occlusion for my lower tear ducts and that helped. Every day includes eye drops. It helps to drink water and I find that summer heat causes more dryness. |
SHEILA CALDWELL 20 Oct 2009, 19:59 |
| I HAVE DRY EYES, DRY MOUTH, AND DRY NOSE. I WAS TESTED FOR SJOGREN'S AND WAS TOLD I DON'T HAVE IT, BUT CAN'T SEEM TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF WHAT I DO HAVE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS, AND IS DRIVING ME CRAZY, ESPECIALLY MY MOUTH. IF ANYONE HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS AS TO WHAT IT MIGHT B OR HOW OR WHO TO SEE TO REMEDY IT, WOULD B GREATLY APPRECIATED, THANK YOU |
K Wittal 23 Aug 2009, 13:56 |
| I use Bio Tears, very good product. |
mary 20 Aug 2009, 09:55 |
| I tried Salagen for years and it worked for me. I know it was expensive but my pharmacist has informed me that it now has a generic. |
Ariviste 25 Jul 2009, 18:33 |
| A good mouth lubricant that can be carried in the purse is a spray called Oasis. It temporarily moistens the mouth and can be quietly used without anyone knowing. An ointment that is very good for night use is Muro 128 which goes in the eyes at bedtime. It can be found sometimes on the drug counter with the eye drops and sometimes you have to ask the pharmacist for it, but it doesn't require a prescription. It was suggested by my ophthalmologist and keeps you from having to get up in the night to use drops. |
Tiffany 12 Jul 2009, 21:58 |
| Dear B. Mckibbin, YES...I use Salivasure. My pharmacy carries it. It is about $8.50 a packett. If that is a better price let me know and perhaps we can work out something where I can help you get it. I know the horror of dry mouth. Also....the Salagen is a waste of money, huh? I was going to look into that drug. |
B. McKibbin 21 May 2009, 13:35 |
| In cooperation with my dentist, I was diagnosed with Sjogrens Syndrome
several years ago and was prescribed a very expensive drug called Salagen.
Later looking for an alternative I found a supplement (lozenges)
manufactured by Scandinavian Formulas Inc. called SalivaSure. I have only
been able to find it on the internet and a company called VitaCost seems to
have the best price. The primary active ingredient is xylitol. Cost is
about 1/10th that of Salagen. A product for Dry Eye called Thera Tears Nutrition an Omega 3 supplement seems to help. I have been able to find it at Walgreen's, or by going direct to the company. |
anil karn 11 May 2009, 00:10 |
| i require details of drug today magzine |
Extremely important