What is Sjögren's syndrome?
Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that prevents the body's exocrine (moisture-producing) glands from producing enough moisture, causing primarily severe dry mouth and dry eyes. Autoimmune disorders occur when the body develops antibodies to its own tissues, attacking them as if they were foreign substances.
Diagnosing Sjögren's syndrome is often a challenge. Some symptoms may overlap or mimic other conditions, such as other autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. In addition, some of the oral and vaginal dryness symptoms may be initially attributed to menopause. A Sjögren's syndrome patient may suffer up to 10 years before obtaining a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Recognizing the signs
The main symptom of Sjögren's syndrome is chronic dryness, including:
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Dry tongue
- Dry skin
- Vaginal dryness
Decreased salivary function may lead to:
- Tooth decay
- Tender, inflamed gums
- Sore or burning throat
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking and tasting
Other symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Headaches
If you suffer from more than one of the above symptoms, you may want to consult your health care professional about Sjögren's syndrome.
Helping Sjögren's syndrome patients find relief
Although there is no cure for Sjögren's syndrome, treatment is available to help manage the symptoms. Some patients may find temporary relief of dry mouth by drinking water, chewing gum and/or using artificial saliva.
In addition, EVOXAC
® (cevimeline HCl) is an FDA-approved treatment for dry mouth symptoms in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. EVOXAC works by helping the salivary glands produce more saliva.
EVOXAC is only available by prescription. The information provided on this Web site is not intended to replace a health care provider consultation. Ultimately, your health care provider will determine whether EVOXAC is right for you. Please consult your health care provider about the risks and benefits of EVOXAC.
Safety Considerations
The most common side effects are: excessive sweating, headache, nausea, sinusitis, upper respiratory infections, rhinitis and diarrhea.
You should not take EVOXAC
® if you have uncontrolled asthma, eye inflammation, narrow angle (angle closure) glaucoma or allergies to EVOXAC.
Before taking EVOXAC, tell your doctor if you have a heart condition, controlled asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, a history of kidney disease or gallstones, or if you are taking any heart medications, especially "beta-blockers." If you have any of these conditions your doctor will monitor you under close medical supervision while you are taking EVOXAC.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications to avoid any possible drug interactions.
The safety and effectiveness of EVOXAC in patients under 18 years of age have not been established.
Special care should be taken if you are elderly.
You should be careful when driving at night or performing hazardous activities in reduced lighting while taking EVOXAC.
If you sweat excessively while taking EVOXAC, you may become dehydrated. To prevent this, drink extra water and talk to your doctor.
For more information, please visit www.evoxac.com or www.daiichisankyo-us.com. Please see full prescribing information.
Tips to manage your dry mouth symptoms and prevent tooth decay associated with a chronic condition such as Sjögren's syndrome
Tips for managing dry mouth symptoms:
- Artificial salivas or saliva substitutes may provide temporary relief from dryness in the mouth
- Sucking on ice chips and/or taking frequent sips of water may help hydrate the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Keep water at your bedside for dryness during the night or on awakening
- Between meals, avoid all food and beverages that contain sugar to minimize the occurrence of cavities
- Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing helps stimulate the production of saliva
- Suck on sugarless hard candies
- Avoid acidic and spicy foods because they irritate oral tissue
- Avoid caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea and soda) and alcohol. These liquids are dehydrating
- If dry mouth symptoms persist, check with your health care professional about further treatment
Tips for preventing tooth decay:
- Brush your teeth before and after meals to help eliminate bacteria that may cause tooth decay
- Floss daily and use a toothpaste with fluoride
- Drink milk which contains a substance that coats the teeth to prevent tooth decay
- If you take a chewable vitamin C tablet, brush your teeth immediately or at least rinse your mouth thoroughly. Vitamin C is acidic and can start to dissolve tooth enamel in some people
- See your dentist at least 3 times a year to check for and, if necessary, treat cavities
- Ask your dentist to consider applying a fluoride varnish to your teeth
- Special gels and toothpastes are available for patients with dry mouth
Facts about Sjögren's syndrome
Did you know?
- Sjögren's syndrome is one of the most prevalent autoimmune disorders with up to 4 million sufferers in the United States
- Nine out of 10 patients diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome are women
- The average age range of symptom onset is 40-50 years
- Sjögren's syndrome patients often go undiagnosed and untreated for up to 10 years
- Symptoms of dry mouth occur in 90 percent of Sjögren's syndrome patients
