Treatment
There is no cure for Sjogren's. No treatment can restore the ability of the glands to produce moisture. Patients with Sjogren’s have an increased incidence of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma . They should be screened aggressively. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms.
Treatments include:
Medication
To help relieve dryness:
- Artificial tears, artificial saliva, and vaginal lubricants
- Pilocarpine —ocular and oral dryness
- Cevimeline —requires less frequent dosing than pilocarpine, may cause nausea
To relieve joint and muscle pain:
- Aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
To relieve inflammation / swelling:
- Plaquenil —antimalarial drug with anti-inflammatory properties
- Steroids
- Methotrexate —a steroid-sparing agent
Lifestyle Measures
- Mild exercise can help relieve stiffness in the joints.
- To help relieve dry mouth, sip liquids often and suck on sugar-free candies.
- Brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly. This can help to prevent cavities.
- Use nonscented moisturizers to help relieve dry skin.
This condition is generally benign. However, people with severe cases are at increased risk for developing lymphoma . This is a cancer of the white blood cells. Your doctor will need to monitor you for this.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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