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Guideline Question
Are there effective interventions for symptomatic xerostomia following conventionally fractionated radical radiotherapy for head and neck cancer?

Target Population
These recommendations apply to adult head and neck cancer patients with symptomatic xerostomia following radiation therapy.

Recommendations
• For head and neck cancer patients with symptomatic xerostomia following radiation therapy using conventional fractionation schedules, pilocarpine at 5 mg three times per day is recommended.
• Patients must have evidence of pre-existing salivary function and no medical contraindications to pilocarpine therapy.
• The ideal duration of treatment with pilocarpine is undefined. The decision to extend treatment beyond three months can be based only on clinical judgement and not on evidence.
• It is reasonable to use pilocarpine for patients with symptomatic xerostomia following hyperfractionated or accelerated fractionation radiotherapy.

• Other posts by members about pilocarpine.
  
• Other posts by members about Salagen®.
  
• Oral Pilocarpine for Post-Irradiation Xerostomia in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

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I recently had to go to have surgery to tidy my neck dissection scar up and while I was going through all the consent forms etc, the doctor noticed how dry I was and how I was continuously drinking water. I did also say my concerns as to how I was going to cope with a nil by mouth for my operation for a few hours before as I'd be like sandpaper after a few minutes.

She asked had I not tried an oral t ablet which is specifically for sufferers of dry mouth after radiotherapy to the head and neck. She wrote it down and I asked my doctor to try it. Well It does work and I actually have saliva again all be it not like I used to but I canb actually go for nearly 4/5 hours without a drink - Yippee!!

So I thought I'd share the name with you all to maybe give it a try. Its called PILOCARPINE 5mg tablets. It has a few side effects to begin woth, I did feel like I'd got flu for a week but thats passed. I have also noticed I do have to shall I say, go for a tinkle a few more times a day now and you can get a bit more perspiration as its obviously increases your bodies fluids all over, but I don't care....I HAVE SALIVA!!!

Its not a miracle cure and it may not work for everyone but I thought I'd give it a mention.