My sister Julie has finished radiation almost two weeks ago. WOOOOHOOOO! My question is about saligen. She has had so much phlemn and gagging. Is it correct to think with out this medication that the phlemn will dry up and go away? The reason I ask is that the DR told me a few weeks ago that she would probably be on this for six months. What is the primary function of this medication?

Any info would be much appreciated,
Kellie

Kellie,

When I was going through radiation over 15 years ago, Salagen wasn't even available, but I still had a lot of nasty phlegm for awhile, so I don't think you can attribute that specifically to the Salagen. I started using it a couple of years later, during clinical trials and after it was released on the market, and have been using it steadily ever since, without any phlegm/gagging problems.

Salagen is primarily a glaucoma medicine, but one side effect is that it causes a temporary increase in salivary function (although its effectiveness varies from person to person). For people like me who do derive benefit from it, it's a really important part of maintaining some level of moisture in my mouth every day -- for eating, speaking, and overall dental health.

Cathy

What are the consequences if not taken?
Thanks again,
Kellie

Hi Kellie,
Salagen is taken to help preserve the salivary glands during and after radiation. This is not producing the phelgm and that problem will proabaly get worse if she stops taking it. The only side effect I had from the Salagen was heavy persperation for a few minutes from time to time. I found I was ok with it as long as it was not 90 degrees with humidity at 100%. Then I prespired so badly, I couldn't see. Finally stopped taking it 3 years after radiation as I found I had enough saliva. She might try taking Guianfenex LA to thin the mucous some. I also took that. This is just part of the healing process and will go away in time.

Take care,
Eileen

Kellie, I tried Salagen for a few weeks and got no noticeable difference in my saliva, so I discontinued using it. This was a month or so after treatment ended. The phlegm and gagging is a normal thing after radiation. I had it for about 3 weeks after and then it just stopped in a few days. Sleep sitting up and eventually she will stop getting up every hour to cough and gag and spit it out. Good luck and will pray for her getting over this with your help.

Hi Kellie,
I didn't use Salagen, my radiation oncologist didn't suggest it even when my mucous was at its worst. About 4 weeks after treatment, the phlegm simply went away. My understanding was that the mucous is a side effect of the damage of the radiation to surrounding tissues and that as the tissues heal, the mucous diminishes. Best wishes for your sister's speedy recovery. - Sheldon

Kellie:

I experienced the heavy mucous after radiation as well. It does eventurally go away. The point of the medication is to provide saliva so it is easier to talk, eat and provide dental health. It really is hard to talk with dry mouth and can be challenging! Your sister needs to really take care of her teeth now. I use products from Biotene. She will need special toothpast, mouthwash etc. I suggest she try it and see if it works. Wish her well.
Jeff

Kellie,
Like Kirk, my husband tried Salagen, but it didn't seem to make any difference in his problems with dry mouth so he discontinued using it. He had major problems with phlegm also for weeks after treatment ended, however, with time that problem did end, thank God!
Take care,
Debbie

Julie has discontinued the saligen. She seems to be doing well. The mucous has also reduced. Not sure if it has any thing to do with her stopping the salagen or if it was starting to go on it's own. Either way it is good news.

Thank you everyone for all your help,
Kellie

Kellie,

Hug that Julie for all of us! I am so glad she is gettng along well. The first couple of weeks are the worst for most of us. I took Salagen and all it really did for me was make me sweat real bad for a few minutes about 30 minutes after taking it. I also tried Evoxac which is about the same. It didn't cause me to sweat as bad and the net of both...I don't notice any difference now that I don't take either.

Ed