Has anyone heard of or used a product called Salagen for improveing saliva production in radiated patients ? Since all my teeth were removed ( as a precaution ) and I have full dentures, a little more saliva would be a welcome relief. Any other ideas would be welcome!

JOHNE

I have taken Salagen (5mg) 4 times a day since day one of treatment. It was effective throughout (though its efficacy did decline) and since my treatment ended (3/15), it has been very effective, so much so that I will often forget a dose during the day. My radiation oncologist wants me to continue taking it through June.

Tim

Johne-
I too used Salagen. Had terrific hot flashes, but at least it gave some added juice to the pot during treatment. I slowly reduced dosage and quit after 6 months. Try the Biotene products listed on OCF site. 2 1/2 years out and I'm still using the gum, gell and toothpaste. It works great! Especially coating the mouth with gell before check ups at the dentist. I don't even carry a water bottle anymore.- Kris

Johne,

If you do a search of this site on the word Salagen, you'll find lots or personal experiences, both pro and con.

I've been using it steadily for over 14 years (I was in clinical trials for it and kept using it afterward, as I found it was helping me). After experimenting with different doses, I found that taking 5mg 3 times a day was useful without causing too much sweating (a common side effect). It also seemed that if I took it toward the end of a meal, I would have less of a sweating problem than if I took it on an empty stomach.

Cathy

Artificial Spit.....or OPS (Other peoples spit)
No seriously, the product is "Saliva Substitute" it is manufactured by Roxane Laboratories, Inc. Columbia Ohio, 43216
NDC #0054-3769-50
It works very good and is not as "Nasty" as some of those slime products. Ask your pharmacist to order you some. I don't think a prescription is required (I get it from the VA).
I mix it 80/20 with the non-alcoholic mouth wash like biotene. It goes farther and it is more palitable.
Darrell

Thank's for the reply's everyone.
I have read about the Salagen side effects of
the sweating and hot flashes but it's good to
hear from some users. The Biotine products
have been a help from day one but not long lasting enough. The gum would be a real problem
for me with full dentures.
I like the idea of the Saliva Substitute Darrell. Thank's. Hopefully I can order some locally and give it a try. I'll go for anything without more chances of side effects. I'v had enough from the Rad and having my teeth pulled.
After almost 2 years,a return to some kind of
" normal " without a payback would be nice.
I'll bet everyone here will vote for that !
Johne