Autoimmune Conditions: sjogren's syndrome

Question 1

How is sjogrens syndrome characterized?

Answer 1

dry eyes

dry mouth

Question 2

Sjogren’s can be primary and secondary to what?

Answer 2

RA, SLE

Question 3

Dry mouth and dry eyes are a touch of significant morbidity for these patients and can lead to complications such as:

Answer 3

dental caries corneal ulceration and chronic oral infections

Question 4

No known cure, but treatment focuses on

Answer 4

reducing symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth

Question 5

What is the primary treatment?

Answer 5

artificial drops - Systane, Refresh, Clear Eyes, Liquifilm

Question 6

What is the name of the preservative that might be irritating?

Answer 6

benzalkonium chloride

Question 7

What can be used in patients who do not have satisfactory relief from other measure including ductal occlusion

Answer 7

cyclosporine eye drops (Restasis) $$$$$$$$

• must be used properly to avoid infection

Question 8

What drug is approved for the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease?

Answer 8

lifitegrast/ Xiidra

Question 9

This drug has an unusual taste

Answer 9

Xiidra

Question 10

What are non-drug treatment options?

Answer 10

salivary stimulation - sugar free chewing gum (xylitol or lozenges) and

daily rinses with antimicrobial mouthwash

Question 11

If OTC treatments (Aquoral, Mouth Kote, Biotene Oral Balance)provide sufficient relief, what next?

Answer 11

Rx oral muscarinic agonists (pilocarpine or cevimeline) can be used

Question 12

the oral muscarinic agonists are contraindicated in what Patient population?

Answer 12

uncontrolled asthma and narrow angle glaucoma

Question 13

Brand: Salagen

Answer 13

generic: pilocarpine

Question 14

Brand: Evoxac

Answer 14

generic: cevimeline