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ACR MEETING: Salagen Tablets Safe, Effective For Dry Mouth Symptoms In Patients With Sjogren's Syndrome SAN DIEGO, CA -- Nov. 11, 1998 – Today at the 62nd annual convention of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in San Diego, two presentations confirm that MGI Pharma, Inc.’s Salagen(R) Tablets (pilocarpine hydrochloride) are safe and effective as a treatment for xerostomia (dry mouth) associated with Sjogren's syndrome. Sjogren's syndrome, an inflammatory, autoimmune disease, gradually damages the body's moisture-producing glands, including the salivary glands, causing patients to suffer significantly from the resulting dryness. Symptoms of the disease can range from dry mouth to dry eyes, dry skin or vaginal dryness, depending upon which moisture-producing glands are affected and to what degree the glands are damaged. The United States Food and Drug Administration approved Salagen(R) Tablets for this indication in February 1998. Studies like those presented today at the American College of Rheumatology meeting demonstrate that the drug works by stimulating the exocrine glands, including the salivary glands, to produce more moisture. Fred Vivino, MD, Thomas Jefferson University clinical associate professor of medicine presented the findings from a study of 629 Sjogren's patients that investigated the long-term safety of pilocarpine tablets to treat symptoms of dry mouth and dry eyes. The study concluded that treatment with oral pilocarpine HCI tablets (20-30 mg/day in divided doses) in patients with Sjogren's syndrome is safe when administered for a prolonged period of time. Yvonne Scherrer, M.D., a private physician with the Center for Rheumatology, Immunology and Arthritis in Fort Lauderdale, FL., summarised data from a number of studies investigating the safety and effectiveness of pilocarpine for the treatment of symptoms associated with Sjogren's syndrome. The studies found that Salagen Tablets are safe and effective in reducing the symptoms of dry mouth. Left untreated, Sjogren's syndrome can ultimately affect the neurological, muscular and gastrointestinal systems. As a primary condition, Sjogren's syndrome affects nearly 200,000 people in the United States, most commonly women. Sjogren's syndrome can also occur secondarily to other autoimmune diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, raising the number of people in the U.S. who may suffer from some form of Sjogren's to about one million. Related Links: Salagen and MGI Pharma, Inc. E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version