Cevimeline hydrochloride for Sjögren's syndrome

Examples

Evoxac is given orally as a 30 mg capsule. Dosages vary from 1 to 3 capsules a day.

How It Works

Cevimeline stimulates the moisture-producing glands to increase saliva and tear production over a sustained period of time.

Why It Is Used

Cevimeline is used to treat symptoms of dry mouth and eyes caused by Sjögren's syndrome.

You should not take cevimeline if you have:

• Uncontrolled asthma.
• Narrow-angle glaucoma or inflammation of the iris.

How Well It Works

Studies show that cevimeline improves symptoms of dry mouth and eyes.^{1, 2}

Side Effects

Side effects from cevimeline may include:

• Excessive sweating.
• Nausea.
• Runny nose.
• Diarrhea.
• More frequent urination.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Talk to your doctor before taking cevimeline if you have:

• History of heart disease.
• Asthma.
• Chronic bronchitis.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Kidney problems.

If you are breast-feeding, pregnant, or trying to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking cevimeline.

Before taking cevimeline, review with your doctor all medicines that you take, both prescription and nonprescription.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

Citations

1. Fife RS, et al. (2002). Cevimeline for the treatment of xerostomia in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. Archives of Internal Medicine, 162: 1293-1300.

2. Petrone D, et al. (2002). A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of cevimeline in Sjögren's syndrome patients with xerostomia and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 46(3): 748-754.

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