How do all,
In April I’ll be a year post treatment for squamous cell throat cancer and my ENT nurse has told me that at my check up next month (March) we’ll discuss the possibility of me going on to pilocarpine to help with saliva production.
So, my question is this. What does Pilocarpine do? I hear there are a raft of possible side effects. But I can’t help to wander, will it help me eat a normal diet? What are the benefits etc? (I’ve so many questions about it). At present I’m unable to eat any kind of meat (it just rolls around in my mouth).
Any information or insight that folks could provide would be so gratefully appreciated.
Happy Hump day folks
Hi. Pilocarpine stimulates the production of saliva. It’s long term use in Sjögren's syndrome is well documented.
My advice would be to take all your questions to your ENT.
I have never considered it. Chewing gum works for me.
Regarding eating, have you tried taking the tiniest sip of a warm liquid with each mouthful of food? It works really well as a proxy saliva.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
