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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Cevemelin (Evoxac)

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Antrim, NH

I've noticed some extreme dry eyes, mouth, nose, & skin etc. my Rheumatologist prescribed the medication listed above when I saw him for a quick follow-up appointment on Thursday. When I looked up this mediciation it says it's prescribed for people with Sjogrens but he didn't mention Sjogrens at my visit but we didn't have a lot of time & he wants to see me back in a month. Anyone else been diagnosed with this or been prescribed this medication? I let him know I've also been using artificial… read more

June 6 (edited)
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A myRAteam Member

When I went to the eye doctor last month, he recommended systane Preservative free PRO. It lasts longer than artificial tears and regular systane drops. I use it twice a day. I can’t stand having dry eyes and mouth. That is why I use a product called smart mouth. It has xylitol and zinc. The zinc is also good for gum irritation.
I like the convenience of the small packaging if I’m out and about. I use the mouth solution when I’m at home. I get dry mouth so bad that I can’t talk it’s an awful condition to have It’s bad enough to have RA then add this to it🤦🏼‍♀️

June 6
myRAteam

It's completely understandable to feel frustrated and overwhelmed — dealing with so much at once is genuinely hard, and it makes sense that a quick appointment left you with more questions than answers.

Cevimeline (Evoxac) is indeed commonly prescribed to help stimulate saliva production, and it's very possible your Show Full Answer

It's completely understandable to feel frustrated and overwhelmed — dealing with so much at once is genuinely hard, and it makes sense that a quick appointment left you with more questions than answers.

Cevimeline (Evoxac) is indeed commonly prescribed to help stimulate saliva production, and it's very possible your rheumatologist suspects or has identified a condition called Sjögren's syndrome, which is a known comorbidity of RA. It's worth having a direct conversation at your next appointment to ask whether this is being considered.

Sjögren's is an autoimmune condition that can cause dryness affecting multiple parts of the body, including:

- Eyes
- Mouth
- Nose
- Skin
- Other mucous membranes The gum issues you're experiencing are also very consistent with this, as reduced saliva leaves teeth and gums more vulnerable to decay and disease. Your dental hygienist's recommendation of a mouth spray was a smart move in the meantime.

Several myRAteam members have shared similar experiences with extreme dryness, with one member sharing, "I have dry mouth to the point where it burns," and another noting, "I've had Sjögren's for about 25 years, and my good teeth just started falling out."

The good news is that the artificial tears and mouth spray you're already using are exactly the right kind of supportive care. At your follow-up, it would be worth asking your rheumatologist directly about a possible Sjögren's diagnosis, and whether a referral to an ophthalmologist might also be helpful for monitoring your eye health.

June 6

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