Salagen

Salagen affects the nervous system and increases saliva production in the mouth.

Salagen is used to treat dry mouth caused by Sjögren's syndrome or by radiation for head and neck cancer.

Salagen may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take Salagen with or without food.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking Salagen. This medicine can cause increased sweating, and you may get dehydrated easily.

Use Salagen regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use Salagen if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, or untreated or uncontrolled asthma.

You should not use Salagen if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• untreated or uncontrolled asthma; or
• narrow-angle glaucoma.

To make sure Salagen is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder;
• glaucoma or vision problems;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• heart disease;
• gallbladder problems;
• mental illness;
• if you take heart or blood pressure medicine; or
• if you use a bronchodilator to treat a breathing disorder.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Salagen will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Salagen.

It is not known whether pilocarpine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Salagen may cause serious side effects. Stop using Salagen and call your doctor at once if you have:

• shortness of breath;
• fast or slow heart rate;
• severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears;
• confusion, tremors; or
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Common side effects of Salagen may include:

• increased sweating, urinating more than usual;
• chills, or flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
• headache, dizziness, weakness;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• blurred vision, watery eyes; or
• runny nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of Salagen can be fatal at very high doses.

Salagen may cause blurred vision, especially at night or in low light. Be cautious if you drive or do anything that requires clear vision.

Avoid getting overheated during exercise and in hot weather. Salagen can increase sweating, and you may be more likely to become dehydrated.

Other drugs may interact with pilocarpine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform each of your health care providers about all medicines you are currently using and any medicine you begin or stop using.