oral gel

Use Andolex-C oral gel for mouth ulcers and sore gums

Posted onAuthorWord for Word Media

#SpreadTheHope

A common side effect of chemotherapy and some head and neck radiation treatment is oral mucositis1 – painful mouth ulcers and inflammation in the mouth2. In fact, oral mucositis is one of the most common side effects experienced by cancer patients when undergoing chemotherapy, but it is frequently under-reported and can lead to high morbidity and complication rates.3

Diane*, a cancer patient preparing for her second round of chemotherapy says that the she dreads the mouth ulcers and found them to be one of the biggest side effects from her treatment4.

These sores can have a significant impact on person’s quality of life1. They can cause severe discomfort and can impair a person’s ability to eat, swallow or even talk1.

Oral mucositis generally develops five to 10 days after the initial treatment, and can last anywhere from one week to six weeks or more1,5.

Mucositis occurs when cancer treatments break down the rapidly divided epithelial cells lining the gastro-intestinal tract, leaving the mucosal tissue open to the development of ulcers and infection5. More specifically, chemotherapy can cause mucositis to develop due to the low white blood cell count; and radiation can cause mucositis to develop due to the inflammatory effect of the radiation energy on the oral membranes (mucosa) 5.

The most serious cases of mucositis can lead to a number of associated health complications. Of particular concern is that mouth ulcers can become infected with bacteria. The infection can spread to the blood and then on to other organs, and can lead to the development of sepsis which can be life-threatening2.

Symptoms of mucositis include5:
  • Red, shiny, or swollen mouth and gums.
  • Blood in the mouth.
  • Sores in the mouth or on the gums or tongue.
  • Soreness or pain in the mouth or throat.
  • Difficulty swallowing or talking.
  • Feeling of dryness, mild burning, or pain when eating food.
  • Soft, whitish patches or pus in the mouth or on the tongue.
  • Increased mucus or thicker saliva in the mouth.
Factors that increase the likelihood of developing mucositis, or risk factors that make it worse if it does occur include5:
  • Poor oral or dental health.
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol.
  • Gender (females appear to be more likely than males to   develop mucositis)
  • Dehydration.
  • Low body mass index.
  • Diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes or HIV/AIDS.
  • Previous cancer treatment.
Managing side effects

While you may not be able to stop mucositis from occurring, there are steps you can take before beginning radiation or chemotherapy treatment to help alleviate its side effects and symptoms5.

In many cases your doctor may recommend you visit a dentist who specialises in oncology patients.  A good oral care regimen can help prevent or decrease the severity of mucositis, and can also reduce the change of infection from open mouth sores5.

There are a number of strategies adopted by oncologists to minimise the adverse effects of cancer therapy, such as dose reduction, and other preventive treatment options1. A review of clinical studies showed that there are ice chips, antibiotics and Benzydamine containing oral solutions are a few options to help relieve the symptoms1.

The Andolex range

The Andolex range and products, available from leading pharmacies, are known to provide relief for patients suffering from a sore throat, mouth or gums6.  The Andolex-C range includes Andolex-C spray, Andolex-C oral rinse as well as Andolex-C oral gel. The Andolex-C oral gel contains Benzydamine HCL and Cetylpyridinium which provides a 4-in-1 effect for fast, effective relief 6,7,8,9.

This range of products can reduce pain, inflammation and swelling of the mouth or throat, offering effective local anaesthetic action6, 9.

Furthermore, Andolex-C oral gel helps to provide relief from mouth ulcers or sores, sore gums or from irritation due to oral mucositis10, with its effective local anaesthetic action6,9. The gel also provides analgesic relief and is easy to apply10,11

Oral mucositis can be a very serious complication of cancer chemotherapy. Pain and malnutrition can be experienced due to not being able to eat properly; dehydration and risk of infections all contribute to the dangers associated with this condition. These serious complications can lead to treatment delays or treatment termination, hospitalisation, and increased medical costs3, let alone the effect it has on the patient’s quality of life1.

Speak to your doctor, pharmacist or specialist about ways to alleviate the discomfort of oral mucositis or go to www.andolex.co.za for more information.

This editorial has been commissioned and brought to you by iNova Pharmaceuticals. Content in this editorial is for general information only and is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. For more information on your medical condition and treatment options, speak to your healthcare professional.

References:

  1. C Scully et al. Mucosal Diseases Series. Oral mucositis. Oral Diseases (2006) 12,229-241
  2. Mucositis – Your MD (https://www.your.md/condition/mucositis/#chapter-introduction) Website accessed on 14 May 2018.
  3. Sadasivan, R. Chemotherapy-induced Oral Mucositis. US Oncological Review, 2010;6(1):13-6 DOI (http://www.touchoncology.com/articles/chemotherapy-induced-oral-mucositis) Website accessed on 14 May 2018
  4. American Cancer Society. Cancer Survivors Network. 31 July 2011 (https://csn.cancer.org/node/223511) Website accessed on 14 May 2018.
  5. The Oral Cancer Foundation. Mucositis (https://oralcancerfoundation.org/complications/mucositis/ ). Website accessed on 14 May 2018.
  6. Andolex-C oral rinse approved package insert
  7. Andolex-C Spray Impact RX January 2018 (Constructed Market).
  8. Simard-Savoie S, et al. Topical anaesthetic activity of benzydamine. Curr Ther Res 1978;23(6):634-745.
  9. Almazan NA. Benzydamine HCl 0.15 % for oropharyngeal diseases and surgeries: A review of clinical trials. Philip Scientific J 2009;42(1):37-42.
  10. Andolex C Oral Gel approved package insert
  11. Cingi C, Songu M, Ural A, et al. Effect of chlorhexidine gluconate and benzydamine hydrochloride mouth spray on clinical signs and quality of life of patients with streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis: multicentre, prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. J Laryngol Otol 2011;125:620–625.

*Not her real name

#SpreadTheHope