Patient Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the links below to find answers to the following frequently asked questions:
About Oral Mucositis
Q: Who is at risk for Oral Mucositis?
Q: Why should I treat my Oral Mucositis?
About Caphosol®
Q: Does Caphosol have side effects?
Q: What should I do if I accidently swallow Caphosol?
Q: Can I eat immediately after using Caphosol?
Q: Will I get more saliva from using Caphosol?
Q: When should I start using Caphosol?
Q: How often should I use Caphosol?
Q: Do you have a patient assistance program?
Questions to Discuss with Your Doctor
I am receiving cancer treatment and I am experiencing oral discomfort.
I have chronic dry mouth and I want to ask my doctor or nurse if Caphosol may be right for me.
About Oral Mucositis
Q: What is Oral Mucositis?
A: Oral mucositis (OM) is a painful side effect of some cancer therapies that is under estimated and under treated. It is an irritation inside the mouth affecting the lining of the mouth and tongue. The hallmark of oral mucositis is pain, as these regions become red, swollen and covered in ulcers. For more information, visit the About Oral Mucositis page.
Q: Who is at risk for Oral Mucositis?
A: Cancer treatments are a primary risk factor for oral mucositis, especially radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Oral mucositis affects nearly all patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.4 75% to 85% of bone marrow transplant recipients2 and approximately 40% of patients receiving conventional chemotherapy.3
Q: Why should I treat my Oral Mucositis?
A: The most important reason to treat oral mucositis from the onset of cancer therapy is that many people develop OM so severely that it interferes with cancer treatment. This could ultimately influence the success of the cancer therapy.
For more information about Oral Mucositis click here
About Caphosol®
Q: How does Caphosol work?
A: Caphosol is a mouth rinse that is rich in both calcium and phosphate ions. It works by lubricating the mouth which makes food easier to swallow.7
Q: Does Caphosol have side effects?
A: Reported side effects with Caphosol have been rare and generally mild.
Q: What should I do if I accidently swallow Caphosol?
A: Don't worry. No adverse effects are expected if Caphosol is swallowed accidentally.
Q: Can I eat immediately after using Caphosol?
A: No. You should avoid eating and drinking for at least 15 minutes after rinsing with Caphosol.
Q: Will I get more saliva from using Caphosol?
A: No, Caphosol does not stimulate the production of saliva.
Q: When should I start using Caphosol?
A: It is important to start using Caphosol right away - at the start of cancer therapy. Don't wait for the onset of symptoms to start Caphosol; damage to the lining of the mouth begins on the first day of cancer therapy.
Q: How often should I use Caphosol?
A: You should start using Caphosol 4-10 times per day at the start of cancer treatment. Continue using Caphosol for the duration of your cancer therapy.
Q: Where can I get Caphosol?
A: In the USA Caphosol is available by prescription only. Ask your doctor or nurse for a prescription. If it is not in stock, most pharmacies will order Caphosol for you. For your convenience, you may also order Caphosol to be delivered directly to your home through two specialty pharmacies. Have your Caphosol prescription filled quickly and shipped overnight right to your home at no additional cost. Click here for more details.
Q: Do you have a patient assistance program?
A: Yes. EUSAPharma's Community Access Patient Program (CAPP) is available to provide support for patients and healthcare providers seeking drug assistance. For qualifying patients without insurance coverage, free product assistance is available through CAPP. In order to qualify, patients must have an annual family gross income of less than or equal to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. For program details, click here.
Questions to Discuss with Your Doctor
I am receiving cancer treatment and I am experiencing oral discomfort
Consulting your healthcare professional is the most important step you can take in your search for effective relief. Although there are a variety of treatment options available, only your doctor can determine which is best for you.
Help your doctor assess your situation by being prepared to share particulars about your oral discomfort. This will be invaluable to your doctor in suggesting the best treatment. Ask your doctor about adding Caphosol as part of your treatment program.
Some questions you could focus on in describing your situation:
- Do you have oral pain? If yes, when and how often does this occur? Where in your mouth (lips, back of the mouth, tongue etc.) is the discomfort the greatest?
- Do you have difficulties eating due to your mouth sores or dry mouth?
- Do you experience alteration in your taste sensation?
- Do you have difficulty speaking?
- Do you believe your oral discomfort is causing other health related problems (fatigue, sleeping disorder, lack of nutrition)?
- If you have received medication for your oral discomfort, is this medication as effective as you would like?
I have chronic dry mouth and I want to ask my doctor or nurse if Caphosol may be right for me
There are an increasing variety of treatment options available for dry mouth. Only your doctor can determine which is best for you. Sharing information about how you are feeling with your doctor will help determine the most effective option.
Some questions you could focus on in describing your situation:
- Do you have difficulties eating due to your dry mouth?
- Do you sometimes have difficulties speaking due to your dry mouth?
- Do you wake up at night due to your dry mouth?
- Have you had problems with tooth decay after suffering from chronic dry mouth?
- If you have received medication for your dry mouth, is this medication as effective as you would like?
If your doctor has not heard about Caphosol, you may reference www.caphosol.com or print out the prescribing information and bring it to your doctor's visit.
Control Oral Mucositis
Start Caphosol
Caphosol Safety Information:
- If Caphosol is swallowed accidently, no adverse effects are expected
- There are no known interactions with other medications
- Reported side effects have been rare and generally mild
Keep out of reach of children. For full prescribing information, please click here.
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