TOPIC: Extensive dry mouth

Greetings -
Since starting the medication I have noticed a dry mouth, it could have started before but is very noticeable now. I passed off the issue of dry mouth as no big deal and I told myself "just stay hydrated and I would be good". Well even when hydrated very good, it has not worked and is now threatening my dental work. What happens as your dry mouth becomes a daily and especially nightly issue the gums start to shrink causing big issues with crowns and or any other dental work.
So my question is how to alieviate this dry mouth problem? Are there any protocols that can be implemented right away? So if you have any answers or temporary solutions please post it.
Note: this effect I'm having could very well be with just me. I am NOT stating that this is a genuine side effect from generic Harvoni. This is an effect I am having at this time myself and I'm looking for any possible solutions. Just wanted to make that very clear.
In good health to all.

Hey Sven
My dentist noted over the past few years that I had dry mouth and I attributed this to aging. I didn't connect it to hep c but in retrospect I think maybe it was a contributor..
Anyway, the last time I went (approx 2 months post EOT) she muttered that it wasn't there and my gums were looking good.
Hopefully you will have this result also.

I had the same problem. You can get a special gel that you rub on your teeth and gums to protect them...mine is called Dry Mouth Gel.
Definitely a side effect of Harvoni....one that drove me to drink way too much water and tank my salts so watch for that too.

Hi Sven,

It isn't a side effect that gets brought up all the time and on a few other sites I have seen people commenting that their dentist noticed improvements to their dental health while they were on treatment. So if you are adequately hydrated and still have the problem it may pay to be cautious and check it with your GP or normal doctor first assuming they are accessible. That way they can check for any other potential issues and if they find nothing then as FF66 points out, you can get topical products that can be used to treat dry mouth.

Hi Sven,
Unfortunately dry mouth sucks bigtime! Mostly my sx's were dry mouth and blurry vision, 6 or 8 weeks into tx had immense leg cramping as well but I attributed all the leg stuff to a leg injury that will never be right, in my case. As far as your dry mouth, here's what I did. Use Biotene, like twice a day, and I used Listerine at least twice a day and I sucked down hard coffee candy throughout the day and I drank juices, any kind of juice but not grapefruit and no sodas at all. Oh, don't use the Biotene and Listerine together, different times, Im sure you figured that out but just had to mention anyways. Biotene is a bit pricey, but you only use a tablespoon per wash and you can use it up to 5 times a day.. good luck!

Hi Sven,

It is probably a side effect and the solution is to use some artificial saliva from the chemist until the meds finish when it should go away.

The medical term is xerostomia if you want to read all the health info about it, causes and treatments.

Hi Sven
I had dry mouth too and slightly sore teeth on this tx
Post tx I was successfully treated with fungilin lozenges for oral thrush. I didn't realise I had it until it hurt. I did hydrate during tx and am a healthy lifestyler. I guess the thing is to just keep an eye out for any changes
Hoping you are able to get relief
Ariel

My dry mouth, in which I had never experienced prior to treatment is still happening. My LFT's are normal after basic tests so nothing there. My GP is going to check it our a bit more bug I was advised to buy the topical again for my nighttime. If anyone has any info please let me know.
Thanks all for your support all the time.