Musculoskeletal
Medicines for Sjögren's syndrome
An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the glands that make tears and saliva, causing dry eyes and a dry mouth, often with fatigue and joint pains; it can occur on its own or alongside other autoimmune diseases, and management is mainly symptomatic — artificial tears, saliva substitutes and good dental care — with specialist input and, in some people, hydroxychloroquine.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Sjögren's syndrome?
Sjögren's syndrome is a long-term autoimmune condition in which the immune system, which normally defends the body, mistakenly attacks the glands that produce moisture — chiefly the glands that make tears and saliva. As these glands are damaged, they produce less fluid, and the two most characteristic features are dry, gritty eyes and a dry mouth.
- How it is treated: There is no cure for Sjögren's syndrome, so management is mainly about relieving symptoms, protecting the eyes and mouth, and looking after general health, with input from specialists such as a rheumatologist, and often an eye specialist and dentist too.
- Self-care: Simple measures make a real difference to living with dryness.
- When to seek help: See your GP if you have persistent dry, gritty eyes and a dry mouth, especially with fatigue or joint pains, so the cause can be looked into — Sjögren's is diagnosed with the help of blood tests and other assessments, and may need referral to a rheumatologist.
What it is
Sjögren's syndrome is a long-term autoimmune condition in which the immune system, which normally defends the body, mistakenly attacks the glands that produce moisture — chiefly the glands that make tears and saliva. As these glands are damaged, they produce less fluid, and the two most characteristic features are dry, gritty eyes and a dry mouth. Many people also have other symptoms, particularly tiredness (fatigue) that can be considerable, and aches or pains in the joints. Because the condition affects moisture-producing glands throughout the body, it can also cause dryness elsewhere, such as a dry throat, dry skin or vaginal dryness. Sjögren's can occur on its own (primary Sjögren's) or alongside another autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (sometimes called secondary or associated Sjögren's). It is more common in women and often develops in middle age. While the dryness and fatigue can have a real impact on daily life, the condition is usually managed by easing symptoms and protecting the eyes and mouth, with specialist rheumatology input where needed. There is also a small increased risk of a type of lymphoma over the long term, which is one reason persistent swelling of the glands is reviewed.
How it is treated
There is no cure for Sjögren's syndrome, so management is mainly about relieving symptoms, protecting the eyes and mouth, and looking after general health, with input from specialists such as a rheumatologist, and often an eye specialist and dentist too. For dry eyes, artificial tears and ocular lubricants are used to keep the surface of the eye moist and comfortable, and other measures help protect the eyes from drying out. For a dry mouth, saliva substitutes and measures to stimulate saliva help with comfort, and — importantly — careful dental care matters a great deal, because a persistently dry mouth raises the risk of tooth decay and gum problems, so regular dental review and good oral hygiene are essential. Fatigue and joint pains are managed as part of overall care, and in some people the medicine hydroxychloroquine, also used in other autoimmune conditions, may help joint symptoms and fatigue. Where Sjögren's affects other parts of the body, or occurs alongside another autoimmune disease, treatment is tailored by the specialist team. Because of the small long-term increase in lymphoma risk, any persistent or new swelling of the glands is taken seriously and assessed.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Sjögren's syndrome
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Symptom checker
Symptoms that can point to Sjögren's syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome can be one cause of these symptoms. Each guide explains the other possible causes and the red-flag warning signs that mean you should get urgent help:
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Simple measures make a real difference to living with dryness. For the eyes, using lubricating drops regularly, taking breaks from screens, and avoiding smoky, dry or air-conditioned environments all help. For the mouth, sipping water frequently, chewing sugar-free gum to encourage saliva, and avoiding things that worsen dryness such as smoking and excess alcohol can ease symptoms. Excellent dental care is especially important — regular brushing, fluoride, and frequent dental check-ups — because a dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay. Staying physically active where possible, and pacing activities to manage fatigue, can help too.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See your GP if you have persistent dry, gritty eyes and a dry mouth, especially with fatigue or joint pains, so the cause can be looked into — Sjögren's is diagnosed with the help of blood tests and other assessments, and may need referral to a rheumatologist. If you already have the condition, keep to your regular eye and dental reviews, as protecting the eyes and mouth and preventing tooth decay are an important part of care. Seek prompt medical advice if you notice persistent or new swelling of the glands (for example a lasting swelling around the jaw or neck), unexplained lumps, drenching night sweats or unintentional weight loss, as these need assessment given the small long-term increase in lymphoma risk. Also report any sudden change in vision or eye pain, or any new symptoms affecting other parts of the body, so they can be reviewed.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Sjögren's syndrome: frequently asked questions
What medicines are used for Sjögren's syndrome?
There is no cure, so most treatment is aimed at easing symptoms and protecting the eyes and mouth. For dry eyes, artificial tears and ocular lubricants are a mainstay, used regularly to keep the eye surface moist and comfortable. For a dry mouth, saliva substitutes help with comfort, and careful dental care is essential because a dry mouth raises the risk of tooth decay. The medicine hydroxychloroquine — also used in conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis — may help troublesome joint pain and fatigue in some people, and is started and monitored by a specialist. Where Sjögren's affects other parts of the body, the rheumatology team tailors treatment. The right approach is individual and guided by your specialists.
What causes Sjögren's syndrome?
Sjögren's is an autoimmune condition, which means the immune system — which normally protects the body — mistakenly attacks its own tissues, in this case the glands that make tears and saliva. As these glands are damaged, they make less moisture, leading to the dry eyes and dry mouth that characterise the condition. The exact reason the immune system behaves this way is not fully understood, but a combination of genetic and other factors is thought to be involved. It can occur on its own (primary Sjögren's) or alongside another autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. It is more common in women and often appears in middle age.
Why does a dry mouth matter so much for my teeth?
Saliva does more than keep the mouth comfortable — it helps wash away food, neutralises acids and protects the teeth against decay. When Sjögren's reduces saliva, that natural protection is lost, so the risk of tooth decay and gum problems rises. This is why good dental care is such an important part of managing the condition: regular brushing, using fluoride, sipping water and chewing sugar-free gum to encourage saliva, and frequent dental check-ups so any problems are caught early. Looking after your mouth actively, rather than waiting for trouble, helps protect your teeth in the long run.
Is Sjögren's syndrome linked to cancer?
For most people, Sjögren's is a long-term condition managed by easing symptoms, and serious complications are uncommon. However, there is a small increase, over the long term, in the risk of a type of lymphoma (a cancer of the lymphatic system). It is important to keep this in proportion — the great majority of people with Sjögren's never develop it — but it is the reason that persistent or new swelling of the glands, unexplained lumps, drenching night sweats or unintentional weight loss are taken seriously and assessed. If you notice symptoms like these, see your doctor so they can be checked, and keep to your specialist reviews.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Sjögren's syndrome.
- Versus Arthritis: Sjögren's syndrome.
Related conditions
Browse by body system
Building a patient-information or formulary resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free clinical references and decision aids for teams.