Mission Pharmacal launches Aquoral for dry mouth

SAN ANTONIO — Mission Pharmacal Co. has announced the launch of prescription-only Aquoral, a dry-mouth relief oral spray that promises to moisten and lubricate the mouth for up to four hours.

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, affects about 25 million Americans. It refers to a decreased production of saliva, a condition common in older adults as well as those taking certain prescription medications. Studies show that dry mouth affects up to 60% of patients taking an anticholinergic medication to treat such a urologic condition as overactive bladder. Other causes include radiotherapy and such systemic diseases as Sjögren’s Syndrome.



Symptoms of dry mouth include an uncomfortable dry (like cotton), sticky or burning sensation in the mouth. Dry mouth also can cause cracked lips, dry tongue, mouth sores and ulcers, mouth infections and dental decay.

“Dry mouth is more than an annoying problem,” said Dan Crawford, marketing director of the urology division at Mission Pharmacal. “It can significantly decrease patients’ quality of life by making it difficult to chew, swallow, taste and even speak. Most home remedies, such as chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on ice chips, provide only temporary relief from these symptoms. Over-the-counter remedies, which are water-based, don’t last much longer.”

According to the manufacturer, what makes Aquoral different from most from other dry mouth solutions is that it utilizes patented oxidized glycerol triesters technology, a plant-derived, lipid-based technology designed to function like human saliva, forming a protective barrier on the oral mucosa that lasts up to four hours.



“Even though patients need a prescription for Aquoral, it is a non-drug, FDA-cleared medical device that was shown to be more effective and longer lasting than an artificial saliva substitute. This is a breakthrough product for patients who are experiencing dry mouth due to medications or other causes,” Crawford added.



Aquoral, which is available by prescription only, will be launched with a Patient Savings Card to make it more affordable to patients by offering up to $75 savings on their first prescription and $40 on future refills. This means that most patients will pay no more than $25 for a six- to eight-week supply of Aquoral, the company stated.