Gelclair

Gelclair is an oral gel that coats the surface of the mouth forming a thin protective film over painful oral lesions, such as those caused by radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

Uses

Gelclair can be used in the management of the painful symptoms of oral mucositis usually caused by radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment for cancer but can also be caused by medication, disease, oral surgery, stress, traumatic ulcers caused by dental braces and dentures and ageing. Gelclair can be used by patients of all ages. Gelclair is usually used 3 times a day or as needed. It is usually diluted with water and rinsed around the mouth. It can be used undiluted where no water is available, applied directly. Gelclair does not numb the mouth and can be used in conjunction with other treatment options for managing oral mucositis, including antibacterial mouthwashes and painkillers.

Clinical evidence

Innocenti et al.[1] studied Gelclair in a total of thirty patients with chemotherapy-induced oral lesions. Results showed a 92% reduction in mean pain scores 5–7 hours after the first administration of Gelclair. Patients were also given Gelclair for a further 7–10 days and at the end of this period, pain scores were recorded. After one week of using Gelclair, 87% of patients reported overall improvements relating to pain on swallowing food, liquids and saliva.

De Cordi et al.[2] studied thirty patients with lesions of the mouth and oropharynx (caused by various diseases). 83% of patients reported a reduction in pain, 13% remained the same and 3% showed initial improvement but then got worse. 83% showed a distinct improvement in functionality in the ability to take food, 7% remained the same, and 7% got worse, while 3% reported considerable improvement followed by slight worsening. 57% of patients reported an improvement in the grade of oral mucositis, 40% remained the same while 3% got worse.

Berndtson[3] studied ten patients who were given Gelclair to evaluate its effect on their symptoms of oral mucositis. All reported that the product was acceptable for its taste and consistency, and a palliative soothing effect was noted.

Interactions with other medicines

Gelclair has no known interactions with medicines or other products and has no known toxicity.

References
  1. Innocenti, M, Moscatelli, G, Lopez, S. "Efficacy of Gelclair in Reducing Pain in Patients with Oral Lesions - Preliminary Findings From an Open Pilot Study". Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 2002; 24(5): 456-457
  2. De Cordi, D, Martina, S. "Gelclair: potentially an efficacious treatment for chemotherapy-induced mucositis". Presented at the Italian Tumour League III congress for professional oncology nurses, Conegliano, Italy, 10–12 October 2001
  3. Berndtson, M. "A Preliminary Study of Orassist (Gelclair) in the management of Oral Mucositis". This paper was published in Svensk Sjukhustandlakartidning (Swedish Hospital Dentistry) 2001 Nr 3 (Argang 26) pp17-21.
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