Oral thrush is an infection in the mouth and/or the upper part of the throat (called the “pharynx”) caused by yeast. People have a number of different yeasts that live on the skin and in different parts of their bodies, and when their immune systems go out of balance due to illness or due to the medications they take, it can cause oral thrush. Oral thrush can have a negative effect on a person’s quality of life, causing painful spots in the mouth that can make it difficult to eat, swallow, or talk. When a person experiences the signs and symptoms of oral thrush, it is important that they speak with a physician to get the right treatment.
Oral thrush can be caused by a number of factors, including certain medicines that are usually taken to treat cancer; medicines that are taken to treat infections; a cut or a lesion in the mouth that allows the fungus to multiply; reduced production of saliva; poorly fitting dentures; and poor oral hygiene.1
Oral thrush is caused by candida and does not develop into a fungal infection under normal circumstances because a healthy person’s immune system prevents Candida overgrowth. However, when a person becomes sick and starts to take certain medicines, Candida has a chance to thrive and overgrow. If you feel you may have oral thrush, it is important to consult your physician or dentist and start treatment as soon as possible.
Photography courtesy of Sol Silverman, Jr., D.D.S. and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The most common symptom of oral thrush is white patches on the tongue and other surfaces of the mouth. People who have oral thrush can experience other symptoms, such as pain, burning, dry mouth, pain when swallowing, soreness, and a change in the way things taste.2,3
Symptoms experienced by patients with oral thrush can lead to more widespread problems. Pain while eating, drinking, or swallowing can lead to a reduction in food consumption, which can lead to unintended weight loss and other health problems. If left untreated, oral thrush can become more serious and can affect a person’s entire body.2,3,4
Your doctor can diagnose oral thrush by examining your mouth. The doctor will look for distinctive white patches in your mouth, or on your tongue or cheeks. Lightly brushing the patches away reveals a reddened, tender area that may bleed slightly.1
Oral thrush infections must be treated with prescription medication. The type and duration of treatment depends on how bad the infection is and things such as the patient’s age and how healthy their immune system is. If oral thrush is not treated, it can lead to a more serious illness.
As with any other medical condition, only your healthcare provider can properly diagnose and treat oral thrush. These tips are not intended to provide medical advice, so be sure to talk to your healthcare professional about your symptoms and ask if Oravig® is right for you.
Indication
Important Safety Information
Read the Patient Information that comes with Oravig® before you start taking it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This brochure does not take the place of talking with your doctor or about your medical condition or your treatment.
Do not use Oravig® if you:
Before taking Oravig®, tell your doctor if you:
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Oravig® may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how Oravig® works.
Especially tell your doctor if you take:
Allergic reactions. Tell your doctor or get emergency medical help right away if you have any of the symptoms below:
The most common side effects of Oravig® include diarrhea, change in taste, headache, upper stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea and vomiting. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Oravig®. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Healthcare professionals and patients should report any adverse events associated with Tolectin to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
For additional information about Oravig®, please refer to the Full Prescribing Info.