Frequently Asked Questions

The lining of the mouth is sensitive and can be easily damaged. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can damage both healthy cells and cancer cells in the mouth. The symptoms of oral mucositis are due to chemotherapy or radiotherapy breaking down this lining, creating sores, and exposing the nerve endings in the mouth which are painful when touched.

Chemotherapy: symptoms usually develop on day five, peaking after seven to ten days.

Radiotherapy to the head and neck: symptoms will usually start one to two weeks after the first dose of radiotherapy and continue for one to three weeks after the therapy is over.

Good oral hygiene is important in preventing and managing oral mucositis. Two important organisations, the Multinational Association of Supportive Care In Cancer (MASCC) and the International Society of Oral Oncology (ISOO), agree that patients should:

1. Brush, floss, rinse and moisturise their mouths regularly and systematically
2. Use a soft toothbrush and replace it on a regular basis
3. Report oral pain to their healthcare provider
4. Be sure to attend any dental appointments arranged for before, during and after their cancer treatment

Gelclair^® is an oral gel that helps to relieve the pain associated with oral mucositis and other treatment-related oral lesions or sores. Gelclair^® does this by forming a protective coating on the inside of the mouth, offering rapid and effective pain management and can potentially improve a patient’s ability to eat and drink.

To find out more about how Gelclair^® works and where to get it, click here or visit our Gelclair^® page.

Some cancer treatments can cause painful mouth ulcers also known as mucositis. These treatments cause damage to the tissue lining the mouth and can appear 5 to 10 days after treatment has started. Symptoms may include dryness or swelling of the mouth, a burning feeling or discomfort when eating, and open sores in the mouth and throat. The mouth ulcers normally heal and disappear four weeks after treatment is finished. They are not usually preventable, but it is possible to manage the discomfort.

Patients who are experiencing pain, should mention this to their doctor or nurse who may prescribe a mouthwash or a product such as Gelclair^® which creates a bioprotective coating that adheres to the lining of the mouth, including ulcers. Gelclair^® effectively binds itself to sores and ulcers and forms a protective barrier over mouth ulcers.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs often work by targeting cancer cells as they divide and reproduce. Cancer cells are vulnerable to chemotherapy because they divide more quickly than others, but some healthy cells also reproduce at a fast rate, such as those lining the mouth, and can be damaged.

Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy targets cancer by using radiation (usually x-rays) on the area that needs treatment. This damages the DNA in the cancer cells. Healthy cells in the area are also damaged but they are better at recovering.

Gelclair^® can be bought without a prescription at retail pharmacies in a box of 21 sachets (enough for 7 days). Please ask the pharmacist to order it. It usually only takes a day to get. Patients may ask the pharmacist if Gelclair^® is covered by their private drug insurance since some plans may cover it.

Gelclair^® is covered by some drug insurance plans which cover non-prescription products. Sometimes it will be covered by private insurance plans if the doctor writes a prescription for it. Coverage varies by individual plans, so provide the pharmacist with all drug plan information, so they can check their database for coverage. Sometimes patients may have to make a request to their Human Resources manager or benefits plan manager to have Gelclair^® covered.

Patients who would like to try Gelclair^®, can get a free sample pack by asking their doctor or nurse at their cancer clinic.

For best results use Gelclair^® three times a day, 30-60 minutes before meals or as recommended by the doctor or nurse.
Instructions for Use

Squeeze the entire contents of the single-dose Gelclair^® sachet into a glass.

Add 3 tablespoons of water (40 mL). Stir contents until gel is completely dissolved in the water, use at once.

Rinse around the mouth for at least 1 minute to thoroughly coat the tongue, palate, throat, inside of cheeks, and all oral tissue. Do not swallow;

• Patients that are not able to rinse and gargle (e.g., in young children), may apply the gel directly on the mucosal sores or ulcers of the mouth by using a sponge or swab;

Gargle and spit out. Discard any unused gel or mixture

Wait 30 – 60 minutes before eating or drinking.

No, Gelclair^® will not numb the mouth. Gelclair^® works by forming a protective coating that adheres to the lining of the mouth. It covers and protects the nerve endings that cause pain. This stops irritation and reduces pain without numbing the mouth.

Gelclair^® also hydrates or keeps moisture in the tissues of the mouth.

In clinical studies, Gelclair^® effectively treated mouth pain and provided rapid relief that helped patients eat and drink more easily.

Swallowing of Gelclair^® is not recommended. If swallowed accidentally, no side effects are expected. There has not been any report of overdose with Gelclair^®.

There are no known interactions with medicinal or natural health products. Do not use Gelclair if there is a known history of hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients. Gelclair^® may reduce the absorption of sublingual drugs (drugs that are placed under the tongue). Patients should consult a health care professional if they use any sublingual drugs.

No serious side effects have been reported to date. Non-serious reversible side effects such as stinging, burning sensation, and local discomfort are reported rarely.

Do not use Gelclair^® if there is a known history of hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients

Gelclair^® does not affect the ability to drive or use machines.

The main ingredients in Gelclair^® are:

• Polyvinylpyrrolidone, a film forming agent that sticks to tissue and provides a protective coating over the cells of the mouth
• Sodium hyaluronate, a natural ingredient found in cells, hydrates cells, aids in the healing process and keeps tissues lubricated
• Glycyrrhetinic acid, a flavouring agent and sweetener

See patient leaflet for detailed list of ingredients.

Store Gelclair^® at room temperature (15°C – 30°C) away from direct sunlight.

Do not keep Gelclair^® in a refrigerator. Do not freeze Gelclair^®.

The gel may become a little darker and thicker during storage; however, this does not affect its efficacy or safety. Do not use if the sachet is damaged. Keep out of reach of children.

When bringing Gelclair^® home, keep Gelclair^® inside the vehicle at room temperature. Do not put Gelclair^® into the vehicle’s trunk or leave it in a parked vehicle since the temperatures in these conditions can easily go higher or lower than the recommended room temperature range and damage the product. The damaged product should not be used.

Gelclair^® should be stored at room temperature (15° C – 30° C); nevertheless, it can tolerate brief periods at a temperature range of 5° C – 30° C. A quick change in air temperature (for example when exiting a building to get into a vehicle) will not cause the temperature to immediately go outside of 5° C – 30° C.