Treatments

New Sjogren’s Treatments: Who Will Benefit?

On January 30, the Sjogren's Foundation's 2026 State of Sjogren’s CME Conference featured six new drugs currently in clinical trials. I share highlights from the conference and discuss how clinical studies might impact Sjogren’s care going forward.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Feb 35 min read

Seven leaves in a row, ranging in color from green to red

Sjogren’s Care Varies Over Time.

Ongoing Care - Part 2 outlines what optimal care for Sjogren’s disease looks like, starting at diagnosis & continuing throughout.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Mar 14, 20254 min read

Iron Deficiency and Sjogren’s

Fatigue, cognitive problems, and exercise intolerance may be caused by Sjogren’s, but they could also be indicators of iron deficiency.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Sep 6, 20245 min read

Gastrointestinal (GI) Manifestations

Sjogren's often impacts the gastrointestinal tract. Many symptoms are neurologically based but mistaken for IBS.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Jun 10, 20236 min read

Celiac disease, gluten, and your health

Celiac disease is common in Sjogren's patients. Every Sjogren's patient should be screened for celiac disease, regardless of symptoms.

Sarah Schafer, MD

May 18, 20234 min read

Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is no longer considered rare in Sjogren's. Early detection and treatment are critical to improving outcomes.

Sarah Schafer, MD

May 11, 20233 min read

Lifestyle support

Lifestyle changes help many Sjogren's patients feel better. Learn about credible sources of information here.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Jan 6, 20232 min read

My POTS diagnosis: worth the struggle

Learn how self-advocacy helped me get diagnosed and treated for POTS, an autonomic disorder.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Dec 11, 20224 min read

Sjogren's and Heart Health

Sjogren's patients are at increased risk of strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular diseases. Much can be done to reduce that risk.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Oct 10, 20224 min read

Choosing skincare for health

What you put on your skin is as important as what you eat and breathe, especially with dry skin that comes with Sjogren's.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Oct 6, 20225 min read

Sjogren's and the sun

Learn why sun protection is important for Sjogren's patients.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Sep 14, 20224 min read

Why doesn't my doctor understand Sjogren's?

Clinicians who believe the" nuisance sicca disease" myth are being led astray by outdated assumptions about the disease.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Jan 3, 20223 min read

Do You Have Antibodies?

Everyone with Sjogren's, including seronegative patients, should be routinely monitored for systemic manifestations of the disease.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Sep 18, 20215 min read

Sjogren's is Sjogren's; it is not secondary to any other disease you may have.

The term "secondary Sjogren's" is inaccurate and misleading. Sjogren's is Sjogren's, alone or with another disease.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Feb 16, 20213 min read

Exercise helps Sjogren's- here's how to do it safely

Developing an exercise program is one of the best ways to reduce Sjogren’s inflammation, improve overall health, and manage symptoms.

Sarah Schafer, MD

Jan 24, 20214 min read

What is good Sjogren’s care?

Does your rheumatologist Listen to your lungs during routine clinic visits? Order tests for blood cell counts, liver function, and kidney...

Sarah Schafer, MD

Oct 5, 20204 min read

Four pillars that support clinical practice

How do clinicians learn to treat diseases? They rely on these four pillars: 1. Clinical research. This includes studies that look at...

Sarah Schafer, MD

Aug 30, 20203 min read

HCQ III - Practical considerations

1. Discuss HCQ (hydroxychloroquine) use with your rheumatologist. Rheumatologists vary when it comes to using HCQ for Sjogren’s. It can be helpful to review this blog post and the previous post, HCQ II - Why treat Sjogren’s? to prepare for your discussions with your clinician. Key points to keep in mind: Clinical Practice Guidelines from multiple international rheumatology groups ( 56 , 57 , 131 , 132 ) recommend HCQ use for many Sjogren’s patients. Few patients have ab

Sarah Schafer, MD

Jul 7, 20205 min read