Xerophonia is an unusually dry, hoarse-sounding voice attributed to certain diabetes medications — from the Greek xeros, dry, and phone, voice. The dryness reflects the broader drying effects some drugs have on mucous membranes, including the vocal cords and mouth. It is a niche term, appearing in medical dictionaries rather than everyday clinical use, and it illustrates how systemic medicines can have unexpected local effects. For the affected patient the remedy is usually hydration, humidified air, and review of the medication with the prescriber — never stopping a diabetes drug without medical advice. The voice, like the mouth, depends on moisture to work smoothly.