Second take-at-home pill for endometriosis approved for NHS use
A new daily pill treating endometriosis has been approved for use on the NHS in England.The pill, called linzagolix, will soon become available for over 1,000 women to help manage symptoms of the condition.It's estimated endometriosis affects 1.5 million women in the UK - it can cause chronic pain, heavy periods and extreme tiredness.The condition occurs when cells similar to those in the lining of the womb grow in other parts of the body like the pelvis, bladder and bowel.
Linzagolix is the second take-at-home pill to become available on the NHS.In March, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved a similar treatment called relugolix combination therapy.The two pills differ slightly as linzagolix will require additional 'add back' treatment, whereas relugolix combination therapy combines the two into one pill.The list price for linzagolix is £80 for a monthly pack of tablets while a 28-day course of relugolix costs the NHS £72.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Severe period pain that stops you from doing normal activitiesVery heavy periodsPain when you poo or peeOther symptoms can include pain in your lower tummy, pain after sex, fatigue, shortness of breath, low mood, anxietyDifficulty getting pregnant
Although there is no cure for endometriosis, current treatments include pain relievers and hormone injections which temporarily shut down the body's production of oestrogen - the hormone which causes endometriosis tissue to grow and cause pain.However, patients often need to travel to hospitals to have the injections, which last for up to three months.In clinical trials, linzagolix was shown to reduce painful periods and non-menstrual pelvic pain when compared with a dummy drug.The pill works by blocking specific hormones including oestrogen.The charity Endometriosis UK says this will then induce a 'medical menopause' and will be used alongside 'add back' hormone therapy.'Add back' therapy uses low dose hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent menopause-like symptoms and bone loss.Linzagolix will only be available specifically for patients whose previous medical or surgical treatments have been unsuccessful.
Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director in women's health for NHS England, said the new pill was welcome news for women living with endometriosis."It's another treatment option which will help women take control of their health and better manage the symptoms of this often painful and debilitating condition."This is a testament to our ongoing commitment to improving treatment, care and quality of life for women – giving women more choice in treatment they can take in the comfort of their own homes."Women's Health Minister Baroness Merron, said the daily pill could be "a game-changer" for thousands of women battling endometriosis, which can be "a debilitating and life-limiting condition".
Endometriosis UK chief executive Emma Cox said the charity welcomed the approval of linzagolix for NHS use in England and called on "all other nations to approve this medication as an option available to all across the UK"."There are far too few options available due to the historic lack of research into endometriosis, and we are pleased to see NICE approving this new medication for endometriosis."Welsh ministers have issued directions to the NHS in Wales, in line with NICE guidance, which requires they provide funding and resources for new approved treatments within 60 days.
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