Latest news with #Linzagolix
BBC News
01-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
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 pill, called linzagolix, will soon become available for over 1,000 women to help manage symptoms of the estimated endometriosis affects 1.5 million women in the UK - it can cause chronic pain, heavy periods and extreme 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 March, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved a similar treatment called relugolix combination two pills differ slightly as linzagolix will require additional 'add back' treatment, whereas relugolix combination therapy combines the two into one 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 patients often need to travel to hospitals to have the injections, which last for up to three clinical trials, linzagolix was shown to reduce painful periods and non-menstrual pelvic pain when compared with a dummy pill works by blocking specific hormones including 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 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.
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
New daily pill to treat ‘agonising and debilitating' condition that plagues 1.5million women gets NHS green light
A NEW daily pill to treat 'debilitating and life-limiting' endometriosis will be rolled on the NHS after getting the green light. The condition - which causes intense pain, extreme tiredness and heavy periods - plagues an estimated 1.5 million women in the UK. Advertisement 2 Women who've had unsuccessful treatments for endometriosis will be eligible for the new pill Credit: Getty Women who've tried other medical or surgical treatments for endometriosis without success will be eligible to take the once-a-day pill, called linzagolix. It works by blocking specific hormones that contribute to the symptoms of endometriosis. In clinical trials, the pill was shown to reduce painful periods and pelvic pain. It was approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on May 1, giving it the green light for NHS use. Advertisement The treatment will become available to patients in England in the next few months, with the health service estimating that more than 1,000 women a year could use the pill to manage their agonising symptoms. Linzagolix tablets will be given alongside 'add-back' hormone therapy, which involves using low-dose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent menopause-like symptoms and bone loss. It's already been approved for treating fibroids. Women's health minister Baroness Merron said: 'This could be a game-changer for thousands of women battling endometriosis, which can be a debilitating and life-limiting condition." Advertisement Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere in the body, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes and lining of the pelvis. It also sometimes affects organs, such as the bladder and bowel. Traitors star lived with pain like 'barbed wire and stabbing' for 10 years as GP 'laughed off symptoms' Symptoms happen when patches of endometriosis break down and bleed during your period, but cannot leave the body. Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director in Women's Health for NHS England, said: 'This is welcome news for women with endometriosis who haven't found relief from previous therapies or surgery. Advertisement "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." The rollout of linzagolix will give women "more choice in treatment they can take in the comfort of their own homes", she added. Baroness Merron, meanwhile, said it marks a "turning tide" for women's health "after years of neglect". Tina Backhouse, UK general manager of Theramex, which makes the drug, said there are "significant gaps and delays for women in diagnosis and treatment of their endometriosis". Advertisement 2 How endometriosis can affect different organs She added: "This decision by NICE can only be one step in a much longer journey towards equitable treatment for women in the NHS, ensuring that all women, regardless of race or background, receive timely and effective care." Linzagolix is the second take-at-home treatment to be approved for endometriosis in recent months. Relugolix combination therapy – the first long-term pill licensed to treat the condition – was greenlit for NHS use in March. Advertisement As with linzagolix, only patients who have tried all other treatment options can be given the pill. Again, it was estimated that the combination drug could help around 1,000 women every year in England. It can take up to nine years after symptoms first appear for endometriosis sufferers to be diagnosed with the agonising condition. There is also no known cure for the condition, but treatment can ease symptoms. Advertisement Painkillers and hormonal treatments such as the combined contraceptive pill can help, and some people may be offered surgery to remove areas of endometriosis.
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
New daily pill to treat ‘agonising and debilitating' condition that plagues 1.5million women gets NHS green light
A NEW daily pill to treat 'debilitating and life-limiting' endometriosis will be rolled on the NHS after getting the green light. The condition - which causes intense pain, extreme tiredness and heavy periods - plagues an estimated 1.5 million women in the UK. Advertisement 2 Women who've had unsuccessful treatments for endometriosis will be eligible for the new pill Credit: Getty Women who've tried other medical or surgical treatments for endometriosis without success will be eligible to take the once-a-day pill, called linzagolix. It works by blocking specific hormones that contribute to the symptoms of endometriosis. In clinical trials, the pill was shown to reduce It was approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on May 1, giving it the green light for NHS use. Advertisement Read more on endometriosis The treatment will become available to patients in England in the next few months, with the health service estimating that more than 1,000 women a year could use the pill to manage their agonising symptoms. Linzagolix tablets will be given alongside 'add-back' hormone therapy, which involves using low-dose It's already been approved for treating Women's health minister Baroness Merron said: 'This could be a game-changer for thousands of women battling endometriosis, which can be a debilitating and life-limiting condition." Advertisement Most read in Health Graphic Warning Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere in the body, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes and lining of the pelvis. It also sometimes affects organs, such as the bladder and bowel. Traitors star lived with pain like 'barbed wire and stabbing' for 10 years as GP 'laughed off symptoms' Symptoms happen when patches of endometriosis break down and bleed during your period, but cannot leave the body. Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director in Women's Health for NHS England, said: 'This is welcome news for women with endometriosis who haven't found relief from previous therapies or surgery. Advertisement "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." The rollout of linzagolix will give women "more choice in treatment they can take in the comfort of their own homes", she added. Baroness Merron, meanwhile, said it marks a "turning tide" for women's health "after years of neglect". Tina Backhouse, UK general manager of Theramex, which makes the drug, said there are "significant gaps and delays for women in diagnosis and treatment of their endometriosis". Advertisement 2 How endometriosis can affect different organs She added: "This decision by NICE can only be one step in a much longer journey towards equitable treatment for women in the NHS, ensuring that all women, regardless of race or background, receive timely and effective care." Linzagolix is the second take-at-home treatment to be approved for endometriosis in recent months. Advertisement As with linzagolix, only patients who have tried all other treatment options can be given the pill. Again, it was estimated that the combination drug could help around 1,000 women every year in England. It can take up to nine years after symptoms first appear for endometriosis sufferers to be diagnosed with the agonising condition. There is also no known cure for the condition, but treatment can ease symptoms. Advertisement Painkillers and hormonal treatments such as the combined contraceptive pill can help, and some people may be offered surgery to remove areas of endometriosis. Signs you could have endometriosis Endometriosis is where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other parts of the body. Symptoms happen when patches of endometriosis break down and bleed during your period but cannot leave your body. You might have some symptoms during your period, such as: Severe period pain, that stops you from doing your normal activities Heavy periods, where you need to change your pads or tampons every one to two hours, or you may bleed through to your clothes. Pain when you poo or pee You can have other symptoms at any time in your menstrual cycle, such as: Pain in your lower tummy and back (pelvic area) Pain during or after sex Extreme tiredness (fatigue) Pain or bleeding in other areas, such as in the chest, which may cause shortness of breath and coughing up blood You may also have difficulty getting pregnant and have low mood or anxiety. See your GP if: You think you might have endometriosis Your symptoms are affecting your everyday life, work and relationships You've had treatment from a GP but your symptoms do not get better, or get worse Source: NHS
The Sun
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Pill for 'agonising' condition plaguing 1.5million women gets NHS green light
A NEW daily pill to treat 'debilitating and life-limiting' endometriosis will be rolled on the NHS after getting the green light. The condition - which causes intense pain, extreme tiredness and heavy periods - plagues an estimated 1.5 million women in the UK. 2 Women who've had unsuccessful treatments for endometriosis will be eligible for the new pill Credit: Getty Women who've tried other medical or surgical treatments for endometriosis without success will be eligible to take the once-a-day pill, called linzagolix. It works by blocking specific hormones that contribute to the symptoms of endometriosis. In clinical trials, the pill was shown to reduce painful periods and pelvic pain. It was approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on May 1, giving it the green light for NHS use. The treatment will become available to patients in England in the next few months, with the health service estimating that more than 1,000 women a year could use the pill to manage their agonising symptoms. Linzagolix tablets will be given alongside 'add-back' hormone therapy, which involves using low-dose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent menopause-like symptoms and bone loss. It's already been approved for treating fibroids. Women's health minister Baroness Merron said: 'This could be a game-changer for thousands of women battling endometriosis, which can be a debilitating and life-limiting condition." Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere in the body, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes and lining of the pelvis. It also sometimes affects organs, such as the bladder and bowel. Traitors star lived with pain like 'barbed wire and stabbing' for 10 years as GP 'laughed off symptoms' Symptoms happen when patches of endometriosis break down and bleed during your period, but cannot leave the body. Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director in Women's Health for NHS England, said: 'This is welcome news for women with endometriosis who haven't found relief from previous therapies or surgery. "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." The rollout of linzagolix will give women "more choice in treatment they can take in the comfort of their own homes", she added. Baroness Merron, meanwhile, said it marks a "turning tide" for women's health "after years of neglect". Tina Backhouse, UK general manager of Theramex, which makes the drug, said there are "significant gaps and delays for women in diagnosis and treatment of their endometriosis". 2 How endometriosis can affect different organs She added: "This decision by NICE can only be one step in a much longer journey towards equitable treatment for women in the NHS, ensuring that all women, regardless of race or background, receive timely and effective care." Linzagolix is the second take-at-home treatment to be approved for endometriosis in recent months. Relugolix combination therapy – the first long-term pill licensed to treat the condition – was greenlit for NHS use in March. As with linzagolix, only patients who have tried all other treatment options can be given the pill. Again, it was estimated that the combination drug could help around 1,000 women every year in England. It can take up to nine years after symptoms first appear for endometriosis sufferers to be diagnosed with the agonising condition. There is also no known cure for the condition, but treatment can ease symptoms. Painkillers and hormonal treatments such as the combined contraceptive pill can help, and some people may be offered surgery to remove areas of endometriosis. Signs you could have endometriosis Endometriosis is where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other parts of the body. Symptoms happen when patches of endometriosis break down and bleed during your period but cannot leave your body. You might have some symptoms during your period, such as: Severe period pain, that stops you from doing your normal activities Heavy periods, where you need to change your pads or tampons every one to two hours, or you may bleed through to your clothes. Pain when you poo or pee You can have other symptoms at any time in your menstrual cycle, such as: Pain in your lower tummy and back (pelvic area) Pain during or after sex Extreme tiredness (fatigue) Pain or bleeding in other areas, such as in the chest, which may cause shortness of breath and coughing up blood You may also have difficulty getting pregnant and have low mood or anxiety. See your GP if: You think you might have endometriosis Your symptoms are affecting your everyday life, work and relationships You've had treatment from a GP but your symptoms do not get better, or get worse Source: NHS
The Guardian
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Daily endometriosis pill approved for NHS could help 1,000 women a year
More than 1,000 women a year in England could benefit from a new pill for endometriosis. The condition occurs when tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere in the body, such as the pelvis, bladder and bowel. It can cause chronic pain, heavy periods, extreme tiredness and fertility problems. According to the World Health Organization, endometriosis affects about 190 million women and girls globally. In the UK, approximately 1.5 million are estimated to have the condition. In final draft guidance published on Thursday, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) approved a daily tablet for adult patients of reproductive age who have had unsuccessful previous treatment for endometriosis. Linzagolix,also known as Yselty, works by blocking the hormones that contribute to the symptoms of endometriosis. It is taken once a day alongside 'add-back' low-dose hormonal therapy to help manage potential menopausal symptoms and bone loss. In clinical trials, linzagolix was shown to reduce painful periods and non-menstrual pelvic pain, compared with a placebo drug, and is already approved for treating moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids. It is the second take-at-home pill for endometriosis to be made available on the NHS, after Nice approved relugolix combination therapy in March. It is estimated that more than 1,000 women a year will be eligible for the new treatment. Helen Knight, the director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said she was 'pleased' to recommend linzagolix and that it offered 'a convenient way for people with endometriosis to manage their condition and helps to ease pressure on NHS services'. Welcoming the announcement, the women's health minister, Gillian Merron, said: 'This could be a gamechanger for thousands of women battling endometriosis, which can be a debilitating and life-limiting condition.' Dr Sue Mann, the national clinical director in women's health at NHS England, said: 'This is welcome news for women with endometriosis who haven't found relief from previous therapies or surgery – 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.' Emma Cox, the chief executive of Endometriosis UK, said: 'Everyone with endometriosis should be able to choose the most appropriate management and treatment for them. But there are far too few options due to historic lack of research into the disease. 'We welcome the approval of linzagolix for NHS use in England, however as it results in 'medical menopause' it will be suitable for only some with endometriosis. And as with many hormonal medications, it is not suitable for those trying for a pregnancy. We urge more investment in research to provide those with this sometimes debilitating disease, more options to help them live their lives.'
