Good health is so important in order for everyone to do the daily chores. For women who suffering from uterine fibroids, even getting out of bed or going for a leisurely stroll is a huge challenge.
Uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas or myomas) are the most common benign uterine tumor found in the muscle of the uterus (womb) that, when symptomatic, can lead to a multitude of symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding, anemia, a feeling of pelvic pressure, urinary incontinence or retention, or pain. Almost half of all women between the ages of 35 to 49 experience uterine fibroids, with 30% of these suffering symptoms which can have a severe impact on their quality of life.
Treatments for symptomatic uterine fibroids have traditionally been limited, with many women resorting to surgery to manage the condition.
Dr. Raman Subramaniam, a Malaysian-based obstetrician and gynecologist elaborated, “Traditionally, surgery has been considered to be the most common option to treat fibroids with moderate to severe symptoms. However, as with any type of surgery, there are risks of complications, which is why procedures like hysterectomies are often linked to morbidity, mortality, and economic burden on the healthcare system. It is also a deterrent for some women as going through this procedure means giving up any possibility of future pregnancies. For women who are looking for an alternative, myomectomy provides a temporary relief from the symptoms of uterine fibroids. However, there is a risk that these fibroids can re-occur later on.”
Pharmacologic therapies can also be used to treat uterine fibroids, but these have significant limitations. “These solutions can provide temporary relief but long term use can have significant draw backs such as premature menopause and bone density loss. Additionally, once medications stop, the fibroids often grow back, and symptoms return,” highlights Dr. Raman.
Zuellig Pharma, a leading healthcare solutions provider has announced the release of Ulipristal acetate 5mg (UPA 5mg) – a new, first-in-class oral therapy approved in Malaysia that will transform the lives of women suffering from this condition. UPA 5mg has been proven to stop uterine bleeding, correct anemia and shrink fibroid volumes.
Santiago Garcia, Chief Executive Officer of Zuellig Pharma Malaysia-Brunei comments, “Zuellig Pharma is committed to making healthcare more accessible and the launch of UPA 5mg is a testament to this. Symptomatic uterine fibroids are one of the most common gynecological conditions and UPA 5mg is a break through first-in-class oral therapy that will transform the lives of women suffering from this condition. We are proud to be bringing this first-in-class solution to such a common and debilitating medical condition to Malaysia.”
Professor Jacques Donnez, principal investigator in the UPA 5mg clinical trials explains, “Women that have been diagnosed with symptomatic uterine fibroids in the past often felt pressured when faced with the option of surgical treatments. Pharmacological therapies on the other hand, pose limitations to the body. With UPA 5mg, women now have a value-added option that may negate the need for commonly referred treatment.”
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