ENDO THE PAIN
‘First-of-a-kind’ daily pill for agonising condition will be available on NHS – in breakthrough for millions
Read on for a full list of symptoms that could mean you have the agonising condition
A FIRST-of-its-kind pill designed to transform treatment of agonising endometriosis will be available on the NHS.
The condition affects an estimated 1.5 million women in the UK, causing intense pain, fatigue and heavy bleeding.
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The drug - known as relugolix combination therapy or Ryeqo - was approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for NHS use.
This is the first long-term daily pill licensed to treat the condition.
It works by blocking specific hormones that contribute to endometriosis, while also providing the necessary hormone replacement.
Unlike current injectable treatments, which can initially worsen symptoms, the pill can be taken at home.
Read more on endometriosis
It also works more quickly, combines hormones in one pill and cuts the need for visits to clinics.
But NICE said only patients who have tried all other treatment options will be given the pill.
It said the combination drug could help around 1,000 women every year in England who suffer from the debilitating condition.
Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to those in the lining of the womb grow in other parts of the body, such as the pelvis, bladder and bowel.
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It can cause severe pain, heavy periods, exhaustion and fertility problems and can have a big impact on women's lives.
Thought endometriosis millions in the UK it can take up to nine years after symptoms first appear for sufferers to be diagnosed with the agonising condition.
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According to the NHS website, symptoms can be similar to other conditions, such as fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
There is also no known cure for endometriosis, but treatment can ease symptoms.
Usually, the first treatments for endometriosis are hormone injections that temporarily block or reduce the body's production of oestrogen, as endometriosis grows when exposed to this hormone.
But patients often need to travel to hospitals to have the injections, which last for up to three months.
The new all-in-one tablet means patients won't need to take hormone replacement therapy pills separately.
It can be taken up until the menopause, but patients can stop using it quickly if they experience side effects.
NICE initially rejected the drug, but its manufacturer Gedeon Richter provided new evidence to address questions about effectiveness and value for money.
The drug will only be made available on the NHS for patients whose medical or surgical treatment for endometriosis has failed.
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 charity Endometriosis UK said that the pill gives patients more choice, but will help only a relatively small number of people.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: "This new treatment marks a potential step-change in how we manage endometriosis, putting control back in patients' hands while ensuring value for the taxpayer.
"Instead of travelling to clinics for injections, there is now a daily tablet that can be taken at home.
"The treatment can also be stopped and started more easily, which is particularly important for those planning to have children and for managing side-effects.
"This convenience not only benefits patients but reduces pressure on NHS services."
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The charity Endometriosis UK said in a statement: "For those with a history of previous medical or surgical treatment for their endometriosis, Relugolix CT is an alternative option if treatments such as tranexamic acid, hormonal contraceptives, and intrauterine delivery systems have not worked or are unsuitable."
Dr Sue Mann, NHS national clinical director for women's health, added: "This first-of-a-kind treatment for endometriosis - a condition which can be extremely debilitating - will give women greater control of their own health by potentially allowing them to get the treatment they need in the comfort of their own homes, without the need to attend regular appointments."
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