England’s NHS will soon be offering patients the first-of-its-kind pill for endometriosis, the combination drug, relugolix–estradiol–norethisterone (also known as relugolix combination therapy or Ryeqo), the first long-term daily pill licensed to treat the often debilitating condition.
Medical experts say it marks a significant advancement over current treatments, offering a more convenient and potentially less arduous experience for patients.
The pill is expected to help about 1 000 endometriosis patients every year, reports The Independent.
It works by blocking specific hormones that contribute to endometriosis while simultaneously providing necessary hormone replacement. This dual action addresses the root cause of the condition while mitigating potential side effects.
Unlike existing injectable treatments, which can initially exacerbate symptoms, Ryeqo can be taken at home, offers faster relief, and combines multiple hormones into a single pill.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere in the body, commonly in the pelvis, bladder, and bowel.
The condition can cause debilitating pain, heavy periods, exhaustion and fertility problems, and according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which approved the medication, about 1.5m women in the UK suffer from it.
However, receiving a diagnosis typically takes nine years from when symptoms first appear, because symptoms can be similar to those associated with other conditions, like fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
NICE initially rejected the drug, but new evidence was provided by the manufacturer Gedeon Richter to address questions about effectiveness.
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NICE guidelines on endometriosis: Diagnosis will improve, treatment won’t