FIBROID DRUG THAT COULD OFFER WOMEN ALTERNATIVE TO FIBROID RELATED HYSTERECTOMIES IS APPROVED FOR USE IN WALES

A once daily tablet that treats the moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids has been approved for use across NHS Wales.

A once daily tablet that treats uterine fibroids and offers women an alternative to hysterectomies and other major surgery, has been approved for use across NHS Wales by the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG).

Fibroids affect four out of 10 women and in some cases leads to infertility, miscarriages and hysterectomies. The AWMSG approved the drug Esmya (a once daily tablet) so it can be taken on an intermittent basis, giving women the opportunity to avoid surgery and preserve their fertility.

Fibroids tend to develop between the age of 30 and 50 and because many of the treatments permanently affect fertility, this is now becoming a key issue as more women choose to have families later in life. Therefore, the AWMSG decision to approve of Esmya is a significant development for those women across Wales who do not want to undergo a hysterectomy or other major surgery.

Around 40 in every 100 women develop uterine fibroids at some time in their life.  Surgery, including hysterectomies, is commonly used to treat fibroids and this can affect a woman’s fertility on a temporary or permanent basis. In 2014/15 there were 1,311 consultant episodes attributed to uterine fibroids in NHS Wales.

Richard Penketh, gynaecologist from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said:

“This is an important step forward in the treatment of uterine fibroids, as many women in Wales will now be able to take Esmya® to shrink their fibroids and reduce their bleeding.  This will mean that surgery – either removal of the fibroid or the womb – can be avoided in some cases.”

Commenting on the approval Kriszta Zolnay, UK Managing Director Gedeon Richter, said:

“Gedeon Richter is committed to the development of treatments that improve the quality of life for women, offering them surgery-free options where possible.

“The AWMSG recommendation of Esmya® for use across NHS Wales is a significant development for both clinicians and patients in Wales. Many women with uterine fibroids who wish to avoid surgery can now have access to an effective treatment option.”