The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Friday, August 4, that it will approve for the first time a tablet dedicated to the treatment of postpartum depression, a condition that many women face after giving birth but has long been surrounded by taboo. Zurzuvae, from Sage Therapeutics Laboratories, is “The first oral drug indicated for the treatment of postpartum depression in adults”stated in the press release of the FDA.
A physical and psychological shock that can last for several months, postpartum depression is a condition “Severe and life-threatening, during which women feel sadness, guilt, worthlessness”, – recalls Tiffany Farchione, head of psychiatry at the American Drug Agency. Nearly half a million American women experience postpartum depression each year. “Access to an oral medication would be a beneficial option for many of these women who are dealing with extreme, and sometimes life-threatening, feelings.”particularly through suicidal thoughts, adds Tiffany Farcione in a press release.
According to two double-blind studies cited by the FDA, patients who received Zurzuvae “Showed much better improvements in their symptoms than the placebo group.”. Authorities recommend taking a 50mg pill every night for 14 days. Its price is not reported.
Improved ease of access
One in eight women who give birth today experience symptoms of postpartum depression, and only a quarter of those receive treatment, says Asima Ahmad, medical manager at Carrot Fertility. What if he? “There are many drugs that treat depression, zuranolone (active ingredient)which has been studied as a treatment for postpartum depression, has a faster onset of action and a shorter duration of treatment than other drugs already available.”, the specialist writes. Zurzuvae can start working after only three days of treatment, he notes. The Medicines Agency recommends that you refrain from driving during treatment due to side effects.
Asima Ahmad notes that another drug, brexanolone, already exists, but requires an intravenous injection over 60 hours, while Zurzuvae is taken orally at home. “may improve ease of access for some populations”especially ethnic minorities who are less aware of the risks.
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Source: Le Figaro
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