Overactive bladder: pill to treat the condition may be introduced, but what is it?

In a bid to help women who struggle each day with embarrassing urinary incontinence, the UK health system is looking to make oral tablets available without needing a prescription.

Over-the-counter incontinence medication

This would be the first time that an over-the-counter medication would become available for women in the UK. Although no set date has yet been given to officialise the changes, The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are working towards a quick solution. Dr Laura Squire, from the MHRA, said:

For many women, an overactive bladder can make day-to-day living extremely challenging. It can impact on relationships, on work, on social life, and it can lead to anxiety and depression.

And added:

And added: Fortunately there are treatments around, and from today you will have a chance to have your say on whether one of those treatments, Aquiette, can be available for the first time without a prescription.

Minister for Women's Health Maria Caulfield explained that the condition can be so embarrassing for some people that they have a hard time asking for help. This means that facilitating access to such medication could significantly help many more who are afflicted by the disease. She explained:

When it comes to sensitive issues such as bladder control, speaking to a GP may act as a barrier for some women to seek help. Reclassification of Aquiette would enable women to access vital medication without needing a prescription.

What is urinary incontinence?

In the UK alone, millions of women suffer from the condition which includes symptoms such as: having to go to the toilet at least eight times a day and more than once during the night. In some cases, it is so hard for some women to contain their urine that they often end up having distressing accidents before they can reach a toilet.

Urine incontinence can take many forms and can also affect men and people of all ages.

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