Incontinence and an Overactive Bladder

The one in six adults over the age of 40, who live with the fear of a wetting accident now have access to a new treatment for the incapacitating condition called Overactive Bladder.(1) Urinary incontinence in Australia costs more than $700 million each year for women alone, and these costs are set to rise.(2)

A new study, published in the November issue of European Urology, reveals that the prevalence and cost of Overactive Bladder are substantial and set to increase rapidly, in line with the ageing population.(3)

The study concludes that medical treatments could help to manage these costs and should be evaluated, as currently few people with Overactive Bladder are being treated with pharmacologic therapy.(3)

Arrow Pharmaceuticals has today launched a new, effective once-daily medication for the treatment of Overactive Bladder. Vesicare (solifenacin succinate) tablets are effective across all symptoms of Overactive Bladder including urgency, frequency (more than 8 times in 24hrs) and urge incontinence.(4)

Associate Professor of Urology, Richard Millard, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, believes the launch of Vesicare will significantly improve the quality of life for people with Overactive Bladder. "People with Overactive Bladder live in constant fear of having a wetting accident and this has a debilitating effect on all aspects of their life," said Professor Millard.

"They often develop elaborate coping mechanisms to deal with their condition such as restricting their fluid intake, mapping out toilets along regular routes, carrying extra clothing with them in case of a wetting accident and some may go to the extreme measure of leaving their job. Other people are housebound for fear of becoming wet in public. The availability of this new medication can significantly improve the overall lifestyle choices for people with Overactive Bladder," said Professor Millard.

Overactive Bladder is a chronic medical condition in which the muscle in the bladder wall contracts while the bladder is filling rather than when it is full. This leads to the person experiencing urgency (a sudden and compelling urge to urinate, that is difficult to defer), frequency (the need to go to the toilet often) and for many people embarrassing and incapacitating urge incontinence (the involuntary leakage of urine).

"The prevalence of Overactive Bladder has been shown, in some countries, to be nearly three times as high as asthma, but only one in three people seek treatment. Many people think that Overactive Bladder is just a sign of aging and put up with the symptoms for years. The reality is that you do not and should not have to live with it," said Professor Millard.

For confidential information and advice about overactive bladder and other continence issues, people should contact the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66.

NEW SOLUTION FOR A WEE PROBLEM

Urinary incontinence in Australia costs $700M and growing

Overactive Bladder in Australia
A recent survey of Australians with bladder problems found that on average people endured their symptoms for between three to five years before seeking professional medical help.5 Those surveyed had sought professional help for their bladder condition and expressed the relief they felt after having spoken to a medical professional who understood them and could explain their condition and offer appropriate treatment.

All respondents said that seeking help resulted in gaining help for their condition and improved their quality of life. They urged other people with who are currently putting up with their bladder problems, to seek medical help.

Embarrassment was the most commonly reported reason why people did not seek help for their problem.

Many respondents also incorrectly believed that bladder problems were "simply: part of getting older."

When asked what they would say to others living with a bladder condition, one respondent said, "Embarrassment should not prevent you from seeking help - its more embarrassing to wet yourself."

About Vesicare
Vesicare is indicated for the treatment of Overactive Bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency or increased urinary frequency.

The effects of Vesicare can be seen after one week,(6) and after 12 weeks 52% of patients were totally dry.(4)
After one year of taking Vesicare, the average number of incontinence episodes decreased by 66 per cent, and 60 per cent of patients were totally dry.(7)

In the same study, patients reported high satisfaction with tolerability (85 per cent) and efficacy (74 per cent).(5)

89 per cent of patients who take Vesicare 5mg do not experience dry mouth, one of the most common reasons for the discontinuation of older medications for Overactive Bladder.(6) The recommended adult starting dose is 5mg. One tablet. Once-daily. Vesicare is available on private prescription through Arrow participating pharmacies. It is not available on the PBS. References:
(1).Milsom I et al. How widespread are the symptoms of an overactive bladder and how are they managed? A population-based prevalence study. BJU International 2001; 87: 760-766.
(2). Aust. Govt. AIHW. 2006. Australian incontinence data analysis and development.
(3). Reeves P et al. The current and future burden and cost of overacitive bladder in five European countries. Eur Urol 2006; 50(5):1050-1057
(4). Haab F et al. Persistence with antimuscarinic therapy in patients with overactive bladder. In J Clin Pract 2005; 59: 931-937.
(5). What triggered you to seek help for your bladder problems? Survey. Sept 2006. Conducted by Arrow Pharmaceuticals and supported by the Continence Foundation of Australia.
(6). Vesicare Approved Product Information.
(7). Haab F et al. Long-term open-label solifenacin treatment associated with persistence with therapy in patients with overactive bladder syndrome. European Urology 2005; 47: 376-384.
For Consumer Medical Information: Visit ttp://www.arrowpharma.com/upload_pdfs/Vesicare_CMI%20.doc