New Treatment Option for Overactive Bladder

Physicians will soon have a new treatment option to offer patients with overactive bladder (OAB). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new topical gel designed to treat the symptoms of OAB Jan. 27.

The first of its kind, Gelnique is an antispasmodic agent currently available in oral tablet and patch form. In gel form, the active ingredient (oxybutynin chloride) isn’t metabolized by the liver, lessening side effects. Patients simply apply the gel to the thigh, abdomen, upper-arm, or shoulder area.

OAB is characterized by a sudden, uncomfortable need to urinate with or without urge incontinence (urine leakage), and usually includes more frequent urination and nocturia. It affects as many as 33 million adults in the United States, according to Watson Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Gelnique.

Gelnique (10 percent strength) will be available by prescription mid-year.

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3 Responses to “New Treatment Option for Overactive Bladder”

1. Dr. Hassebroek Says:
   February 20th, 2009 at 10:43 am

   Thought this was interesting…

2. marcibiller Says:
   February 20th, 2009 at 2:51 pm

   It sounds pretty easy, but what are the side-effects of this new treatment? We’ll need more information on this product before requesting it from our physician.

3. Violetta Ruetsch Says:
   June 24th, 2009 at 1:59 pm

   Just received literature on Gelnique – are there samples available yet?

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