Stop the Veebug and take Control! iNova’s New OTC Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis in South Africa

18 March 2010
 In a world first, MetroGel™ V, South Africa’s leading vaginal gel preparation, is now available over the counter (OTC) in pharmacy as a first line therapy to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Women now have the convenience of going to their pharmacy for advice and assistance in treating what is a commonly occurring and uncomfortable condition, often accompanied by distressing symptoms.

Successfully launched as an OTC medicine from its previous prescription status, MetroGel V vaginal gel (metronidazole 0.75%) is equally efficacious to oral metronidazole in treating BV1,2,3 and supported by a pharmacy education campaign that ‘stomps’ on BV, allowing women to take control with the catchcry “Back Off Veebug! I’m in Control Now!”

Easy and convenient to use, MetroGel V is a water-based non-greasy gel formulation that ‘stays put’ in providing targeted anti-bacterial action directly at the infected site in a simple regimen of once daily application over five consecutive days.1

MetroGel V also shows a much lower incidence and severity of gastrointestinal effects than oral metronidazole, including reduced reports of nausea, taste disturbance, diarrhoea, abdominal cramping and constipation.1,2

Another important benefit of MetroGel V is that vaginal metronidazole treatment is not associated with bacterial resistance, unlike other vaginal preparations.4

BV is the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age, occurring in up to 35% of gynaecology in-patients and up to 60% in women attending a sexual health service 5,6

Although the cause is not fully understood, BV arises from an overgrowth of naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina.5,6 Evidence shows vaginal metronidazole treatment helps to restore normal vaginal bacteria.8

Vaginal discharge associated with BV is typically milky or pearly grey with a strong fishy odour.4 If left untreated, BV may lead to abnormal Pap smears, further infection, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.3,5,6,7

Dispensed through pharmacy by pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and clinic nurses, MetroGel V is owned and manufactured to high quality standards, in Australia by iNova Pharmaceuticals (“iNova”).

iNova has a broad spectrum of capabilities including in-house product development, manufacturing, quality, regulatory and marketing processes to develop, register and make available MetroGel V and other market leading brands in Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Asia-Pacific regions. iNova will continue to develop and make available new formulations and dosage forms as additional line extensions to leading brands in meeting the needs of patients, consumers and providing value.

Stop the Veebug today!

For more information about MetroGel V vaginal gel, contact iNova Pharmaceuticals in South Africa on +27 11 021 4155.

Visit iNova Pharmaceuticals website www.inovapharma.com

Media Contact: Athena Kolivos, iNova Pharmaceuticals, +61 2 412 857 698

MetroGel V is a trademark of iNova Pharmaceuticals

References
1. Metrogel™ V Product Information
2. Hanson J et al. Metronidazole for Bacterial Vaginosis. A Comparison of Vaginal Gel vs. Oral Therapy. Journal of Reproductive Medicine 2000;45(11):889-895.
3. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines 2006. MMWR 2006; 55[RR-11]:50-52.
4. Beigi R et al. Antimicrobial resistance associated with the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2004;191:1124-9
5. Foran T. Bacterial Vaginosis. Therapy Update, Women’s Health. Australian Doctor, 13 July 2007: 37-40.
6. Mashburn J. Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Vaginitis. Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health 2006;51(6):423-430.
7. Carr P et al. Evaluation and Management of Vaginitis. J Gen Intern Med 1998;13:335-346
8. Agnew KJ et al. The effect of treatment regimens for vaginitis and cervicitis on vaginal colonisation by Lactobacilli. Sex Transm Dis 1995;22(5):269-73

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