OAB is one of the top ten chronic conditions affecting American women, impacting various facets of their lives – such as travel, work productivity, emotional and physical wellbeing, as well as family relationships and social activities. In fact, more than one in three women (37 percent) with OAB reported that the condition affects their relationship with their partner and nearly half said they are worried about having a urinary accident in public (55 percent) or in the car (48 percent). In addition, recent data demonstrate the overall economic impact is estimated at $35 billion annually – both direct and indirect costs such as doctor visits, prescription medications and coping strategies like using pantiliners and pads, among others.
“It’s important for women to have access to a prescription-strength OTC option like OXYTROL FOR WOMEN because it offers them a convenient and cost-effective way to help manage their condition,” said Eman Elkadry, M.D., Clinical Instructor Harvard Medical School; Boston Urogynecology Associates at Mount Auburn Hospital and spokesperson for the makers of OXYTROL FOR WOMEN. “Women who suffer from OAB wait on average more than three years before seeking care – that’s why I’ve been an advocate for giving women an OTC choice so they can treat their symptoms and better manage their health.”
With an OTC option in hand and a lifestyle modification plan, female OAB sufferers can gain better control over OAB symptoms. By applying one patch every four days as directed, OXYTROL FOR WOMEN can provide women OAB symptom relief within two weeks when combined with daily lifestyle changes. These modifications include following a daily bathroom schedule, managing fluid intake and strengthening bladder muscles. Maintaining a healthy weight can also help, as excess weight can increase the pressure on the bladder and make OAB worse. The OXYTROL FOR WOMEN patch can be worn during everyday activities, including showering or exercising.
“Merck is proud to bring a first-in-class, over-the-counter OAB product for women to shelves nationwide,” said James Mackey, Senior Vice President and U.S. Region Head for Merck Consumer Care. “Leveraging our prescription-to-OTC switch experience to deliver greater access and value is another example of how Merck is committed to enhancing the quality of life for women.”
OXYTROL FOR WOMEN is now available at leading retailers. Please visit www.OxytrolForWomen.com for more information.
