Drugs Could Save Thousands of Women's Lives from Postpartum Bleeding

A new type of medication to prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth has the potential to save thousands of women's lives, according to a new study by the World Health Organization (WHO ). The drug, carbetocin, has a significant advantage over the current drug, especially in the developing world, experts say.

Current WHO guidelines recommend the drug oxytocin to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. However, oxytocin must be stored in the refrigerator at 2-8 degrees C during storage and transportation, which can be difficult to do in less developed countries. Even when women in these areas have access to this life-saving medicine, it may be less effective due to exposure to heat.

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds the alternative drug, carbetocin. is heat – stable, is just as safe and effective as oxytocin in preventing bleeding after childbirth. This new formulation does not require refrigeration and retains its effectiveness for at least three years, even in hot weather, according to WHO.

"This is a truly encouraging new development that can revolutionize our ability to keep mothers and babies alive," said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. women die each year due to postpartum hemorrhage. The study followed 30,000 women who gave birth badlly in 10 countries: Argentina, Egypt, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Thailand and Thailand. UK.

"The development of a drug to prevent postpartum hemorrhage that continues to remain effective in hot, humid conditions is very good news for the millions of women who give birth in some parts of the world without access to reliable refrigeration, said Dr. Metin Gülmezoglu of the Department of Reproductive Health and Research of WHO.

The organization says the next step is a regulatory review and will begin to review guidelines for determining whether thermostable carbetocin should be recommended to prevent postpartum hemorrhage