Lysteda Approved to Treat Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Posted on November 20, 2009 in Health & Medicine, Recent Studies, Women's Health

The FDA approved Lysteda tablets on Friday to treat heavy menstrual bleeding, the first non-hormonal product to be used for this purpose. Lysteda works by stabilizing a protein that helps blood clot.

About 3 million U.S. women suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding. No underlying health condition is associated with the condition, but it can be incapacitating. Kathleen Uhl, FDA’s associate commissioner of women’s health, said that menorrhagia can cause mood swings, pain and disruption to work and family life.

There was a statistically significant reduction in menstrual blood loss in women who took Lysteda, compared to those taking the placebo pill. The most common side effects included headaches, sinus and nasal symptoms, back pain, abdominal pain, muscle and joint pain, anemia and fatigue. If you are taking hormonal contraceptives, Lysteda should only be used in the case of a strong medical need. Combining the two can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke or heart attack, according to the FDA.