Propiverine Hydrochloride

Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced that it has launched today BUP-4 LADY® (Pharmacist Intervention Required Medicine [PIRM]), Japan’s first OTC medication with an indication of urinary urgency available at dispensing pharmacies, non-dispensing pharmacies, and drug stores in Japan. BUP-4 LADY is an OTC medication for women1 in a switch from prescription drug BUP-4® to a PIRM which can be purchased in pharmacies with face-to-face advice from pharmacists. It improves urinary urgency (a sudden urge to urinate that may be difficult to control), urinary frequency and urinary incontinence accompanied by urinary urgency. These are symptoms of an overactive bladder and causes decrease in the quality of everyday life. In Japan, it is estimated that about 8 million men and women over 40 years old have symptoms of an overactive bladder,2 however many people find it difficult to talk about their urinary problems with those around them or with medical professionals.3 BUP-4 LADY is an overactive bladder medication for women, aimed at contributing to improvement of the quality of daily life, which is diminished by these overactive bladder symptoms. Taiho Pharmaceutical believes that BUP-4 LADY, which has been switched to an OTC medication that can be purchased at pharmacies, will become one of the treatment options for women who want to manage their symptoms. Taiho Pharmaceutical will continue to create a chain of “smiles” by exploring people’s true needs and creating new markets to meet them. 1 For safety reasons, BUP-4 LADY is not available for men as men should take medication under the supervision of an urologist or other medical specialist. In addition, the elderly, especially those over 70 years old, should be treated by a physician for safety reasons. 2 Yukio Honma, et. al. Epidemiologic survey on lower urinary tract symptoms in Japan, JCS 2003, 14:266-277 3 Survey by Taiho Pharmaceutical Contains active pharmaceutical ingredient propiverine hydrochloride First OTC medication to receive an indication for urinary urgency Controls abnormal bladder contraction through anticholinergic and calcium antagonist effects Just one tablet once a day Small tablets Brand name BUP-4 LADY Risk categories Pharmacist Intervention Required Medicine Ingredients/amount Propiverine hydrochloride 10mg (in 1 tablet) Dosage and administration Adult women (15 and older, under 70 years old) Take 1 tablet once a day after a meal Dosage and administration precautions (1) Strictly follow the dosage and administration instructions. (2) Take the medication at around the same time each day. (3) How to remove the tablets: Press the convex part of the PTP sheet containing the tablet strongly with your fingertip to tear the aluminum foil on the back side, and remove the tablet. (If the foil is swallowed by mistake, it can cause an unexpected accident such as piercing of the esophageal mucosa.) Indication Urinary urgency (a sudden urge to urinate that may be difficult to control), urinary frequency and urinary incontinence accompanied by urinary urgency Suggested retail price JPY2,750 (JPY2,500 excluding tax) Launch date November 24, 2021 Distributor Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. This medication should be used only after receiving instructions from a pharmacist and carefully reading the Precautions for Use.