"An OTC drug increases lymphedema patient satisfaction"

Ha Suk Bae, Director of the Lymphedema Center at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital (President of the Korean Society of Lymphedema)

"Lymphedema commonly occurs after breast cancer surgeries…the number of medicines is limited"

"I searched drugs to help patient recovery"…have been prescribing an OTC drug containing troxerutin"

Lymphedema occurs when the body's flow of lymph fluid is disrupted.

 

Due to a particular reason, the build-up of lymph fluid between cells causes swelling and hardening of fatty tissues in the arms and legs.

 

Unfortunately, the number of medicines for treating lymphedema is limited.

 

Therefore, there are unmet needs in clinical practices.

 

Hence, Ha Suk Bae, Director of the Lymphedema Center at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, draws attention to 'Newbein (troxerutin).' Bae said, "We recommend this drug to patients with lymphedema who visit our hospital," adding, "Although it was approved as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug, we prescribe it because Newbein provides administration convenience and is more effective than the existing drugs." Despite a variety of treatment methods, the number of drugs is limiting…"in search for better drugs" Lymphedema commonly occurs in patients undergone cancer surgeries.

 

For example, those who have breast cancer.

 

During the procedure of removing cancer tissues, a portion of lymph nodes is removed, and this causes disruptions to the lymphatic system, leading to swelling of arms.

 

Ha Suk Bae, Director of the Lymphedema Center at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital.

 

There are several treatment methods for lymphedema.

 

Lymphedema bandaging, which applies a compression wrap to the lymphedema area, is combined with exercise therapy or massage therapy.

 

It may be treated with surgeries.

 

However, the number of medicines is limited.

 

Medicines that help the vein and lymph circulation are often used, but there aren't many types.

 

Most drugs cause patient inconvenience because they are orally administered three times a day.

 

Such limitations have raised concerns for Bae.

 

Bae attempts to find new medicines to assist in treatment courses.

 

Bae explained, "For example, Breast cancer patients have to focus primarily on cancer treatment because cancer has to be immediately removed and to save their lives," adding, "This is the reason why there aren't many lymphedema medicines." Bae said, "However, patients have lives after the cancer treatment.

 

When patients experience lymphedema after recovering from cancer, it substantially reduces the quality of life," adding, "I was hoping that medicines that can easily be administered are available considering that patients have to manage lymphedema their whole life." Drug containing troxerutin…"prescribing this drug raises patient satisfaction" Bae started reviewing drug approval documents in South Korea and overseas in search of a better drug.

 

He sighted an OTC drug containing troxerutin.

 

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) approved the drug for the use of 'improving swelling and pain in lower part of the body (legs) due to vein and lymph circulation disruptions.' Although it is a vein circulation enhancer, Bae was hoping that it would be effective in lymphedema.

 

Bae also reviewed research articles and found that troxerutin works in the inner wall of micro vessels, reducing permeability, and lowering the burden on the lymphatic system.

 

Additionally, Bae found research showing that troxerutin can alleviate swelling by reducing the protein content rise that often occurs in lymphedema.

 

Troxerutin prevents neutrophils and platelets from attaching to the inner wall and inhibits excessive aggregation of red blood cells.

 

It also inhibits damaging substances in vascular endothelial cells and improves the elasticity of blood vessels.

 

In this process, venous flow becomes smoother, and lymphatic circulation improves.

 

Troxerutin seems adequate for lymphedema and edema of the lower body caused by varicose veins.

 

After securing these grounds, Bae recommended an OTC drug containing troxerutin for patients with lymphedema.

 

Bae explained that in addition to alleviating edema symptoms, the drug also increased patients' satisfaction compared to the existing drug.

 

Bae said, "Because troxerutin drugs introduced in South Korea are in liquid formulation, taking these drugs is convenient.

 

It has the advantage of taking the drugs once daily," adding, "Hence, patient satisfaction is high." "In our hospital, we recommend these drugs to patients with lymphedema.

 

OTC drugs are not usually prescribed in hospitals, but we have been prescribing these drugs because troxerutin drug is quite effective in treating lymphedema," Bae added.

 

This drug has been prescribed at four general hospitals and Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital.

 

Bae emphasized that he hopes this drug will be used in more patients.

 

Bae stated he would announce it through Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital.

 

Bae said, "Not many doctors are familiar with this drug.

 

I hope more patients can access this drug."