Xonvea: Morning Sickness Drug Has Been Approved For Use In The UK | HuffPost Life

“We hope it will give doctors confidence to prescribe for women who need it.”

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Life editor at HuffPost UK

A new morning sickness drug has been approved for use in the UK, and it could be what many pregnant women have been waiting for.

Xonvea is the first drug to be licensed to treat the nausea women feel in their first trimester since Thalidomide in the 1950s – a drug that led to children being born with birth defects in one of the biggest health scandals in history.

This new drug has gone through its final clinical trials and was found to reduce the amount of nausea women felt by two thirds. It also cut the number of episodes of sickness from four a day to just one.

“We welcome the news that finally, a licence has been granted for a medication to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy,” said Clare Murphy, director of External Affairs at Bpas. “We know that many women are simply told to put up with debilitating symptoms on the basis that no medication is safe in pregnancy, when in fact the risks of not treating may be significantly higher.

“Our hope is that a licensed product will give doctors confidence to prescribe for women who need it.”

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Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) is one of the most common reasons for pregnant women to be admitted to hospital. In 2016/17, there were 33,071 hospital admissions for NVP in England,

Murphy said despite the licensing of this drug, it’s important to note that if this medication does not work or symptoms deteriorate, a number of other safe medications are available and used for pregnant women.

“[Also], this medication is a first level of treatment for pregnancy sickness and will generally not be sufficient to treat the most severe form of the condition, Hyperemesis Gravidarum, the condition suffered by the Duchess of Cambridge,” she added.

“Bpas sees women whose sickness is so debilitating they are left with no choice but to terminate what is often a very much wanted pregnancy; with early treatment with medications including Xonvea, our hope would be that for at least some women, their symptoms and sickness will not escalate to the point that they need our services.”

Also commenting on the release of Xonvea, Caitlin Dean, chair of Pregnancy Sickness Support charity, said: “Hopefully, with the licensing of Xonvea, doctors will have the confidence to prescribe and women will have the confidence to take medication for their symptoms rather than suffer in silence.

“We all know that sickness is normal, expected and even at times, but for some women symptoms are severe enough to substantially impact their day-to-day lives and can be utterly miserable to endure.”

In April 2015, a joint report by Bpas and the Pregnancy Sickness Support charity stated around 1,000 expectant mothers undergo abortions every year because they suffer from morning sickness.

The NHS states around seven out of 10 pregnant women experience nausea and/or vomiting, and this doesn’t just occur in the morning. It will usually clear up by weeks 16 to 20 of pregnancy.

Primary and secondary care doctors in the UK will now be able to prescribe Xonvea to pregnant women.

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)

You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)

If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )

I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)

You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )

I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)

No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )

I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)

You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )

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