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An antacid indicated for the relief of heartburn during pregnancy(1) has been re-launched in SA
With heartburn affecting up to 85% of pregnant women(2), and many women experiencing heartburn that can occur in all three trimesters of their pregnancy(3), many women want a solution that will not only bring long lasting relief to the all too familiar discomfort caused by heartburn, but also vitally one that will not affect their unborn baby(1).
Gelusil Plus®, an antacid suspension, is now available in South Africa, a treatment to relieve heartburn in pregnancy(1, 3) with a dual mode of action that neutralises stomach acid whilst creating a barrier to reduce acid reflux into the oesophagus1, the tube that transports fluid and food between the mouth and the stomach(4).
Gelusil Plus® is indicated for the relief of heartburn during pregnancy(1) because the ingredients have been proven to be suitable and efficacious during pregnancy. Its antacid effect and the way it treats the heartburn and reflux is non-systemic in nature, which means that it does not affect the entire body, and generally only has a localised effect(5). As with any medication, it is important to always read the package insert. Take Gelusil Plus® as directed and be aware of any possible hypersensitivity or allergy to any of the ingredients(1).
The 3 key ingredients in Gelusil Plus®, namely sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate, work together to successfully relieve stomach acid reflux and the associated symptoms like heartburn and flatulence(1, 3).
Heartburn, although nothing to do with the actual heart, involves a burning sensation in the centre of the chest which occurs when the valve between the stomach and the oesophagus is unable to prevent stomach acid from passing back into the oesophagus. During pregnancy, the increase in the hormone progesterone causes the valve to relax(3, 6), which is why heartburn happens so much more during pregnancy(3). This allows stomach acid to pass into the oesophagus and irritate the lining, causing the burning sensation(6).
Heartburn and indigestion are also more common during the third trimester because of the growing uterus which puts pressure on the intestines and the stomach(6), but many women will experience heartburn throughout their pregnancy(3).
Gelusil Plus® can be used by most sufferers of heartburn, except for those with allergies or hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients(1), and provides rapid and longer symptomatic relief compared to other antacids alone(3), good news indeed for the millions of people who suffer from heartburn. Some international surveys estimate that 40% of adults suffer from heartburn at least once a month, with approximately 10 % of these adults suffering on a daily basis(7).
Gelusil Plus® is also indicated for the relief of gastric (stomach acid) reflux, reflux oesophagitis, symptoms of hiatus hernia and flatulence associated with gastric reflux(1).
Gelusil Plus® from iNova Pharmaceuticals, adds another product to their prenatal portfolio, which includes South Africa’s number one pregnancy supplement range, a range which includes PregOmega Plus(8)
It is available in a 200ml suspension, with the recommended dose being 10 – 20 ml after meals and before bedtime. Gelusil Plus®, which comes in a pleasant aniseed flavour, is now available at leading pharmacies nationwide.
For more information, go to www.inovapharma.co.za
For more information, speak to your healthcare professional.
Scheduling Status: S0 Proprietary name and dosage form: Gelusil Plus® 200 ml Suspension. Composition: Each 10 ml suspension contains: Sodium alginate 500 mg, Sodium bicarbonate 267 mg,
Calcium carbonate 160 mg. Registration number: 43/11.10/1124.
The claims made in this material are for medical information and educational purposes only. Marketed by: iNova Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd Co. Reg. No. 1952/001640/07,15E Riley Road, Bedfordview. Tel. No. 011 087 0000. www.inovapharma.co.za. Further information is available on request from iNova Pharmaceuticals. IN978/19
References:
- Gelusil Plus approved package insert, August 2015
- Lindow, SW. An open-label, multicenter study to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel reflux suppressant in the treatment of heartburn during pregnancy. Int J Clin Pract. 2003 Apr;57(3):175-9.
- Meteerattanapipat, P. and Phupong, V. Efficacy of alginate-based reflux suppressant and magnesium aluminium antacid gel for treatment of heartburn in pregnancy: a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Sci. Rep. 7, 44830; doi: 10.1038/srep44830 (2017).
- GastroNet. Oesophagus (2016) at http://www.gastro.net.au/digestive/oesophagus.html(Website accessed on 17 September 2019)
- Merriam-Webster. Definition of nonsystemic (2019) at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonsystemic. (Website accessed on 7 September 2019)
- American Pregnancy Association. Heartburn during pregnancy – Causes and treatment (2015) athttps://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/heartburn-during-pregnancy/. (Website accessed on 7 September 2019)
- Cheskin, LJ and Miller, DL. Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Common Gastrointestinal Symptoms. Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease (2001) at https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/heartburn (Website accessed on 7 September 2019)
- IMS:TPM Data (A11A, A11B, A11E, V6D, V3X / Constructed Class). MAT June 2019
Rochelle is the founder and driving force behind Aesthetic Appointment. With a passion for the aesthetics and pro-ageing industry in South Africa, she has been in the aesthetic publishing industry since 2012, dedicated to creating a valuable platform for insights and knowledge, bridging the gap between patients and doctors - delivering reliable, medical-based information. Rochelle firmly believes in the power of a good skincare regimen, especially when started at home, and is committed to educating consumers about the myriad of treatments, procedures, and products available to them.
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
