Let's look inside: Evana and Ultravana

What is Evana and Ultravana?

Evana® Heavy Period Relief 500mg tablets (tranexamic acid) is an anti-fibrinolytic medicine indicated for the reduction of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). And Ultravana® Period Pain Relief 250mg gastro-resistant tablets (naproxen) is indicated for the relief of primary dysmenorrhea (period pain). 

Maxwellia has launched these two new pharmacy-only brands in response to a current unmet need in women’s health where ‘normalisation’ of periods means many women are struggling with disruptive symptoms each month and are not seeking advice and treatment from a healthcare professional. A survey of 3,000 women and girls for the Wellbeing of Women charity found that they are often dismissed as ‘just having a period’, despite experiencing severe pain (59 per cent), heavy bleeding (49 per cent) and irregular cycles. Nearly all (96 per cent) women experience some type of period pain and over half surveyed found it difficult to access treatment and support.¹

What are their benefits?

HMB, or menorrhagia, is a common gynaecological problem affecting up to 30 per cent of women of reproductive age.² It has a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life causing physical, social, and emotional consequences.³ In addition, HMB is the main cause of iron deficiency anaemia among women of reproductive age, adding to the symptom burden among those affected.⁴

Tranexamic acid 500mg, the active ingredient in Evana, is a NICE-recommended first-line non-hormonal treatment option for HMB management.³

Dysmenorrhoea, or period pain, is also common among women of reproductive age, with an estimated prevalence as high as 91 per cent. As with other gynaecological issues, period pain is a condition that exerts a significant adverse effect on female wellbeing and quality of life leading to work/school absenteeism. Naproxen, the active ingredient in Ultravana, is a NICE-recommended first-line treatment for dysmenorrhoea.⁵ 

How do they work?

Evana Heavy Period Relief 500mg tablets contain the active ingredient tranexamic acid, which is a non-hormonal treatment option for heavy menstrual bleeding. Tranexamic acid works to reduce blood loss by helping the body’s natural blood clotting process. Classed as an anti-fibrinolytic medicine, tranexamic acid helps blood clots to stay in place where they are needed, which results in reduced menstrual blood loss.⁶

Ultravana Period Pain Relief 250mg gastro-resistant tablets contain naproxen, a non-selective NSAID. Naproxen acts by inhibiting both the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to reduce pain.⁷

Ultravana has a gastro-resistant formulation that does not disintegrate in the stomach. Instead, it disintegrates once it reaches the small intestine. As such, the delayed absorption seen with enteric-coated tablet formulations aims to minimise the risk of adverse GI effects seen with NSAIDs and is of value in patients where gastric dissolution is undesirable.⁸ 

Where do they come from?

Evana Heavy Period Relief 500mg tablets (tranexamic acid) and Ultravana Period Pain Relief 250mg gastro-resistant tablets (naproxen) are new pharmacy brands from Maxwellia. Tranexamic acid and naproxen have been widely used in GP and hospital settings for many years and will now be available for over-the-counter use.

Maxwellia is a female-founded consumer healthcare start-up with a mission to widen access to medicines. They are creating the next generation of blockbuster OTC medicine brands by “switching” prescription-only medicines to versions that people can buy more easily from the pharmacy.

Maxwellia’s new healthcare brands help people look after themselves without the need to bother the doctor, relieving pressure on the NHS and saving GP’s time. Switching complements the Government’s Pharmacy First initiative, increasing consumer choice and reducing the time needed for pharmacy consultations.

What is the recommended dosage?

Evana can be used in women aged 18-45 years with regular periods and should be initiated once heavy bleeding has started. Patients should take two tablets three times daily for a maximum of four days. The dose can be increased to a maximum of 4g daily (eight tablets) if menstrual bleeding is very heavy. It may take using Evana for three menstrual cycles before their blood flow is noticeably reduced, however most women will see a reduction in blood flow within the first cycle of use. Evana can continue to be used for as long as periods remain regular and heavy.⁹

The recommended dosage for Ultravana is on the first day of dysmenorrhoea: two tablets initially and then one tablet after six to eight hours, if required. On days two and three: one tablet may be taken, if required every six to eight hours. Ultravana should only be taken for a maximum of three days per menstrual cycle and patients should be advised not to crush or chew the tablet and to take with or after food.⁸ 

Where can pharmacy teams find out more?

Pharmacy teams can visit the Evana and Ultravana HCP portal at: evanaperiods.com/hcp. Stock will be available to order from July from major wholesalers.

References:

1. wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/news/launch-of-just-a-period-campaign

2. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24274829

3. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng88

4. cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anaemia-iron-deficiency

5. cks.nice.org.uk/topics/dysmenorrhoea

6. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6494516

7. nhs.uk/conditions/period-pain/

8. Ultravana Period Pain Relief 250 mg Tablets. Summary of Product Characteristics. Last updated 29/11/2023. Available at: medicines.org.uk/emc#gref

9. Evana Heavy Period Relief 500 mg Tablets. Summary of Product Characteristics. Last updated 07/11/2023. Available at: medicines.org.uk/emc#gref.