The NHS will be testing a new “three-in-one” pill to treat high blood pressure. They believe it will help save lives, and patients won’t have to change between medications.
About seven million people in Britain – about a tenth of the population – take pills to control the condition, while a similar number have high blood pressure but don’t know it.
This is the silent killer, responsible for half of strokes and most heart attacks.
Many people have difficulty identifying the correct medication or combination that lowers blood pressure, without side effects like swollen ankles.
NHS doctors to try a new, ‘three in one’ high-blood pressure pill (file photo used).
To control blood pressure most people need to take at least two to three pills per day.
Physicians now have the option to try a new way of treating patients: Low doses three common drugs in one pill.
The combination should work more effectively than starting patients with a lower dose of one drug.
George Medicines has created the tablet. The trial will involve approximately 500 NHS patients, led by Imperial College Trials Unit (London). Other 1,000 people are also testing the pills overseas.
Neil Poulter is the Unit director. He stated that “there is plenty of evidence to prove that one drug given at low doses is more effective than another.”
Many people have to take multiple pills every day in order to manage their blood pressure. Photo of medical tablets.
The pill lowers blood pressure more rapidly and causes fewer side-effects. This pill goes one step further in this regard.
The three medications have different blood pressure lowering mechanisms so they must be combined to produce a stronger effect.
George Medicines chief executive Stefan Konig said that drugs need to be easier to take and more efficient than the current offerings.
“Our combination therapy provides simplicity for patients and treating physicians.”
The trial went well and he expects the pill to be ready in 2023.