MetroGel V has had a new floral-inspired makeover. The preferred choice for the treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) by South African gynaecologists1 now comes in beautifully designed floral packaging, adding visual appeal to the product and aligning to its therapeutic goal of re-establishing vaginal flora2.
Take control
The new packaging aims to empower women to take control of their vaginal health. The floral image not only makes the packaging more feminine and appealing but also imbues the importance of a vaginal flora in maintaining vaginal health.
The campaign focuses on the importance of Lactobacilli – the super hero of a healthy vaginal environment3.
Lactobacilli is a type of bacteria naturally found in the vagina. It helps maintain a healthy environment and prevent infections4. Lactobacilli produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Lactic acid acidifies the vagina to help protect against a broad range of infections5 and hydrogen peroxide and antimicrobial compounds prevent overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria3, 6.
A lack of Lactobacilli may lead to overgrowth of pathogenic organisms and bacterial vaginosis4, 7.
Restore
MetroGel V contains metronidazole gel 0.75 percent and is a recommended regimen for the treatment of BV by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)8. Intravaginal metronidazole helps to restore vaginal Lactobacilli colonisation3. Clinical studies showed a 61 percent increase in the growth of vaginal Lactobacilli one week after treatment, in comparison to treatment with clindamycin which only showed 11 percent growth of Lactobacilli3.
Use of MetroGel V has also been shown to have significantly fewer gastro-intestinal adverse events than oral metronidazole9 and is available without a prescription10.
MetroGel V is a water-based gel that stays in the vagina and is convenient and easy to use. It should be used once daily at bedtime for five days10.
Scheduling status: S2 Proprietary name (and dosage form): MetroGel V Vaginal Gel. Composition: Metronidazole 37.5 mg/5 g. Preservatives: Methyl hydroxybenzoate 0.08%, Propyl hydroxybenzoate 0.02%. Pharmacological classification: A 20.2.6 Antimicrobial: medicines against protozoa. Indications: MetroGel V is indicated for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Registration number: 33/20.2.6/0243 Name and business address of applicant: iNova Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd, Co. Reg. No. 1952/001640/07, 15E Riley Road, Bedfordview. Tel. No. 011 087 0000. www.inovapharma.co.za. For full prescribing information, refer to the package insert as approved by SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority. IN3476/19
References:
1. Impact Rx. Script data – September 2017.
2. Simoes JA, Aroutcheva AA, Shott S, et al. Effect of metronidazole on the growth of vaginal lactobacilli in vitro. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2001;9:41–45.
3. Agnew K, Hillier S. The Effect of Treatment Regimens for Vaginitis and Cervicitis on Vaginal Colonization by Lactobacilli. Sex Transm Dis 1995;22(5): 269-273. Goje, O. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Merck Manual consumer version (2018) at https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/vaginal-infections-and-pelvic-inflammatory-disease/bacterial-vaginosis-bv (website accessed on 15 August 2019)
4. Smith SB, Ravel J. The vaginal microbiota, host defence and reproductive physiology. J Physiol 2017;595.2:451–463.
5. Miquel S, Martin R, Thomas M, et al. The Indigenous Microbiota and its Potential to Exhibit Probiotic Properties. In: Probiotics and Prebiotics: Current Research and Future Trends, Chapter 12: 181-194. January 2015.
6. Soper DE. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Merck Manual Consumer Version (2019) at https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-healthissues/vaginal-infections-and-pelvic-inflammatory-disease/bacterial-vaginosis-bv
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2015. MMWR/ June 5, 2015 / Vol. 64 / No. 3.
8. Wain AM. Metronidazole Vaginal Gel 0.75% (MetroGeI-Vaginal®) A Brief Review. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol1998;6:3-7.
9. MetroGel® V Approved package insert, October 2000.
