A ‘life changing’ new product designed to help people swallow pills more easily has been launched by a North East business.
Med-Easy is a liquid that aids the passage of tablets and capsules down the oesophagus and into the stomach.
It is hoped it will bring welcome relief to the estimated 17 per cent of the UK population who suffer from swallowing difficulties, known by the medical term dysphagia.
The product has been designed by pharmaceutical compounding company Fagron UK, based in Newcastle.
General manager Peter Batty said: “Like some of the best ideas, it’s an easy-to-use solution to something that’s affecting very many lives and people’s health.
“Med-Easy works by wrapping around the medication which means instead of resting on the surface of the tongue it is suspended in the liquid.
“As the patient swallows, the external edges of the liquid flow faster than the centre allowing the tablet and Med-Easy to flow freely down into the oesophagus.”
Med-Easy has a light texture and pleasant cherry flavour which helps mask the unappealing taste of some medication.
While swallowing comes naturally to most people, some can have difficulties and this is exacerbated with solid dose medication.
People can then resort to mixing medication with different foods or crushing tablets, which can reduce their effectiveness.
Dysphagia can be common in the over 60s, people suffering from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and cancer, and children transitioning from infant liquid medication to solid dose tablets or capsules.
Patients on medication that causes a dry mouth can also be afflicted.
Pharmacist Shamir Patel, of online pharmacy Chemist-4-U.com said: “Dysphasia affects millions of people in the UK, including the elderly and those suffering general pill anxiety.
“A cure is not always possible, meaning the condition needs to be carefully managed. In settings such as care homes, where dysphagia can affect many people, having a solution on hand is incredibly important.
“A product with the right viscosity should help to aid the smooth transition of pills down the oesophagus which is where Med-Easy comes in.
“Med-Easy should provide real relief to those suffering from the condition, which can have incredibly serious consequences.”
Med-Easy can be used with medical pills, tablets and liquid-filled capsules, as well as vitamin preparations and food supplements.
You simply place the medication on the spoon provided, add 10ml of Med-Easy and then swallow.
Those who have tried out the new product prior to its general release are full of praise.
One mum, Fiona, said: “My daughter loves it. She thinks it’s a great invention because it makes her morning routine so much simpler.”
Another parent, Hayley, said: “It works for all age groups. Every household should have it!”
Med-Easy will be available in pharmacies and online at Chemist-4-U.com from May and can be used by any over the age of two who can swallow independently.
