I was excited to hear this morning that finally there was a drug for treating postpartum depression. It is long overdue. I wish it had been around when I needed it. Fortunately for me, it didn't last long, I didn't even understand what was happening to me. That was almost 35 years ago. Yet, now I find that in reality, it's not available for most women because of the cost.
USA Today:
[The first drug specifically targeted at treating postpartum depression in new mothers has been approved, the Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday.Brexanolone, sold as Zulresso, is delivered as a continuous intravenous infusion over the course of 60 hours, the FDA says. The New York Times reports the drug works quickly — within two days — and is estimated to cost $20,000 or more. "Postpartum depression is a serious condition that, when severe, can be life-threatening. Women may experience thoughts about harming themselves or harming their child," a release quotes Tiffany Farchione, the acting director of the Division of Psychiatry Products in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.]
This is a life-saving drug, which has to be administered while in the hospital, taking 2 days. I know new moms and baby are usually released is 24 to 48 hours after giving birth. So, it most cases, women are released before this drug would even be finished through an i.v.
That would seem to present a problem. The cost of the drug itself is ridiculous. It's been "approved" yet it's not really availale.
A life-saving drug, protecting both the mother and baby, is not realistically available ... seems to say that postpartum depression is not taken seriously. What could possibly justify the price? That's just the cost of the drug, what about the cost of staying longer? As it is now, hospitals can't wait to get you out the door?
Hopefully people will come together and drug accessible for the sake of new moms and their baby. There have been cases where mothers gave birth, suffered postpartum depression and a short time later have killed the baby and their other children.
Many people blow this off as just an "excuse," Speaking from my own experience, the emotions you experience, the thoughts you have when suffering from this condition, it's real and takes control over you during that time.
Making this drug out of reach makes us responsible for the actions of someone suffering from postpartum deparession.
Make the drug available for all women who need it.
Marjorie Farrington
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