Insomnia patients to benefit from new Zolnorem

A new sedative-hypnotic for the short-term treatment of severe and debilitating insomnia, Zolnorem MR (zolpidem modified release) promises patients more shut-eye – reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, whilst also increasing the duration of sleep.

Leading local generic medicine provider, Pharma Dynamics launched Zolnorem MR in SA in January to fill an unmet need in the market.

Abdurahmaan Kenny, Neuroscience Product Manager for Pharma Dynamics says while many hypnotics induce sleep, staying asleep is a commonly reported concern among patients.

“Alternative therapies, like Zolnorem’s two-layered modified-release (MR) formulation, have been designed to release the active ingredient at two different rates or time periods. It works by slowing activity in the brain to help patients fall asleep and stay asleep. The oral tablet’s immediate-release layer goes to work in the body right away, while the extended-release layer releases the medication into the body at a slower rate, promoting maintenance of sleep. In gist, Zolnorem MR addresses all the needs of insomnia patients, which includes rapid sleep induction and sleep maintenance without any residual effects the morning thereafter,” Kenny explains.

Focused on the importance of good sleep

Insomnia affects an estimated one in four adults at some point in their lives with 10% to 15% experiencing chronic insomnia and a further 25% to 35% reporting occasional insomnia.

Despite the high incidence, insomnia is still largely underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Common factors that hinder the diagnosis of insomnia and the management thereof is the belief among patients that sleep is not an important enough concern to raise with physicians, along with time-constrained doctor’s consultations, which often do not allow for enough questions about the patient’s overall well-being.

Kenny describes insomnia as a distressing condition that not only affects one’s sleep, but also day-to-day functioning, like work performance, staying alert while driving, cognitive functioning and overall quality of life. Some studies suggest that it can increase the risk of a stroke.

“Chronic insomnia also impacts mental well-being and heightens a patient’s risk of depression and anxiety.”

Other critical factors that contribute to insomnia, include stressors like grief, chronic pain, substance abuse, medical comorbidities, impaired social relationships, old age and being female. Physicians should be conscious of these during the consultation process and inquire about patients’ sleep schedule.

A cost-effective and safe alternative

When compared with other hypnotics, Pharma Dynamics’ Zolnorem MR has a good safety profile and a low addictive potential with few drug interactions. It has also been proven therapeutically bioequivalent to the originator and can be used as a substitute without concern.

Zolnorem 12.5mg MR comes in packs of 30s and costs up to 21% less than the originator, making it more affordable for cash-strapped patients looking for a solution to their sleeping disorder.