Polypills

What is in the News?

• Last week, in a major policy change, the WHO included three fixed dose combinations of cardiovascular medicines or polypills on its revised Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) 2023 for use in primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
• WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines: The WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines are updated every two years by the Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines

What are Polypills?

• A polypill is a single pill that contains a combination of multiple medications, typically used for the prevention or treatment of various health conditions. 
• It simplifies medication regimens by packaging several drugs together in a single dosage form.
• For Example: “Polycap,” which is a polypill containing multiple medications, including simvastatin (for cholesterol control), ramipril (for blood pressure control), atenolol (for heart health), hydrochlorothiazide (for blood pressure control), and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin for clot prevention).

 Significance

• Polypills are designed to simplify treatment regimens, enhance medication adherence, and provide an effective approach to managing complex health conditions by combining multiple medications into a single dosage form.

Practice Questions for Prelims

Mains Practice Question

Q. What do you mean by “Rare diseases” and also discuss how “National policy of rare
diseases” is an effective tool to provide treatment against these diseases?

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