First Drug for Postpartum Depression Approved by USFDA

Patients will be counselled on the risks of the treatment and instructed to be monitored for the side effects at a health care facility for the entire duration of infusion.

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PPD is a major depressive episode that occurs following childbirth, although symptoms can start during pregnancy. According to statistics, PPD impacts one in nine new mothers after childbirth.

"Postpartum depression is a serious condition that, when severe, can be life-threatening. It's first time that a drug has been specifically approved to treat postpartum depression, providing an important new treatment option," said Tiffany Farchione from the FDA.

Zulresso will be available to patients only through a restricted distribution program at certified health care facilities. It is likely to be priced $20,000-35,000 per treatment, said Sage Therapeutics, the company that developed the drug.

The medication will be available in June.



Source: IANS