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New multinational survey reveals impact on quality of life for constipation sufferers

Constipation can cause significant emotional burden for sufferers

5th September 2007: A new multinational survey from the Dulcolax^® range of laxatives reveals for the first time on a large scale the significant impact on quality of life for constipation sufferers, which can be as bad as that described by some people with chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.¹

Constipation is a familiar condition which affects approximately 15% of the adult population in western countries.¹ Involving nearly 3,000 men and women, the Dulcolax^® survey found that many people with constipation have a lower quality of life than non-constipated people, and this is statistically significant.¹

Key findings showed:

Dr Rob Hicks, GP and broadcaster commented: “This international survey is extremely important for healthcare professionals – whether doctors, nurses or pharmacists – as it provides evidence that constipation not only affects sufferers physically, but also can have an impact on their day to day life. We should prioritise improved quality of life alongside symptom relief when treating patients presenting with this condition.”

Due to the many myths that still surround constipation, some sufferers already blame themselves unnecessarily for their constipation, believing it is their fault. However, one recent independent and comprehensive review showed that, for some people with chronic constipation, diet (e.g. not eating enough fibre or drinking enough water) and lifestyle (not doing enough exercise) cannot be assumed to be the cause of their symptoms.²

The results from this new survey show that in addition to a feeling of guilt, for many who experience constipation there can also be an emotional burden associated with reduced quality of life which in turn can make sufferers feel even more affected by the condition.

Sally Binfield, Product Manager for Dulcolax^® says: “We know from our customers that constipation can be much more than just an ‘inconvenience’ and the results of the Dulcolax^® survey confirm this. The Dulcolax^® range has been specifically developed to offer constipation sufferers discreet remedies that work with the body’s natural rhythm, minimising the impact of this condition on daily life by helping them to get back to their normal regularity.”

For any further information, please contact:

Notes to Editors

For further information visit: www.dulcolax.co.uk

Trade contact: PowerMed Healthcare - 0845 222 0555

About the burden of Constipation on quality of Life: A Multinational survey

The Burden of Constipation on Quality of Life survey is a multinational survey carried out between June and October 2005. It was conducted in seven countries; the UK, USA, Germany, France, Italy, Brazil, and South Korea and was divided into two phases: constipated people were included in the first phase, non-constipated people were interviewed in the second phase. The results give new insights into how constipation impacts on quality of life and highlights a real need for the emotional element to be considered when treating the condition, as well as the physical aspect of it.

About Dulcolax^®

The Dulcolax range of laxatives is gentle and effective, working in harmony with the body to restart the natural rhythm and relieve constipation. A unique Comfort Coating ensures the Dulcolax Tablets act locally where needed, in the large bowel.^{3, 4} Dulcolax is clinically proven to be a safely used⁴ and effective treatment for constipation^5-7 even when taken, if advised, over the long-term.^8,9 Dulcolax Tablets contain bisacodyl. Dulcolax Perles contain sodium picosulfate. Always read the label.

About Boehringer Ingelheim

The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 143 affiliates in 47 countries and almost 37,500 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel products of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

In 2006, Boehringer Ingelheim posted net sales of 10.6 billion Euros while spending almost one fifth of net sales in its largest business segment Prescription Medicines on research and development.

For more information please visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.com

1 Wald A, Scarpignato C, Kamm MA et al. The Burden of Constipation on Quality of Life: : results of a multinational survey. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 2007;26 (2):277-36.
2 Müller-Lissner SA, Kamm MA, Scarpignato C, Wald A. Myths and Misconceptions About Chronic Constipation. American Journal of Gastroenterology 2005;100(1):232-42.
3 Voderholzer W, Morena M-A, Schindlbeck N, et al. The influence of bisacodyl on human colon motility in vitro. Gastroenterology 2000;118 (4), Suppl 2, Part 1, A838.
4 Kienzle-Horn S, Vix JM, Schuijt C, Peil H, Jordan CC, Kamm MA. Comparison of bisacodyl and sodium picosulphate in the treatment of chronic constipation. Curr Med Res Opin 2007;23(4):691-695. Schiller LR. Review article: the therapy of constipation. Ailment Pharmacol Ther 2001;15:749-763.
6 Müller-Lissner SA, Beil W, et al. Modern therapy with Laxatives. Uni-Med Verlag, Bremen, 2001.
7 American Food and Drug Administration. Tentative monograph Part 334 - Laxative drug products for over-the-counter human use. Federal Register 1985;50(10):2151-2158.
8 Ruidisch M, Hutt H-J, König E. Long-term laxative treatment with bisacodyl. Aerztliche Forschung 1994;41:1-8.
9 American Gastroenterological Association. American Gastroenterological Association Medical Position Statement: Guidelines on Constipation. Gastroenterology 2001;119:1761-1778.