Chennai, November 2023: Reckitt, a global leader in consumer health, hygiene, and nutrition, under its brand Gaviscon, today launched Gaviscon Double Action in Tamil Nadu, offering consumers a solution to acid reflux. In a world where fast-paced lifestyles, changing food habits and mounting stress levels have become the norm with symptoms of acid reflux becoming bothersome. The burden of this condition is felt not only globally but in India as well.Gaviscon Double Action is formulated and crafted specially to cater to the needs of Indian consumers as the nation observes high prevalence of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Symptomatic acid reflux is a widespread problem, affecting diverse populations. Reflux is the backward movement of acid or stomach contents back into the food pipe, and it causes symptoms such as burning in chest, stomach discomfort sour taste and bad breath etc. While antacids can manage acidity, they are unable to target the cause of reflux.
To shed light on the rising problem of reflux, Gaviscon hosted a panel discussion with esteemed experts including Professor Dr. Peter Kahrilas (Gilbert H. Marquardt, Professor of Medicine), Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine and Professor Dr. Pali Hungin, Emeritus Professor at Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University.
The expert panel highlighted, “It’s crucial for individuals to recognize the symptoms such as burning sensation in stomach/chest, discomfort, and a sour taste or regurgitation as signs of reflux. Managing reflux effectively is a two-fold approach – alleviating the acid contributing to the symptoms and establishing a physical barrier to supress the reflux of stomach contents. Understanding the full spectrum of symptomatic reflux and employing relevant management strategies can significantly enhance patient care.”
The panel also discussed the management of the dual problem by using Sodium Alginate based products. They help in creating a physical barrier that stops the stomach contents from rising back up, and simultaneously neutralize acid viathe antacid.
Coming from the house of Reckitt, Gaviscon’s new Double Action solution is set to be a highly effective solution for reflux sufferers. It has a raft action to stop reflux and also offers an antacid action. This product is safe even for pregnant women for managing their symptomatic reflux and acidity issues as the product is not absorbed into the body. Gaviscon is one of the leading alginate antacid brands internationally, and among the foremost such products in the country that has been trusted by medical practitioners for over a decade now.
Commenting on the launch, Edward Thomas, Global Medical Marketing Manager, Gaviscon and Manav Sohal, Brand Manager, Reckitt India (Strepsils and Gaviscon)said, “We have built a good reputation in the market based on high-quality Gaviscon products that have been prescribed by doctors globally for over 40 years now. The Gaviscon Double Action is the latest addition in the range of solutions that we have introduced in India. The launch symposia held today is going to be invaluable in terms of knowledge dissemination related to the problem of reflux and on improving patient care in India.”
The management of reflux depends on symptom frequency and severity, guided by the physician’s recommendation. Lifestyle changes like frequent small meals, avoiding overtly spicy/fatty foods, staying upright after meals, reducing stress, and refraining from smoking/alcohol are advised. Cutting down on carbonated drinks, tea, coffee, and chocolate is recommended, as is avoiding tight clothes. Overweight individuals are encouraged to shed weight and exercise regularly. For persistent symptoms, short-term antacid use alongside reinforced lifestyle changes is recommended.