Axhidrox (glycopyrronium) cream, a licensed topical anticholinergic for the treatment of severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis in adults, will be recommended as an option by NICE.

Severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (PAHH) in adults can be treated with the first licensed topical anticholinergic known as Axhidrox as part of routine NHS care, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended.

The cream contains glycopyrronium as bromide (GPB), an anticholinergic medicine that blocks the chemical signalling pathways responsible for activating sweat production.

NICE has recommended it can be prescribed by the NHS when lifestyle advice, topical aluminium-based antiperspirants and oral antimuscarinics have not adequately controlled underarm sweating, or if these options are contraindicated or not tolerated. Patients can access the treatment via both primary and secondary care, and NICE estimates that approximately 75,000 patients in England could be eligible for this treatment.

Quality of life impact

A severe form of the condition is characterised by excessive sweating beyond what is required for normal temperature regulation. This can have a greater impact on a patient’s quality of life than other skin conditions such as atopic eczema, acne, psoriasis or rosacea, according to patient support charity, Hyperhidrosis UK.

Axunio UK have developed the cream, and the company have said it is much-needed. “Hyperhidrosis can have a profound impact on many aspects of daily life, yet treatment options have historically been limited,” said Axunio UK’s managing director, Richard Baderin. “The NICE recommendation for GPB cream represents an important milestone for adults living with severe PAHH and provides access to the UK’s only licensed topical anticholinergic treatment for this condition.”