Don’t Sweat It: Glycopyrronium Bromide Cream Decreases Hyperhidrosis by 66%

Consistent topical use of 1% glycopyrronium bromide cream (GBC) in patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis (PAHH) can reduce sweating by as much as 66%, as well as have significant improvements to patients’ quality of life, according to a recent study.¹

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Following the study’s conclusion, the European Union (EU) approved the cream as the first topical anticholinergic to treat PAHH.

“The topical application of 1% GPB was well tolerated and indicates a safe long-term use in patients with severe PAHH,” the study said.

The study, conducted over a 72-week span by a team of researchers in Germany, sought to compare the long-term outcomes and effects of GCB cream with previous study baselines of 4 weeks.² Following the 72 weeks, study participants partook in a 4-week follow-up. Results were published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in December.

Study participants (n=518) were between the ages of 18 and 65. In order to participate in the study, participants needed to meet a score of 3 to 4 on a Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) and produce more than 50 mg of sweat within 5 minutes in a single axilla. Any prospective participants who had received surgical, injection or certain other treatments within close proximity to the study’s commencement were excluded from participation.

Researchers required participants to apply 1% GBC to both axillae once a day. Beginning at the fifth week, participants were asked to apply the topical cream once per day at a minimum of twice per week.

Throughout the duration of the study, researchers measured efficacy using the HDSS, Hyperhidrosis Quality of Life Index (HidroQoL) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scales. They also accounted for participants’ median total sweat production.

By the conclusion of the trial, 15 patients terminated their participation due to adverse effects. Adverse drug reactions (ADR) included effects such as dry mouth, site redness, dry skin and more. All ADR were mild to moderate in nature.

Previously, known treatments of PAHH have included prescription antiperspirants, creams and wipes; medications and botulinum toxin injections. While some prescription creams and wipes have been known to contain glycopyrrolate andglycopyrroniumtosylate, according to researchers, 1% GBC presents a newer, potentially more long-term treatment option.

References

1. Szeimies RM, Abels C, Kilic A, et al. Long‐term efficacy and safety of 1% glycopyrronium bromide cream in patients with severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis: Results from a phase 3B trial. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2023. doi:10.1111/jdv.18843
2. Abels C, Soeberdt M, Kilic A, et al. A glycopyrronium bromide 1% cream for topical treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis: Efficacy and safety results from a phase iiia randomized controlled trial*. British Journal of Dermatology. 2021;185(2):315-322. doi:10.1111/bjd.19810