Janssen-Cilag announced that Priligy (dapoxetine) is now approved and available for use in New Zealand for the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE) in men 18-64 years of age.

PE is a common men's medical condition, but it is rarely talked about. However, it is widespread and could affect the quality of life of an estimated 250,000 New Zealand men and their partners .

Dr Warrick White, an Auckland GP who specialises in men's sexual health explains, "Despite up to 20-24 per cent of men over 24 years of age experiencing PE at some point in their lives , the social stigma attached to the condition may cause men to be embarrassed and reluctant to talk to a doctor about ways to improve their condition."

PE can be a distressing condition that can be present from the first sexual encounter or can develop later in life for a variety of reasons. Nearly one out of four men with PE (24.4%) reports significant levels of anxiety .

The symptoms of PE are: a short time to ejaculation, not being able to control when ejaculation happens and distress relating to either of these situations.

Priligy is a medicine specifically developed for the treatment of PE. It is an oral tablet that can be taken approximately one to three hours before sex is anticipated. Priligy is an unfunded medicine (men will need to pay for it) and available only with a prescription.

Janssen-Cilag has a long track record in developing and marketing treatments for central nervous system disorders, pain management, oncology, infectious diseases, reproductive health and gastrointestinal disorders.