PEAPACK, N.J. (May, 2002) - Hollywood actress Debbie Reynolds recently launched "Standing Ovations," a consumer education campaign to raise awareness of overactive bladder. Many people with overactive bladder suffer in silence, ashamed and embarrassed by their condition. Through "Standing  Ovations," Ms. Reynolds is bringing her own experience of living with the condition to center stage to encourage people to discuss their symptoms and seek the proper diagnosis and treatment. Ms. Reynolds is best known for her starring roles in films such as "Singin' in the Rain" and "The Unsinkable Molly Brown." Most recently, Ms. Reynolds appeared on the NBC sitcom "Will & Grace." Additionally, Ms. Reynolds continues to tour the country, performing for live audiences 40 weeks per year.

"I encourage anyone who thinks they may have overactive bladder to talk to their doctor because effective treatment is available. I suffered with the symptoms of overactive bladder for years, too embarrassed to talk with my physician. I want people to feel empowered to seek help," said Ms. Reynolds.  Overactive bladder is characterized by urinary frequency, urgency and urinary urge incontinence - the involuntary loss of urine. Symptoms may include a strong, sudden urge to urinate; urinating more than eight times over a 24-hour period (including waking up to urinate two or more times a night); or wetting accidents. More than 17 million Americans suffer from overactive bladder (one in 11 adults), many of whom remain undiagnosed. Embarrassment is a common barrier to treatment, and often leads people suffering with symptoms of the condition to withdraw from family, friends and social interaction.

 "A common misperception about overactive bladder is that it only affects the elderly," said Lauri Romanzi, M.D., clinical assistant professor of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York. "In fact, overactive bladder affects men and women of all ages. Most importantly, it is a medical condition that can be treated."

 "Before receiving treatment, I scheduled my life around my overactive bladder. As a busy performer, it really slowed me down. Still, I was embarrassed to speak up, so over time I developed ways to cope, like avoiding long car trips, and making sure I knew where the nearest rest room was located," said Ms. Reynolds.

 "Early recognition and treatment of an overactive bladder is the key to effectively managing the condition," said Dr. Romanzi.

Treatment for overactive bladder includes prescription medications like DETROL® LA (tolterodine tartrate extended release capsules), which works to help control involuntary contractions of the bladder muscle, the cause of those strong, sudden urges. Drug therapy is often coupled with behavioral techniques and bladder training, which together help patients regain control over their bladder.

Consumers can obtain additional information on "Standing Ovations," including a brochure and self-screener, by calling toll-free 1-866-DETROL-1.  DETROL® LA is a once-daily therapy for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urinary urge incontinence, urgency, and frequency.

You should not take DETROL LA if you have certain types of stomach, urinary or glaucoma problems. DETROL LA is generally well tolerated. The most common side effect in clinical studies was dry mouth (23% for DETROL LA vs 8% for placebo). Other common but less frequent side effects may include headache (6% vs 4% for placebo), constipation (6% vs 4% for placebo), and abdominal pain (4% vs 2%). Important product information is available at www.detrolLA.com <http://www.detrolLA.com>.

Pharmacia Corporation (NYSE:PHA) is a top-tier global pharmaceutical company with a leading agricultural subsidiary. Pharmacia's innovative medicines and other products save lives and enhance health and wellness. Pharmacia's 59,000 people work together with many diverse stakeholders to bring these benefits to people around the world, and to create new health solutions for the future.

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My thanks to Jennifer Busk of Golin Harris Communications for the photo of Debbie on the home page and this press release.  Please scroll down for information on overactive bladders.