As most girls have learned the hard way, getting a UTI is pretty much a rite of (vaginal) passage. In fact, uncomplicated urinary tract infections are the most common infection in women and can happen more than once in a woman’s lifetime simply because of the design of the female anatomy, according to the Mayo Clinic. For the people in the back: they also do not occur solely because of sex, though being sexually active could increase the chance of triggering one. So, long story short, if you’ve never had a UTI, good for you, God’s fave! If you have dealt with one or will deal with one, I also have some good news. For the first time in 30 years, the FDA has approved a new drug to treat UTIs. So, how is this one different?
What is the new UTI drug?
Blujepa is the new drug approved in March 2025 by the FDA, which can be used to treat urinary tract infections. The Food and Drug Administration has evaluated and approved Blujepa for use in women and girls age 12 and older experiencing urinary tract infections of a non-complicated nature.
How is the new UTI drug different?
Blujepa, created by pharmaceutical company GSK, is part of a new class of antibiotics called triazaacenaphthylenes (yes, that’s a real word). Triazaacenaphthylenes break down bacteria like E. Coli by throwing hands at two of the main enzymes bacteria need to keep growing.
This new drug is important because it will combat bacteria strains that have become more resistant to antibiotic medications that target UTIs over time. The most common bacteria that causes a UTI is E. coli. A 2019 research study reported by NBC showed that 92% of bacteria from their testing pool were resistant to one popular UTI treatment drug. 80% of bacteria were resistant to at least two. So, needless to say, female urethras needed some major backup to overcome the drug resistance of the bacterial infections women are prone to contracting.
How long do UTIs last?
Most urinary tract infections are not complicated and are able to be treated in a matter of a few days or a few weeks in female patients.
What are the most common symptoms of a UTI?
The most common symptoms, according to Cleveland Clinic, are pain or pressure in your pelvic area or abdomen, cloudy pee that smells bad, usually frequent or inconsistent peeing, and pain or even blood when you urinate. If any of these are hitting too close to home, def hit up your doctor, girl.
