Acceptance survey of a fast dissolving tablet pharmaceutical formulation in allergic patients. Satisfaction and expectancies.

BACKGROUND: One of the factors affecting compliance is the pharmaceutical formulation used. Many patients find it difficult to swallow tablets or capsules. The fast dissolving tablet (FDT) formulation could help to enhance patient compliance, because of its ease of administration and because no liquid is required to help intake. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey was conducted in patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis or dermatitis (positive skin tests and/or specific IgE) and urticaria to asses the degree of acceptance of and preference for an FDT formulation. RESULTS: Of the 7,686 patients who participated in the survey, 90 % considered the initial flavor and 83 % considered the aftertaste to be very or quite satisfactory, 95 % were very satisfied with the disintegration time, 79 % were very satisfied with the form, 82 % with the size, 72 % with the packaging and 78 % with the instructions for use. Ninety-three percent considered that being able to take the drug at any time or place was very important or fairly important. Ninety-four percent considered the ease of use to be much better or better. If given the choice, 93 % would choose an FDT formulation. Eighty-eight percent of the patients would like to change their current antihistaminic drug for a new allergy drug in an FDT formulation. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients were highly satisfied with the characteristics of the FDT formulation and would choose it for the treatment of their allergies.

Acceptance survey of a fast dissolving tablet pharmaceutical formulation in allergic patients. Satisfaction and expectancies

Background: One of the factors affecting compliance is the pharmaceutical formulation used. Many patients find it difficult to swallow tablets or capsules. The fast dissolving tablet (FDT) formulation could help to enhance patient compliance, because of its ease of administration and because no liquid is required to help intake. Material and methods: A survey was conducted in patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis or dermatitis (positive skin tests and/or specific IgE) and urticaria to asses the degree of acceptance of and preference for an FDT formulation. Results: Of the 7,686 patients who participated in the survey, 90 % considered the initial flavor and 83 % considered the aftertaste to be very or quite satisfactory, 95 % were very satisfied with the disintegration time, 79 % were very satisfied with the form, 82 % with the size, 72 % with the packaging and 78 % with the instructions for use. Ninety-three percent considered that being able to take the drug at any time or place was very important or fairly important. Ninety-four percent considered the ease of use to be much better or better. If given the choice, 93 % would choose an FDT formulation. Eighty-eight percent of the patients would like to change their current antihistaminic drug for a new allergy drug in an FDT formulation. Conclusions: Most of the patients were highly satisfied with the characteristics of the FDT formulation and would choose it for the treatment of their allergies

Introducción: Uno de los factores que afecta al cumplimiento es la forma farmacéutica oral utilizada. Muchos pacientes encuentran difícil poder tragar comprimidos o cápsulas. La forma farmacéutica en liofilizado oral (Flas) podría contribuir a un mayor cumplimiento del tratamiento por parte del paciente, dada su facilidad de administración y por no precisar la ayuda de ningún líquido para su ingesta. Material y Método: Se realizó una encuesta a pacientes diagnosticados de rinitis o dermatitis alérgica (pruebas cutáneas y/o IgE específica positiva) y urticaria, para evaluar el grado de aceptación y la preferencia por una formulación en liofilizado oral (Flas). Resultados: De los 7686 pacientes que respondieron a la encuesta, el 90% consideraron que el sabor inicial y el 83% que el sabor final era muy o bastante satisfactorio, el 95% estaban muy o bastante satisfechos con el tiempo de disgregación; el 79% estaban muy satisfechos con la forma, el 82% con el tamaño, el 72% con el envasado y el 78% con las instrucciones de uso. El 93% opinaron que era muy o bastante importante que el medicamento pueda tomarse en cualquier momento y lugar. El 94% opinaron que su comodidad de uso era mucho mejor o mejor. Si pudieran elegir el 93% elegirían una formulación Flas. Un 88% de los pacientes desea cambiar su antihistamínico actual por un nuevo medicamento para la alergia en forma de liofilizado oral (Flas). Conclusiones: La mayoría de los pacientes se muestran muy satisfechos con las características de la formulación liofilizada oral Flas y elegirían ésta para el tratamiento de su alergia