Medication persistence among patients with asthma/COPD drugs

Clinical impact of pharmaceutical consultations in patients treated for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (BPCObs study)

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an irreversible chronic respiratory disease which outcome depends on medication adherence. Pharmacists may increase this adherence by advising patients on inhaler devices proper use. This paper presents the protocol for a randomized controlled trial, which assesses impact of pharmaceutical consultations on COPD exacerbations, medical care, adherence to inhaler devices and quality of life.

Methods

This trial will include 226 COPD patients treated with inhaler devices: 94 in a control group, 66 receiving a pharmaceutical consultation at hospital and 66 receiving up to 12 pharmaceutical consultations corresponding to dispensing at their community pharmacy. The aim of these interventions is to inform patients about COPD medication, train them in the use of inhaler devices and improve adherence. Patients included by hospital pharmacist will be randomly assigned to the control and hospital experimental groups. Community pharmacists (CP) will include patients in the experimental community group. CPs will follow-up all study patients for 12 months. Primary outcome is the mean number of COPD exacerbations. Secondary outcomes include number of medical consultations, emergency visits and hospitalizations, patients' adherence devices and quality of life.

Discussion

This is the first French trial which assesses both hospital and community pharmaceutical interventions on COPD patients. Study limitations include recruitment and CP adherence to follow-up. Indeed, the success of this trial depends on the willingness of CPs to collect the data. This work is the first step towards building a network of CPs trained for clinical research.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03704545. Registered on October 12th, 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03704545?cond=COPD&cntry=FR&city=nimes&draw=2&rank=1.

Methods to assess COPD medications adherence in healthcare databases: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2023 report recommends medication adherence assessment in COPD as an action item. Healthcare databases provide opportunities for objective assessments; however, multiple methods exist. We aimed to systematically review the literature to describe existing methods to assess adherence in COPD in healthcare databases and to evaluate the reporting of influencing variables.

METHOD

We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science and Embase for peer-reviewed articles evaluating adherence to COPD medication in electronic databases, written in English, published up to 11 October 2022 (PROSPERO identifier CRD42022363449). Two reviewers independently conducted screening for inclusion and performed data extraction. Methods to assess initiation (dispensing of medication after prescribing), implementation (extent of use over a specific time period) and/or persistence (time from initiation to discontinuation) were listed descriptively. Each included study was evaluated for reporting variables with an impact on adherence assessment: inpatient stays, drug substitution, dose switching and early refills.

RESULTS

160 studies were included, of which four assessed initiation, 135 implementation and 45 persistence. Overall, one method was used to measure initiation, 43 methods for implementation and seven methods for persistence. Most of the included implementation studies reported medication possession ratio, proportion of days covered and/or an alteration of these methods. Only 11% of the included studies mentioned the potential impact of the evaluated variables.

CONCLUSION

Variations in adherence assessment methods are common. Attention to transparency, reporting of variables with an impact on adherence assessment and rationale for choosing an adherence cut-off or treatment gap is recommended.

Nonadherence to antiasthmatic medications and its predictors among asthmatic patients in public hospitals of Bahir Dar City, North West Ethiopia: using ASK-12 tool

BACKGROUND

Globally, adequate asthma control is not yet achieved. The main cause of uncontrollability is nonadherence to prescribed medications.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to assess asthmatic patients' non-adherence to anti-asthmatic medications and the predictors associated with non-adherence.

METHODS

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three governmental hospitals in Bahir Dar city from September 5 to December 12, 2021. The data was collected using the Adherence Starts with Knowledge-12 tool (ASK-12). Systematic random sampling was applied to select study participants. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of non-adherence. All statistical tests were analyzed using STATA version 16. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 422 asthmatic patients were included in the study. Most of the study participants (55.4%) did not adhere to their prescribed anti-asthmatic medicines. The educational status of the study participants (AOR = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.00-0.05), family history of asthma (AOR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.04-0.21), and disease duration that the patients were living with (AOR = 0.01, 95% CI = 0.00-0.01) were the predictors of non-adherence to anti-asthmatic medications.

CONCLUSIONS

The level of nonadherence to treatment among patients with asthma was high. Religion, educational status of study participants, family history of asthma, and duration of the disease were the predictors of non-adherence of asthmatic patients to their antiasthmatic medications. Therefore, the Ministry of health, health policy makers, clinicians, and other healthcare providers should pay attention to strengthening the adherence level to antiasthmatic medications, and country-based interventions should be developed to reduce the burden of non-adherence to anti-asthmatic medications.

Chinese Medicine for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Pilot Study on Patient Preferences

PURPOSE

The patient's preference plays an important role in clinical practice. There currently is no available evidence regarding the perception and attitudes of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) towards the use of Chinese medicine (CM) approaches. This study was designed to explore preferences and factors associated with CM among COPD patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A pilot survey was conducted among COPD patients using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. The perceptions of CM therapies (including herbal medicine, non-pharmacotherapies), and expected clinical outcomes were investigated based on patient preference. Factors associated with preference of treatment scenarios were estimated in order of importance.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were enrolled in the survey, including 27 males and 3 females. Two-thirds of the patients preferred integrative Chinese and Western medicine for the treatment of COPD. Chinese patent medicines and CM decoction therapy were more popular than CM injections. The preferred non-drug therapy was point application, followed by acupuncture, Tai chi, or Qigong. More than 70% of patients reported that important clinical outcomes were improvements in lung function (77%) and dyspnea, cough, and sputum symptoms (73%), followed by exercise endurance (50%). Besides clinical efficacy, costs and side effects were also important factors for treatment selection.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study showed that Chinese patent medicine and CM decoctions were preferred options for complementary medicines to combine with routine pharmacotherapy for COPD treatment according to the patients' preferences. The improvement of dyspnea, cough symptoms, and lung function was the most desired clinical outcomes for patients. Quicker symptom relief, lower costs, and fewer side effects were key attributes for the treatment selection. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to definitively address the comprehensive conclusion.

Effects of treatment with long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) and long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) on lung function improvement in patients with bronchiectasis: an observational study

Background

Patients with bronchiectasis are often treated with bronchodilators such as long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) or long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) for their symptoms, but empirical evidence supporting such practice is sparse. We evaluated the effect of LAMA and LABA on lung function improvement in patients with bronchiectasis.

Methods

Using the in-house patient database at a tertiary referral hospital in Seoul, South Korea, we extracted data from patients diagnosed as bronchiectasis with computed tomography (CT) scan and treated with LAMA, LABA, or both. Patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or a history of cigarette smoking were excluded, and a subgroup analysis was performed in patients who did not receive concurrent treatments such as antibiotics, mucolytics or systemic steroids that may affect lung function improvement.

Results

A total of 230 patients (males: 32.6%, median age: 60 years) were analyzed. Their mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) was 53.3% of the predicted value [standard deviation (SD), 15.3]. The patients received LAMA (n=95), LABA (n=36), or both (LAMA-LABA; n=99), after which their FEV₁ values were increased by 0.102 liters (SD, 0.208; P<0.001), 0.133 liters (SD, 0.181; P<0.001), and 0.122 liters (SD, 0.230; P<0.001), respectively. In a subgroup of 97 patients who did not receive concurrent treatments, the FEV₁ was increased by with 0.107 liters (SD, 0.167; P<0.001), 0.165 liters (SD, 0.209; P=0.005), and 0.165 liters (SD, 0.187; P<0.001) in the LAMA, LABA, and LAMA-LABA groups, respectively. Baseline FEV₁ had a significant negative correlation with response to bronchodilator treatment in the total patient cohort (R=-0.242, P<0.001) and the subgroup of patients without concurrent treatments (R=-0.386, P<0.001).

Conclusions

Treatment with bronchodilators such as LAMA or LABA was effective in improving lung function in patients with bronchiectasis, regardless of concurrent treatments that also improve lung function. These data may support the use of LAMA and LABA in patients with bronchiectasis.

Geographical and sociodemographic differences in discontinuation of medication for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - A Cross-Classified Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy (MAIHDA)

BACKGROUND

While discontinuation of COPD maintenance medication is a known problem, the proportion of patients with discontinuation and its geographical and sociodemographic distribution are so far unknown in Sweden. Therefore, we analyse this question by applying an innovative approach called multilevel analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (MAIHDA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analysed 49,019 patients categorized into 18 sociodemographic contexts and 21 counties of residence. All patients had a hospital COPD diagnosis and had been on inhaled maintenance medication during the 5 years before the study baseline in 2010. We defined "discontinuation" as the absolute lack of retrieval from a pharmacy of any inhaled maintenance medication during 2011. We performed a cross-classified MAIHDA and obtained the average proportion of discontinuation, as well as county and sociodemographic absolute risks, and compared them with a proposed benchmark value of 10%. We calculated the variance partition coefficient (VPC) and the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) to quantify county and sociodemographic differences. To summarize the results, we used a framework with 15 scenarios defined by the size of the differences and the level of achievement in relation to the benchmark value.

RESULTS

Around 18% of COPD patients in Sweden discontinued maintenance medication, so the benchmark value was not achieved. There were very small county differences (VPC=0.35%, AUC=0.54). The sociodemographic differences were small (VPC=4.98%, AUC=0.57).

CONCLUSION

Continuity of maintenance medication among COPD patients in Sweden could be improved by reducing the unjustifiably high prevalence of discontinuation. The very small county and small sociodemographic differences should motivate universal interventions across all counties and sociodemographic groups. Geographical analyses should be combined with sociodemographic analyses, and the cross-classified MAIHDA is an appropriate tool to assess health-care quality.

Effects of inhaler therapy on mortality in patients with tuberculous destroyed lung and airflow limitation

Purpose

Although patients with tuberculous destroyed lung (TDL) receive long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) inhaler therapy, its effectiveness is not clear. This study evaluated the effect of LAMA inhaler therapy on mortality in patients with TDL and airflow limitation.

Patients and methods

A retrospective cohort of 683 patients with TDL and airflow limitation was analyzed in this study. The mortality was compared between 177 patients treated with LAMA inhalers >360 days (LAMA group) and 506 patients not treated with LAMA inhalers or treated with LAMA inhalers for <360 days (non-LAMA group). Risk factors for mortality were analyzed with Cox proportional hazards models and survival analysis was performed after propensity score matching.

Results

Patients in the LAMA group appeared to have worse baseline characteristics, older mean age, lower lung function, higher X-ray severity, and were more likely to receive long-term oxygen therapy than those in the non-LAMA group. On multivariate analysis, LAMA inhaler usage was independently associated with lower risk of mortality (HR, 0.405; P=0.006) after adjusting age, gender, body mass index, smoking history, Charlson Comorbidity Index, lung function, X-ray severity, and long-term oxygen therapy. After propensity score matching to adjust for the above unbalanced baseline characteristics, patients in the LAMA group tended to have a better prognosis than those in the non-LAMA group (121 patients in each group, 5-year mortality rate: 2.5% vs 9.1%, P=0.057). If we performed the same analysis of propensity score matching even after excluding patients with corticosteroids/long-acting beta-2 agonist (ICS/LABA) usage, patients in the LAMA group had a better prognosis than those in the non-LAMA group (64 patients in each group, 5-year mortality rate: 3.1% vs 14.1%, P=0.039).

Conclusion

LAMA inhaler treatment might reduce mortality in patients with TDL and airflow limitation.

Association between poor therapy adherence to inhaled corticosteroids and tiotropium and morbidity and mortality in patients with COPD

Aim

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between therapy adherence to inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) and tiotropium on the one hand and morbidity and mortality in COPD on the other hand.

Methods

Therapy adherence to ICSs and tiotropium over a 3-year period of, respectively, 635 and 505 patients was collected from pharmacy records. It was expressed as percentage and deemed optimal at ≥75-≤125%, suboptimal at ≥50%-<75%, and poor at <50% (underuse) or >125% (overuse). The association between adherence and time to first hospital admission for an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), community acquired pneumonia (CAP), and mortality was analyzed, with optimal use as the reference category.

Results

Suboptimal use and underuse of ICSs and tiotropium were associated with a substantial increase in mortality risk: hazard ratio (HR) of ICSs was 2.9 (95% CI 1.7-5.1) and 5.3 (95% CI 3.3-8.5) and HR of tiotropium was 3.9 (95% CI 2.1-7.5) and 6.4 (95% CI 3.8-10.8) for suboptimal use and underuse, respectively. Suboptimal use and overuse of tiotropium were also associated with an increased risk of CAP, HR 2.2 (95% CI 1.2-4.0) and HR 2.3 (95% CI 1.2-4.7), respectively. Nonadherence to tiotropium was also associated with an increased risk of severe AECOPD: suboptimal use HR 3.0 (95% CI 2.01-4.5), underuse HR 1.9 (95% CI 1.2-3.1), and overuse HR 1.84 (95% CI 1.1-3.1). Nonadherence to ICSs was not related to time to first AECOPD or first CAP.

Conclusion

Poor adherence to ICSs and tiotropium was associated with a higher mortality risk. Furthermore, nonadherence to tiotropium was associated with a higher morbidity. The question remains whether improving adherence can reduce morbidity and mortality.

Evaluation of drug-related problems in older polypharmacy primary care patients

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Targeting older patients with predictive factors for drug-related problems (DRPs) could make clinical medication reviews more cost-effective. The aim of this study was to identify the number, type, and potential predictive factors for DRPs in older polypharmacy patients.

METHODS

Community pharmacists performed clinical medication reviews and documented DRPs, types of interventions, and their implementation in older patients.

RESULTS

Three hundred eighty-eight medication reviews were analyzed, 964 DRPs (average 2.5 ± 1.9), and 1022 interventions (average 2.6 ± 2.0) were identified. The overall implementation rate of interventions was 70.1%, the highest was observed in interventions aiming to resolve the lack of therapy monitoring (86.8%). Patients with ≥12 medications had an increased risk of ≥5 DRPs (P < .001). Asthma was associated with lack of adherence (P = .002), lack of aspirin, statins, and proton pump inhibitors use with additional therapy needed (P = .002-.004). Predictive factors for drug interactions were antihypertensive medications and/or medications with narrow therapeutic index (P < .05). Lack of efficacy was associated with diabetes (P = .006). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were risk factors for inappropriate drug selection (P = .002). Lack of monitoring was associated with hypertension (P = .013), whereas benzodiazepines (P < .001) and aspirin (P = .021) were overused.

CONCLUSION

Patients with asthma, hypertension, and diabetes and lack of statin, antithrombotic agent, and/or proton pump inhibitor use were associated with higher risks for DRPs.

Factors affecting satisfaction with education program for chronic airway disease in primary care settings

BACKGROUND

A well-organized education program improved the patients' knowledge about their disease, inhaler technique and quality of life in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The effectiveness of the education program can be evaluated by assessing patients' satisfaction with the education program as well. In this study, we compared the patients' satisfaction with education program between COPD and asthma patients.

METHODS

A total of 284 asthma and COPD patients were enrolled. Three educational visits were conducted at 2-week intervals. On the first visit, we taught the patients about their diseases and the proper inhaler technique. On the second visit, non-pharmacologic treatments and action plans for acute exacerbation were introduced. On the final appointment, we summarized the educational concepts covered in the two prior visits. After the education program, the patients were assessed for their quality of life, knowledge of chronic airways disease, and satisfaction with the education program, using a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

After the education program, 99.3% of the asthma patients knew much more about their disease and 96.8% agreed that education from the hospital is needed. For COPD patients, 94.8% felt more informed about their disease and 95.7% agreed that education from the hospital is needed. However, 17.1% of asthma patients and 13.5% of COPD patients disagreed to paying an additional fee for the education program. Finally, the knowledge improvement was linked to patient satisfaction with the education program.

CONCLUSIONS

The improvement in self-knowledge about their disease was linked to their satisfaction with the education program. However, costs associated with the program could limit its accessibility to the patients. The patient education program is a self-management intervention to improve the lives of patients with asthma and COPD. Thus, a policy to reduce the economic burden of the patients should be considered to disseminate the education program in primary care clinics.

Factors associated with adherence to asthma treatment with inhaled corticosteroids: A cross-sectional exploratory study

BACKGROUND

Understanding factors at the patient, provider or organizational level associated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) adherence is important when planning adherence-enhancing interventions.

OBJECTIVE

To explore factors associated with adherence to ICS among patients with asthma aged 12-45 years.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with asthma reporting ICS prescription during the baseline interview of an intervention study. Three methods were used to measure ICS adherence: a 4-item self-report questionnaire, a single question (SQ) measuring past 7-day exposure to ICS and a medication possession ratio (MPR, i.e., the sum of ICS days of supply/365). We assessed 46 potential factors of ICS adherence derived from the Predisposing, Reinforcing and Enabling Constructs in Educational Diagnosis and Evaluation (PRECEDE) model. Their association with ICS adherence was measured using multivariate logistic regressions.

RESULTS

Among the 319 participants included, 16.0% were deemed adherent according to the 4-item questionnaire. This proportion was 43.0% and 9.1% for the SQ and the MPR method, respectively. Ten factors were associated with good ICS adherence. Among these factors, four were associated with adherence through one of the measuring methods: a low family income level, a high number of asthma drugs used, a good knowledge of asthma pathophysiology and the perception that following the ICS prescription was easy. Two factors emerged through more than one measure: perceiving asthma severity as moderate to very severe and perceiving a high risk of death if ICSs are not taken as prescribed.

CONCLUSION

ICS adherence was poor in those individuals with asthma. Future adherence-enhancing interventions could target the identified modifiable risk factors.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02093013.

Use of pharmacy records to measure treatment adherence: a critical review of the literature

The current frame of reference on adherence to pharmacotherapy includes a set of behaviors experienced by the user, with observation of the detailed and continuous history of the use of each dose of the medication. Indicators based on pharmacy records have been used to measure adherence. The current review aimed to identify and describe indicators based on pharmacy records and to discuss their adequacy and limitations for measuring adherence. An exploratory literature review was conducted in three databases using the terms "adherence", "pharmacy records/administrative data", and "measure" to compose the descriptors for the selection of 81 articles and the elaboration of a chart with the denomination, sources, methods for calculation, description, and interpretation of the operational and referential meaning of 14 indicators. Given the most recent taxonomy for adherence proposed in the literature, we concluded that the indicators can be useful for identifying patients with medication-seeking behavior-related problems and analysis of persistence. The distance between supply-related events and difficulties in treatment follow-up can influence an analysis based exclusively on the use of these indicators.

A randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled, long-term extension study of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of fixed-dose combinations of aclidinium/formoterol or monotherapy in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

INTRODUCTION

Aclidinium bromide/formoterol fumarate (AB/FF) 400/12 μg efficacy and safety was demonstrated in two 6-month Phase III studies (AUGMENT and ACLIFORM) and a 12-month study in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This Phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-month AUGMENT extension investigated the long-term safety and tolerability of AB/FF 400/12 μg (NCT01572792).

METHODS

Patients were randomised in AUGMENT (1:1:1:1:1) to twice-daily AB/FF 400/12 μg, AB/FF 400/6 μg, AB 400 μg, FF 12 μg or placebo. Patients completing AUGMENT were invited to continue the same treatment in the extension. Adverse events (AEs), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), laboratory tests, electrocardiograms and vital signs were recorded. Efficacy was assessed.

RESULTS

Of 1322 patients completing AUGMENT, 921 enrolled and 780 completed the extension. AE incidence was low and comparable across treatment groups; most common were nasopharyngitis (range 4.8%-9.3%), urinary tract infection (range 4.1%-8.8%) and upper respiratory tract infection (range 2.7%-5.5%). Serious AEs (SAEs) and MACE were low (ranges 6.8%-7.7% and 0.5%-1.5%, respectively). Significant improvements in bronchodilation and dyspnoea were maintained over 52 weeks versus placebo. Trends towards improvements in other symptoms and health status were observed versus placebo and monotherapies. AB/FF combinations increased the time to first exacerbation by approximately 30% versus placebo (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

AB/FF 400/12 μg was well tolerated over 52 weeks with low incidences of AEs, SAEs and MACE that were comparable across treatment groups. Improvements in bronchodilation, symptoms and health status were maintained across 52 weeks.

Estimating the economic consequences of an increased medication adherence due to a potential improvement in the inhaler technique with Spiromax® compared with Turbuhaler® in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Spain

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to estimate the economic impact of the introduction of DuoResp^® Spiromax^®, budesonide/formoterol fixed-dose combination (FDC), focusing on an increase in medication adherence due to an enhancement of the inhalation technique for the treatment of COPD patients in Spain and 5 regions including Andalusia, Catalonia, Galicia, Madrid, and Valencia.

METHODS

A 4-year budget impact model was developed for the time period of 2015-2018. This study aimed at evaluating the budget impact associated with the introduction of DuoResp Spiromax in comparison with Symbicort^® Turbuhaler^® and Rilast^® Turbuhaler. National and regional data on COPD prevalence were obtained from the literature. Input data on health care resource utilization were obtained by clinical consultation. Resource included primary care visits, specialist visits, hospitalization, and emergency room visits as well as the length of hospital stay. Based on both pharmacological and health care resource costs, overall annual treatment cost per patient was estimated in EUR 2015.

RESULTS

It was calculated that 130,777 adults were treated with budesonide/formoterol FDC delivered by a dry powder inhaler, Turbuhaler, in Spain in 2015. However, the target population decreases over the next 4 years. This pattern was observed in 4 regions, but for Andalusia, the treated population increased slightly. The overall budget savings in Spain with the market share of DuoResp Spiromax were estimated to be €6.01 million for the time period of 2015-2018. Region-specific data resulted in savings of €902,133 in Andalusia, €740,520 in Catalonia, €464,281 in Galicia, €748,996 in Madrid, and €495,812 in Valencia for the time period of 2015-2018.

CONCLUSION

The introduction of budesonide/formoterol FDC delivered by Spiromax for COPD treatment is likely to contribute in a reduction of health care costs for Spain and in 5 Spanish regions. This model forecasts that Spain and these 5 Spanish regions were likely to have savings, which might be due to fewer days of hospitalization, avoided emergency room, and primary care visits.

Differences in Adherence to Common Inhaled Medications in COPD

OBJECTIVE

To study differences in adherence to common inhaled medications in COPD.

METHODS

Adherence of 795 patients was recorded from pharmacy records over 3 years in the COMIC cohort. It was expressed as percentage and deemed good at ≥75-≤125%, sub-optimal ≥50-<75%, and poor <50% (underuse) or >125% (overuse). Most patients used more than one medication, so we present 1379 medication periods.

RESULTS

The percentages of patients with good therapy adherence ranged from 43.2 (beclomethasone) -75.8% (tiotropium); suboptimal from 2.3 (budesonide) -23.3% (fluticasone); underuse from 4.4 (formoterol/budesonide) -18.2% (beclomethasone); and overuse from 5.1 (salmeterol) -38.6% (budesonide). Patients using fluticasone or salmeterol/fluticasone have a 2.3 and 2.0-fold increased risk of suboptimal versus good adherence compared to tiotropium. Patients using salmeterol/fluticasone or beclomethasone have a 2.3- and 4.6-fold increased risk of underuse versus good adherence compared to tiotropium. Patients using budesonide, salmeterol/fluticasone, formoterol/budesonide, ciclesonide and beclomethasone have an increased risk of overuse versus good adherence compared to tiotropium. Adherence to inhalation medication is inversely related to lung function.

CONCLUSION

Therapy adherence to inhalation medication for the treatment of COPD is in our study related to the medication prescribed. Tiotropium showed the highest percentage of patients with good adherence, followed by ciclesonide, both dosed once daily. The idea of improving adherence by using combined preparations cannot be confirmed in this study. Further research is needed to investigate the possibilities of improving adherence by changing inhalation medication.

Time trends of period prevalence rates of patients with inhaled long-acting beta-2-agonists-containing prescriptions: a European comparative database study

BACKGROUND

Inhaled, long-acting beta-2-adrenoceptor agonists (LABA) have well-established roles in asthma and/or COPD treatment. Drug utilisation patterns for LABA have been described, but few studies have directly compared LABA use in different countries. We aimed to compare the prevalence of LABA-containing prescriptions in five European countries using a standardised methodology.

METHODS

A common study protocol was applied to seven European healthcare record databases (Denmark, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands (2), and the UK (2)) to calculate crude and age- and sex-standardised annual period prevalence rates (PPRs) of LABA-containing prescriptions from 2002-2009. Annual PPRs were stratified by sex, age, and indication (asthma, COPD, asthma and COPD).

RESULTS

From 2002-2009, age- and sex-standardised PPRs of patients with LABA-containing medications increased in all databases (58.2%-185.1%). Highest PPRs were found in men ≥ 80 years old and women 70-79 years old. Regarding the three indications, the highest age- and sex-standardised PPRs in all databases were found in patients with "asthma and COPD" but with large inter-country variation. In those with asthma or COPD, lower PPRs and smaller inter-country variations were found. For all three indications, PPRs for LABA-containing prescriptions increased with age.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a standardised protocol that allowed direct inter-country comparisons, we found highest rates of LABA-containing prescriptions in elderly patients and distinct differences in the increased utilisation of LABA-containing prescriptions within the study period throughout the five European countries.

A comparison of medication adherence/persistence for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the United Kingdom

AIM

To describe and compare adherence and persistence with maintenance therapies in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the United Kingdom (UK).

METHODS

A retrospective prescribing database cohort was obtained from 44 general practitioner surgeries in National Health Service Forth Valley Scotland. Patients with physician-diagnosed asthma or COPD who received maintenance therapy between January 2008 and December 2009 were included. Five classes of therapy were assessed: inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-agonists, combination therapy inhalers, theophyllines and long-acting muscarinic antagonists. Adherence was calculated using the medication possession ratio (MPR) and persistence was determined using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for the time to discontinuation (TTD) over 1 year. Two step-wise logistic regressions were performed to assess the contribution of diagnosis to adherence/persistence.

RESULTS

A total of 13,322 patients were included in the analysis: 10,521 patients with asthma and 2801 patients with COPD. 25.2% of medication episodes for asthma and 45.6% of medication episodes for COPD were classified as having an adequate medication supply (MPR of 80-120%). The overall median TTD was 92 days (IQR, interquartile range: 50-186 days) for patients with asthma and 116 days (IQR: 58-259 days, comparison p < 0.001) for patients with COPD. Patients with COPD were found to be more likely to achieve an MPR of at least 80% (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.15-1.40), but had a similar likelihood of persistence at 1 year to patients with asthma.

CONCLUSION

Adherence and persistence with respiratory therapies in the UK is relatively low. There is suggestion that patients with COPD may display more adherent behaviours than patients with asthma.

Impact of adherence to treatment with tiotropium and fluticasone propionate/salmeterol in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases patients

OBJECTIVE

Poor adherence to treatment may contribute to the treatment gap in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). The aim of the current study was to describe the association between adherence to treatment and the risk of COPD moderate (ME) and severe (SE) exacerbations, and health care utilization.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Observational single cohort study utilizing the Quebec Provincial Health Insurance databases. All patients older than 40 years with a diagnosis of COPD between 2001 and 2010 were entered in the study cohort at the time of their first prescription for tiotropium (TIO) alone or co-administered with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (TIO + FSC). Follow-up continued to the last known claim or death. Adherence was measured by the medication possession ratio (MPR) ≥80% and persistence defined as no treatment gap ≥30 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

ME was defined as use of an oral corticosteroid or antibiotic, SE as COPD related hospitalization or an emergency room (ER) visit. COPD related health care resource utilization ascertained was prescription of rescue medications, ER visits, hospitalizations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, intubations, and general practitioner (GP) and respirologist visits.

RESULTS

There were 23,707 patients included in this study. Compliance and persistence with TIO for monotherapy patients were 61.1% and 47.6% respectively. For patients treated with TIO + FSC, compliance and persistence for TIO were 62.9% and 45.3% respectively, and for FSC they were 35.4% and 33.0%. Multivariate analyses showed a significant (P < 0.001) adjusted odds ratios for ME (OR(ME)) and SE (OR(SE)) for TIO compliant vs. non-compliant patients (TIO: OR(ME) = 0.543, OR(SE) = 0.712; TIO + FSC: OR(ME) = 0.436, OR(SE) = 0.570). Similarly for FSC compliance: OR(ME) = 0.546; OR(SE) = 0.749. Similar results were observed for persistence. Compliance and persistence with TIO and FSC were associated with significantly reduced rates of health care utilization.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the typical limitations of an administrative database study, the results of this large population-based study have shown that reduced adherence to treatment with TIO and FSC is associated with increased risk for exacerbations and higher health care utilization in COPD patients.

Characteristics of undertreatment in COPD in the general population

BACKGROUND

We wished to characterize undertreatment in COPD.

METHODS

Among 5,812 individuals with COPD defined by FEV1/FVC &lt; 0.7 participating in the Copenhagen General Population Study, we identified 920 individuals with FEV1 &lt; 60% predicted. Prescriptions were identified in an all-inclusive nationwide registry. For each individual, we examined treatment with medication in the year before the day of the baseline examination, as well as treatment in the first year after the examination. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied in individuals with FEV1 &lt; 60% predicted to identify predictors of treatment in the first year after baseline.

RESULTS

Only 30% of individuals with COPD and FEV1 &lt; 60% predicted were treated with medication in the year before the examination, whereas 42.2% were treated with medication in the first year after. Reporting six to 10 previous respiratory infections during the preceding 10 years that required consulting a doctor and/or staying home from work was the strongest predictor of treatment with medication (OR, 7.9; 95% CI, 3.5-19.8; P &lt; .001). Breathlessness, low FEV1, previous admissions with a discharge diagnosis of COPD, and former smoking were also predictors of treatment with medication, whereas comorbidity predicted lack of treatment. In subgroup analysis, among individuals with FEV1 &lt; 50% predicted, visits to the general practitioner and age were additional predictors of treatment, whereas male sex and being a widow/widower predicted lack of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we observed important characteristics of a major undertreatment in individuals with COPD in the general population. Previous reported respiratory infections were the strongest predictors of treatment with medications, which indicates that most COPD treatment is initiated because of acute exacerbations.

Effect of a network system for providing proper inhalation technique by community pharmacists on clinical outcomes in COPD patients

Introduction

Nonadherence to inhalation therapy is very common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Few data are available to support the role of community pharmacists in optimizing inhalation therapy in COPD patients. Since 2007, the Kitano Hospital and the Kita-ku Pharmaceutical Association have provided a network system for delivering correct inhalation techniques through certified community pharmacists. The effects of this network system on clinical outcomes in COPD patients were examined.

Methods

A total of 88 consecutive outpatients with COPD at baseline and 82 of those 4 years later were recruited from the respiratory clinic of Kitano Hospital Medical Research Institute. Measurements included the frequency of COPD exacerbations, patients’ adherence to inhalation therapy using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire, and patients’ health status both prior to this system and 4 years later.

Results

Usable information was obtained from 55 patients with COPD at baseline, and from 51 patients 4 years later. Compared with baseline values, a significant decrease was observed in the frequency of COPD exacerbations (1.5 ± 1.6 versus 0.8 ± 1.4 times/year, P = 0.017). Adherence to the inhalation regimen increased significantly (4.1 ± 0.7 versus 4.4 ± 0.8, P = 0.024), but health status was unchanged. At 4 years, of 51 COPD patients, 39 (76%) patients who visited the certified pharmacies showed significantly higher medication adherence than those who did not (4.6 ± 0.6 versus 3.9 ± 1.0, P = 0.022).

Conclusion

The network system may improve COPD control and adherence to inhalation regimens.

A novel model-based approach for dose determination of glycopyrronium bromide in COPD

Background

Glycopyrronium bromide (NVA237) is an inhaled long-acting muscarinic antagonist in development for treatment of COPD. This study compared the efficacy and safety of once-daily (OD) and twice-daily (BID) glycopyrronium bromide regimens, using a novel model-based approach, in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD.

Methods

Double-blind, randomized, dose-finding trial with an eight-treatment, two-period, balanced incomplete block design. Patients (smoking history ≥10 pack-years, post-bronchodilator FEV₁ ≥30% and <80% predicted, FEV₁/FVC <0.7) were randomized to one of 16 independent sequences for 28 days. Primary endpoint: mean trough FEV₁ at Day 28.

Results

385 patients (mean age 61.2 years; mean post-bronchodilator FEV₁ 53% predicted) were randomized; 88.6% completed. All OD and BID dosing regimens produced dose-dependent bronchodilation; at Day 28, increases in mean trough FEV₁ versus placebo were statistically significant for all regimens, ranging from 51 mL (glycopyrronium bromide 12.5 μg OD) to 160 mL (glycopyrronium bromide 50 μg BID). Pharmacodynamic steady-state was reached by Day 7. There was a small separation (≤37 mL) between BID and OD dose–response curves for mean trough FEV₁ at steady-state in favour of BID dosing. Over 24 hours, separation between OD and BID regimens was even smaller (FEV₁ AUC_0-24h maximum difference for equivalent daily dose regimens: 8 mL). Dose–response results for FEV₁ at 12 hours, FEV₁ AUC_0-12h and FEV₁ AUC_0-4h at steady-state showed OD regimens provided greater improvement over placebo than BID regimens for total daily doses of 25 μg, 50 μg and 100 μg, while the reverse was true for OD versus BID regimens from 12–24 hours. The 12.5 μg BID dose produced a marginally higher improvement in trough FEV₁ versus placebo than 50 μg OD, however, the response at 12 hours over placebo was suboptimal (74 mL). Glycopyrronium bromide was safe and well tolerated at all doses.

Conclusions

Glycopyrronium bromide 50 μg OD provides significant bronchodilation over a 24 hour period, and in terms of FEV₁ AUC_0-24h is not significantly different than the same total daily dose administered BID. Importantly, OD dosing may confer better patient adherence. The results are consistent with previous glycopyrronium bromide studies and support once-daily dosing of glycopyrronium bromide 50 μg in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01119950

Predictors of adherence to inhaled medications among Veterans with COPD

BACKGROUND

Factors contributing to medication nonadherence among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

To identify patient characteristics that are predictive of adherence to inhaled medications for COPD and, for patients on multiple inhalers, to assess whether adherence to one medication class was associated with adherence to other medication classes.

DESIGN

Cohort study using data from Veteran Affairs (VA) electronic databases.

PARTICIPANTS

This study included 2,730 patients who underwent pulmonary function testing between 2003 and 2007 at VA facilities in the Northwestern United States, and who met criteria for COPD.

MAIN MEASURES

We used pharmacy records to estimate adherence to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), ipratropium bromide (IP), and long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) over two consecutive six month periods. We defined patients as adherent if they had refilled medications to have 80 % of drug available over the time period. We also collected information on their demographics, behavioral habits, COPD severity, and comorbidities.

KEY RESULTS

Adherence to medications was poor, with 19.8 % adherent to ICS, 30.6 % adherent to LABA, and 25.6 % adherent to IP. Predictors of adherence to inhaled therapies were highly variable and dependent on the medication being examined. In adjusted analysis, being adherent to a medication at baseline was the strongest predictor of future adherence to that same medication [(Odds ratio, 95 % confidence interval) ICS: 4.78 (3.21-7.11); LABA: 6.56 (3.89-11.04); IP: 13.96 (9.88-19.72)], [corrected] but did not reliably predict adherence to other classes of medications. [corrected].

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with COPD, past adherence to one class of inhaled medication strongly predicted future adherence to the same class of medication, but only weakly predicted adherence to other classes of medication.

Asthma/COPD drugs reflecting disease prevalence, patient adherence and persistence

The aim of this review is to discuss the methodological issues involved in using pharmacy-record databases of drug sales in pharmacoepidemiology and to illustrate the usefulness of such data in estimating disease prevalence, patient adherence and persistence to therapy. Recent studies show that asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) prevalence increases with age. The volume of acquired asthma/COPD drugs per patient also increases with age and was approximately 2.5-times higher for patients aged 60-69 years compared with patients aged 20-29 years. Despite this, there is a comparatively low interest in asthma/COPD research involving elderly individuals. Published asthma/COPD-prevalence data and drug-treatment-prevalence data correspond reasonably well. Short- as well as long-term studies on drug acquisition indicate that approximately a third of patients have drugs available to cover at least 80% of the prescribed treatment time. Only approximately a tenth of the patients acquired steroids or steroid combinations, corresponding to one daily defined dose per day over a 5-year treatment period. It is probable that asthma/COPD is undertreated in all age groups.

Understanding patients with asthma and COPD: insights from a European study

AIMS

To understand the needs of people with asthma and COPD, and to identify opportunities for improved care.

METHODS

Quantitative questionnaire-based survey performed in five European countries on patients with asthma and COPD. Questionnaires were administered to patients using Computer Assisted Web Interview methodology.

RESULTS

1022 patients with asthma (UK [n=190]; Germany [n=214]; France [n=200]; Italy [n=222]; Spain [n=196]) and 719 patients with COPD (UK [n=153]; Germany [n=147]; France [n=145]; Italy [n=140]; Spain [n=134]) were enrolled in the study. 32% of those with asthma and 67% of those with COPD considered that their condition had a significant effect on their quality of life, and stigma and emotional distress was common. Many expressed concern regarding potential medication side effects or that medicines might lose their effect with time. Major discrepancies between expectations and patient satisfaction with the doctor-patient relationship were observed, including a need to be consulted in the choice of inhalers. Consultations were infrequent, and 75% of respondents sought additional information beyond that received during consultations - commonly from the internet.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient satisfaction was high but information needs were not addressed and the emotional burden of disease is underappreciated.

Relationships between repeated instruction on inhalation therapy, medication adherence, and health status in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Purpose

Adherence to inhalation therapy is a critical determinant of the success of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management. However, in practice, nonadherence to inhalation therapy is very common in COPD patients. The effects of adherence to inhalation therapy in COPD have not been fully studied, and less is known about the relationship between medication adherence and quality of life in COPD. Our aim is to assess the factors that contribute to adherence to inhalation therapy and examine their correlation with quality of life.

Patients and methods

A cross-sectional analysis of 88 COPD patients was performed using a self-reported adherence questionnaire with responses on a 5-point Likert scale.

Results

Of the 88 patients who were potential participants, 55 (63%) responded with usable information. The only significant factor associated with the overall mean adherence score was receiving repeated instruction about inhalation techniques (P = 0.032). Of the 55 respondents, 22 (40.0%) were given repeated verbal instruction and/or demonstrations of inhalation technique by a respiratory physician. Significant correlations were found between the overall mean adherence score and the health-related quality of life score (St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire: total, r = −0.35, P = 0.023; symptoms, r = −0.43, P = 0.002; impacts, r = −0.35, P = 0.011). Furthermore, patients with repeated instruction showed better quality of life scores than those who did not receive instruction (total, P = 0.030; symptoms, P = 0.038; impacts, P = 0.019).

Conclusions

Repeated instruction for inhalation techniques may contribute to adherence to therapeutic regimens, which relates to better health status in COPD.

Therapy persistence and adherence in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: multiple versus single long-acting maintenance inhalers

OBJECTIVE

To compare persistence and adherence among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treated with either multiple- or single- long-acting maintenance inhalers.

METHODS

Patients with ≥2 COPD medical claims and ≥2 prescriptions for a long-acting inhaler within 1 year were classified as single- or multiple-inhaler users based on their treatment regimen (MarketScan database; 2004-2008) and matched on demographics and statistically significant baseline characteristics. Persistence, analyzed via time to treatment discontinuation, and treatment adherence, measured by proportion of days covered (PDC), were compared between the two groups over a 12-month period. Sensitivity analyses were conducted in patients with poorly and well-controlled disease.

RESULTS

A total of 23,494 patients were grouped into 11,747 matched pairs. After adjusting for confounding factors, multiple-inhaler users had a significantly higher discontinuation rate [Hazard ratio = 1.40, p < 0.0001] compared with single-inhaler users. Multiple-inhaler users were less likely to be adherent than single-inhaler users with an average PDC of 0.51 (SD = 0.272) vs. 0.55 (SD = 0.279), respectively (p < 0.0001). These results were consistent for the poorly- and well-controlled disease groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple long-acting inhaler users demonstrated lower treatment persistence and adherence rates than single long-acting inhaler users. Limitations of the study are related to the retrospective, observational design and use of claims data.

Improving adherence with inhaler therapy in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem, associated with considerable morbidity and health care costs. The global burden of COPD morbidity is predicted to rise substantially in the coming decade, but could be moderated by better use of existing management strategies. Smoking cessation, medication therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation have all been shown to diminish morbidity and improve patient outcomes. But each of these strategies requires adherence. Adherence is crucial for optimizing clinical outcomes in COPD, with nonadherence resulting in a significant health and economic burden. Suboptimal medication adherence is common among COPD patients, due to a number of factors that involve the medication, the delivery device, the patient, and the health professionals caring for the patient. Lack of medication adherence needs to be identified and addressed by using simplified treatment regimens, increasing patient knowledge about self-management, and enhancing provider skills in patient education, communication, and adherence counseling. This article reports some of the challenges of medication nonadherence faced by the clinician in the management of COPD, and suggests ways to evaluate and improve adherence effectively in primary care.

Improving adherence with inhaler therapy in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem, associated with considerable morbidity and health care costs. The global burden of COPD morbidity is predicted to rise substantially in the coming decade, but could be moderated by better use of existing management strategies. Smoking cessation, medication therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation have all been shown to diminish morbidity and improve patient outcomes. But each of these strategies requires adherence. Adherence is crucial for optimizing clinical outcomes in COPD, with nonadherence resulting in a significant health and economic burden. Suboptimal medication adherence is common among COPD patients, due to a number of factors that involve the medication, the delivery device, the patient, and the health professionals caring for the patient. Lack of medication adherence needs to be identified and addressed by using simplified treatment regimens, increasing patient knowledge about self-management, and enhancing provider skills in patient education, communication, and adherence counseling. This article reports some of the challenges of medication nonadherence faced by the clinician in the management of COPD, and suggests ways to evaluate and improve adherence effectively in primary care.

Three-year dispensing patterns with long-acting inhaled drugs in COPD: a database analysis

BACKGROUND

Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA), long-acting β2-agonists (LABA) and fixed dose combinations (FDC) of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and LABA are used as inhaled maintenance therapies for COPD.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate persistence rates from dispensing patterns of long-acting inhaled drugs for COPD.

METHODS

From the PHARMO-database, COPD patients starting LAMA, LABA or LABA-ICS FDC between 2002 and 2006 were selected. Persistence with the initial as well as with any long-acting inhaled drug was determined, defined as time between start and stop of initial/any therapy, allowing ≤ 60-days gaps between refills. For patients who did not continue to receive dispensings of the initial therapy for at least one year, the first change in therapy was determined.

RESULTS

The study included 2201 LAMA, 1201 LABA and 4146 LABA-ICS FDC users. Persistence rates with initial therapy alone at 1, 2, and 3 years were 25%, 14%, 8% for LAMA, 21%, 10%, 6% for LABA and 27%, 14%, 8% for LABA-ICS FDC. Of patients who did not persist with LAMA alone for one year, 15% added and 13% switched therapy (both mostly LABA-ICS FDC). Of patients not persisting with LABA alone, 9% added therapy (mostly LAMA) and 31% switched therapy (mostly to LABA-ICS FDC). In patients not persisting with LABA-ICS FDC, add-on and switch occurred equally frequent (11%, mostly LAMA). Persistence rates with any long-acting drug at 1, 2 and 3 years were 36%, 23% and 17% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Persistence with the initial as well as with any long-acting inhaled drug in COPD is low, with a substantial proportion of patients changing therapy.

Validity of the adherence estimator in the prediction of 9-month persistence with medications prescribed for chronic diseases: a prospective analysis of data from pharmacy claims

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article was to assess the predictive validity of the Adherence Estimator--a 3-item instrument designed to estimate a patient's propensity to adhere to medications prescribed for chronic disease.

METHODS

The Adherence Estimator was a 3-item part of a larger survey mailed to adults aged >or=40 years who had a qualifying index prescription filled in June 2008. A qualifying prescription was defined as one for a medication indicated for the treatment of 1 of 5 chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia [lipid-lowering drugs], diabetes [oral antihyperglycemics], osteoporosis [oral bisphosphonates], or asthma). Outcomes were compared between the adherence risk groups derived from the Adherence Estimator (low risk = score of 0, medium risk = score of 2-7, and high risk = score of 8-36). Treatment persistence over a period of 9 months was measured using pharmacy claims data. The primary outcome was the median proportion of days covered (PDC) by >or=1 medication during the first 9 months after the index fill. Secondary outcomes included adherence to the index medication, defined as PDC dichotomized to >or=0.80 or <0.80; rate of obtaining a second fill within 30 days of the index fill; and medication possession ratio (MPR) for refill adherence.

RESULTS

There were 1676 usable responses. Ages ranged from 40 to 88 years, with a mean of 64.6 years. Almost two thirds (1076/1676 [64.2%]) of the sample were female, and 1483/1676 (88.5%) were white. Statistically significant associations for all 3 pairwise comparisons (low vs medium risk, low vs high risk, and medium vs high risk) were observed between the Adherence Estimator risk groups for: (1) median PDC (0.655, 0.598, and 0.484 in the low-, medium-, and high-risk groups, respectively [all, false discovery rate [FDR] <0.05]); (2) PDC categorized (293/711 [41.21%], 200/588 [34.01%], and 105/377 [27.85%] [all, FDR <0.05]); and (3) rate of obtaining a second fill for the index medication within 30 days (489/711 [68.78%], 374/588 [63.61%], and 207/377 [54.91%] [all, FDR <0.05]). The low- and high-risk groups differed from one another on: (1) persistence with the index medication at 9 months (265/711 [37.27%] and 95/377 [25.20%]); (2) persistence with >1 medication at 9 months (291/711 [40.93%] and 108/377 [28.65%]); and (3) obtaining a second fill for any medication within 30 days (501/711 [70.46%] and 219/377 [59.09%]) (all, P < 0.05). The low- and high-risk groups differed significantly from one another in MPR for refill adherence (0.912 vs 0.866). Results observed within diseases mirrored those for the total sample, but with less precision.

CONCLUSION

In the present analysis of the validity of the Adherence Estimator in predicting adherence, baseline propensity to adhere to medications prescribed for chronic diseases was statistically associated with several measures of adherence and persistence, as derived from pharmacy claims data, over a 9-month period.

Regional variation and adherence to guidelines for drug treatment of asthma

AIMS

To describe the utilization of antiasthmatic drugs in Sweden and to explore regional variations in drug utilization and adherence to guidelines for rational drug prescribing of antiasthmatics and their rationale.

METHODS

Data on antiasthmatic drugs dispensed between July 2005 and December 2008 to all Swedish citizens aged between 18 and 44 years were obtained from the Swedish National Prescribed Drug Register. The period prevalence was determined by analyzing the number of users/1000 inhabitants, and the incidence by analyzing the number of new users after an 18-month drug-free wash-out period. Three drug-related indicators were used to assess the adherence to guidelines. All measures were analyzed by gender and region.

RESULTS

A total of 161,000 patients were dispensed antiasthmatics in 2007, corresponding to a prevalence of 4 and 6% among men and women, respectively; the incidence rates were 2 and 3%, respectively. The total drug utilization and adherence to guidelines varied between regions. The total drug expenditures of antiastmatics were 258 million SEK (28 million euro), with fixed dose combinations accounting for 46% of the expenditure. No relation was found between models for allocating prescribing budgets or clear Drug and Therapeutics Committee recommendations and adherence to guidelines.

CONCLUSION

There are large regional variations in the utilization of antiasthmatics between Swedish regions, with substantial room for improvement in the adherence to guidelines. New methods of influencing physician behavior may be needed in the future to enhance adherence.

Medication adherence issues in patients treated for COPD

Although medical treatment of COPD has advanced, nonadherence to medication regimens poses a significant barrier to optimal management. Underuse, overuse, and improper use continue to be the most common causes of poor adherence to therapy. An average of 40%–60% of patients with COPD adheres to the prescribed regimen and only 1 out of 10 patients with a metered dose inhaler performs all essential steps correctly. Adherence to therapy is multifactorial and involves both the patient and the primary care provider. The effect of patient instruction on inhaler adherence and rescue medication utilization in patients with COPD does not seem to parallel the good results reported in patients with asthma. While use of a combined inhaler may facilitate adherence to medications and improve efficacy, pharmacoeconomic factors may influence patient’s selection of both the device and the regimen. Patient’s health beliefs, experiences, and behaviors play a significant role in adherence to pharmacological therapy. This manuscript reviews important aspects associated with medication adherence in patients with COPD and identifies some predictors of poor adherence.