title: Clinical and humanistic outcomes in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease converted from omeprazole to lansoprazole.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Omeprazole and lansoprazole are 2 proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) currently available in the United States. Both PPIs are approved for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and are commonly converted in therapeutic interchange programs.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To measure clinical and humanistic outcomes in patients with GERD converted from treatment with omeprazole to treatment with lansoprazole through a managed care plan policy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with heartburn or GERD receiving omeprazole covered by a local health plan were surveyed by telephone. Data collected included symptom frequency, severity, over-the-counter heartburn preparation use, diet, lifestyle, and overall satisfaction. Patients were then converted to therapy with lansoprazole and again interviewed after at least 30-day use of the new PPI. Demographic data were obtained from the health plan database for analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 105 patients completed both telephone surveys. After the conversion, 37% of the patients experienced more frequent symptoms while awake. Symptom severity score was significantly higher (more severe) after conversion (mean score of 1.34 vs 2.26). Thirty-three percent of study patients consumed more over-the-counter heartburn preparations, and 13% changed their diet more frequently due to heartburn symptoms after conversion. Overall patient satisfaction score decreased significantly (less satisfied) after conversion (mean score of 9.0 vs 7.2). There were no significant differences in alcohol and tobacco consumption before and after conversion, while patients consumed significantly less caffeine after conversion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  After the PPI therapeutic interchange from omeprazole to lansoprazole, patients with GERD or heartburn previously stabilized while receiving omeprazole experienced more severe symptoms and expressed decreased patient satisfaction. These results suggest a need to monitor symptoms after similar interchange programs.
authors.affiliation: Center for Drug Policy and Clinical Economics, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, 600 Highland Ave, 1530, CSC F6/133, Madison, WI 53792, USA. lc.vermeulen@hosp.wisc.edu
authors.forename: W W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Vermeulen
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Geurkink
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Ehlert
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reichelderfer
mesh_terms: D053799:2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D064747:Lansoprazole; D008297:Male; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D009853:Omeprazole / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013810:Therapeutic Equivalency; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014922:Wisconsin
chemical_list: D053799:2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D064747:Lansoprazole; D009853:Omeprazole