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.


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.
Roger Reig
Albert
A
Allergy Unit. Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona. España.
Plazas Fernández
M Josep
MJ
Galván Cervera
Jordi
J
Heras Navarro
Joan
J
Artés Ferragud
Maite
M
Gabarrón Hortal
Elia
E
D000328:Adult; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002090:Butyrophenones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000188:drug therapy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000188:drug therapy; D004348:Drug Labeling; D004349:Drug Packaging; D005260:Female; D005421:Flavoring Agents; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D040541:Marketing; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010880:Piperidines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy; D012995:Solubility; D013607:Tablets; D013997:Time Factors; D014581:Urticaria / Q000188:drug therapy
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D002090:Butyrophenones; D005421:Flavoring Agents; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D010880:Piperidines; D013607:Tablets; C058249:ebastine