title: Preferences of adult patients with allergic rhinitis for the sensory attributes of fluticasone furoate versus fluticasone propionate nasal sprays: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, single-dose, crossover study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Product attributes influence patient preference for intranasal corticosteroid therapy in allergic rhinitis (AR).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to compare the product sensory attributes and patient preferences of fluticasone furoate (FF) and fluticasone propionate (FP) nasal sprays in patients with symptomatic perennial and/or seasonal AR.
  
  
  METHODS
  This randomized, multicenter, double-blind, single-dose, crossover study enrolled 127 patients with a diagnosis of AR as determined by respiratory symptoms and a positive skin test to perennial and/or seasonal allergens within 12 months prior to the study. Patients could not use FF or FP within 4 weeks prior to the start of the study. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive FF (110 microg) followed by FP (200 microg) or FP followed by FF. A 10-minute washout period occurred before crossover dosing. Following each treatment, patient-rated sensory attributes were assessed immediately and 2 minutes after treatment on 2 questionnaires using a 7-point Likert scale (scored from 0-6) rating odor, taste, aftertaste, drip down the throat, urge to sneeze, soothing feeling, irritation, and nose runoff. At the end of the crossover dosing and after completion of the attributes questionnaires, preference for individual attributes of FF or FP nasal spray and overall patient preference were evaluated in a third questionnaire that asked "Based on these attributes, which product did you prefer overall?" Additionally, a follow-up phone call was conducted 24 hours after the study to assess any adverse events following study treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients (mean age, 39.7 years; 80% white; 65% women) preferred FF nasal spray over FP nasal spray overall (60% vs 33%; P = 0.003) and based on the individual attributes of odor (64% vs 29%; P < 0.001), taste (47% vs 21%; P < 0.001), aftertaste (44% vs 22%; P = 0.002), drip down the throat (43% vs 27%; P = 0.037), and nose runoff (49% vs 19%; P < 0.001). Patient ratings favored FF versus FP (median differences, P < 0.001) with respect to odor, taste, dripping down the throat, and nose runoff, both immediately and 2 minutes after dosing, but there were no significant differences with respect to whether the medication felt soothing, caused nasal irritation, or made patients sneeze. Fifty-two percent (63/121) of patients replied that they were very likely to comply with FF treatment versus FP treatment (38% [45/120]; P = 0.02) if the medications were prescribed. Three patients (2%) reported adverse events (dizziness, headache, nasal congestion) during treatment with FF.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this study of adult AR patients, the sensory attributes of FF were preferred over those of FP following single-dose administration.
authors.affiliation: Allergy and Asthma Medical Group and Research Center, San Diego, California, USA. eomeltzer@aol.com
authors.forename: Eli O
authors.initials: EO
authors.lastname: Meltzer
authors.forename: Jon E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Stahlman
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Leflein
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Meltzer
authors.forename: Junghee
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: Anand A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Dalal
authors.forename: Barbara A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Prillaman
authors.forename: Edward E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Philpot
mesh_terms: D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000328:Adult; D000336:Aerosols; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D000068298:Fluticasone; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects; D009812:Odorants; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012677:Sensation / Q000187:drug effects*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000187:drug effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013649:Taste / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D000730:Androstadienes; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D000068298:Fluticasone; C523187:fluticasone furoate