title: [Pharmaceutical formulations and adherence to pharmacological treatment  in psychiatry: the example of oral disintegrating tablet of olanzapine].
abstract: Adherence to treatment in psychiatric as in other chronic or recurrent conditions, is often suboptimal. A high proportion of relapses is due to non-adherence to prescribed treatment. Adherence to treatment is a potent predictor of effectiveness, both in clinical trials and cohort studies, therefore is a very relevant area where any improving tool is looked forward. Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT) were developed with the aim to improve patient's compliance due to their fast oral absorption. They are particularly useful in psychiatric patients who often simulate drug assumption or experience difficulties in taking pills. ODT formulations have been developed for many antypsychotics including olanzapine. The ODT formulations of olanzapine show to be significantly different one from the other in the dissolution time, thus having a potential impact on compliance. In this review, the results of different studies consistently highlight the positive risk/benefit profile, the contribution to patient's compliance and their preference while using ODT formulation of olanzapine produced throughout the ZYDIS technology (Velotab). Moreover, the differences between olanzapine ODT (Velotab) and the standard formulation of olanzapine and other antipsychotics are described focusing on in efficacy, safety, patient acceptance and health economic impact. The ODT formulation of olanzapine (Velotab) seems to ameliorate patient's adherence thus improving psychiatrist/caregiver/patient alliance.
authors.affiliation: Salute Mentale Adulti, ASL, Firenze.
authors.forename: Cristiana
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cecchi
authors.forename: Pier Luigi
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Canonico
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D055118:Medication Adherence; D000077152:Olanzapine; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D013607:Tablets
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D013607:Tablets; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000077152:Olanzapine