Randomized, crossover questionnaire survey of acceptabilities of controlled-release mesalazine tablets and granules in ulcerative colitis patients
- Author:
Keiji YAGISAWA
1
;
Taku KOBAYASHI
;
Ryo OZAKI
;
Shinji OKABAYASHI
;
Takahiko TOYONAGA
;
Miki MIURA
;
Mari HAYASHIDA
;
Eiko SAITO
;
Masaru NAKANO
;
Hajime MATSUBARA
;
Tadakazu HISAMATSU
;
Toshifumi HIBI
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Colitis, ulcerative; Mesalamine; Medication adherence; Patient acceptance of health care; Drug compounding
- MeSH: Colitis, Ulcerative; Drug Compounding; Humans; Medication Adherence; Mesalamine; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Patient Compliance; Prospective Studies; Recurrence; Tablets; Ulcer; Visual Analog Scale
- From:Intestinal Research 2019;17(1):87-93
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: BACKGROUND/AIMS: Oral mesalazine is an important treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC), and non-adherence to mesalazine increases the risk of relapse. Controlled-release (CR) mesalazine has 2 formulations: tablets and granules. The relative acceptabilities of these formulations may influence patient adherence; however, they have not been compared to date. This study aimed to evaluate the acceptabilities of the 2 formulations of CR mesalazine in relation to patient adherence using a crossover questionnaire survey. METHODS: UC patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups in a 1:1 ratio. Patients in each group took either 4 g of CR mesalazine tablets or granules for 6 to 9 weeks, and then switched to 4 g of the other formulation for a further 6 to 9 weeks. The acceptability and efficacy were evaluated by questionnaires, and adherence was assessed using a visual analog scale. The difference in acceptabilities between the 2 formulations and its impact on adherence were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients were prospectively enrolled and 33 patients were included in the analysis. Significantly more patients found the tablets to be less acceptable than the granules (76% vs. 33%, P=0.0005). The granules were preferable to the tablets when the 2 formulations were compared directly (73% vs. 21%, P=0.004), for their portability, size, and numbers of pills. The adherence rate was slightly better among patients taking the granules (94% vs. 91%) during the observation period, but the difference was not significant (P=0.139). CONCLUSIONS: CR mesalazine granules are more acceptable than tablets, and may therefore be a better option for long-term medication.
