Cindolo L, Pirozzi L, Fanizza C, et al
Eur Urol. In press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2014.11.006
Expert's summary:
Cindolo et al searched an administrative prescription database and hospital discharge codes for men aged >40 yr treated with α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors alone or in combination to assess the adherence to medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nonadherence was defined as discontinuation of any regimen for at least 2 consecutive months during the first year of treatment and at least 4 mo/yr during the follow-up period or as a regimen switch.
In this large population-based cohort study, 1-yr adherence was 29% in patients undergoing therapy for at least 6 mo. An important finding was that discontinuation of any drug treatment was an independent risk factor for hospitalization for BPH and BPH-related surgery.
Expert's comments:
Low compliance with prescribed medications is a challenging problem for chronic diseases or conditions such as LUTS/BPH. As a result, a significant number of patients do not get the maximum benefit of medical treatment, resulting in poor health outcomes, lower quality of life, and increased health care costs [1] .
Adherence has been linked to perceived efficacy, side effects, and cost of medical treatment. It is known that patients with worse LUTS tend to complain less about adverse side effects compared with those with less severe symptoms [2] . In addition, older patients are more likely to be adherent. Other risk factors for discontinuation including number of medical comorbidities, type of treatment, and polypharmacy have also been investigated [2], [3], and [4].
Technical, behavioral, and educational interventions aimed at improving adherence to medications for chronic diseases have been developed [1] and [5]. Less frequent dosage enhances compliance, and technical adherence interventions are usually directed at simplifying the medication regimen including use of extended-release formulations or fixed-dose combination pills. Behavioral interventions are also used to provide patients with memory aids and reminders. Educational interventions focus on adequately informing patients about the disease, its management, and the potential benefits of long-term treatment with these agents.
Urologists need to interact with those patients who are observed to be noncompliant. Both understanding the needs and expectations and involving our patients in the decision-making process can play a significant role in compliance to therapy and the improvement of treatment outcomes in LUTS/BPH. Adherence to medical therapy deserves our particular attention, and further investigation into the reasons for noncompliance is still warranted.
Stavros Gravas has received grants or research support from Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK, and speaker honoraria from Angelini Pharma Hellas, Pierre Fabre Medicament, Lilly, and GSK. He is a consultant for Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK.
Cindolo L, Pirozzi L, Fanizza C, et al
Eur Urol. In press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2014.11.006
Expert's summary:
Cindolo et al searched an administrative prescription database and hospital discharge codes for men aged >40 yr treated with α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors alone or in combination to assess the adherence to medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nonadherence was defined as discontinuation of any regimen for at least 2 consecutive months during the first year of treatment and at least 4 mo/yr during the follow-up period or as a regimen switch.
In this large population-based cohort study, 1-yr adherence was 29% in patients undergoing therapy for at least 6 mo. An important finding was that discontinuation of any drug treatment was an independent risk factor for hospitalization for BPH and BPH-related surgery.
Expert's comments:
Low compliance with prescribed medications is a challenging problem for chronic diseases or conditions such as LUTS/BPH. As a result, a significant number of patients do not get the maximum benefit of medical treatment, resulting in poor health outcomes, lower quality of life, and increased health care costs [1] .
Adherence has been linked to perceived efficacy, side effects, and cost of medical treatment. It is known that patients with worse LUTS tend to complain less about adverse side effects compared with those with less severe symptoms [2] . In addition, older patients are more likely to be adherent. Other risk factors for discontinuation including number of medical comorbidities, type of treatment, and polypharmacy have also been investigated [2], [3], and [4].
Technical, behavioral, and educational interventions aimed at improving adherence to medications for chronic diseases have been developed [1] and [5]. Less frequent dosage enhances compliance, and technical adherence interventions are usually directed at simplifying the medication regimen including use of extended-release formulations or fixed-dose combination pills. Behavioral interventions are also used to provide patients with memory aids and reminders. Educational interventions focus on adequately informing patients about the disease, its management, and the potential benefits of long-term treatment with these agents.
Urologists need to interact with those patients who are observed to be noncompliant. Both understanding the needs and expectations and involving our patients in the decision-making process can play a significant role in compliance to therapy and the improvement of treatment outcomes in LUTS/BPH. Adherence to medical therapy deserves our particular attention, and further investigation into the reasons for noncompliance is still warranted.
Stavros Gravas has received grants or research support from Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK, and speaker honoraria from Angelini Pharma Hellas, Pierre Fabre Medicament, Lilly, and GSK. He is a consultant for Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK.
Cindolo L, Pirozzi L, Fanizza C, et al
Eur Urol. In press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2014.11.006
Expert's summary:
Cindolo et al searched an administrative prescription database and hospital discharge codes for men aged >40 yr treated with α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors alone or in combination to assess the adherence to medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nonadherence was defined as discontinuation of any regimen for at least 2 consecutive months during the first year of treatment and at least 4 mo/yr during the follow-up period or as a regimen switch.
In this large population-based cohort study, 1-yr adherence was 29% in patients undergoing therapy for at least 6 mo. An important finding was that discontinuation of any drug treatment was an independent risk factor for hospitalization for BPH and BPH-related surgery.
Expert's comments:
Low compliance with prescribed medications is a challenging problem for chronic diseases or conditions such as LUTS/BPH. As a result, a significant number of patients do not get the maximum benefit of medical treatment, resulting in poor health outcomes, lower quality of life, and increased health care costs [1] .
Adherence has been linked to perceived efficacy, side effects, and cost of medical treatment. It is known that patients with worse LUTS tend to complain less about adverse side effects compared with those with less severe symptoms [2] . In addition, older patients are more likely to be adherent. Other risk factors for discontinuation including number of medical comorbidities, type of treatment, and polypharmacy have also been investigated [2], [3], and [4].
Technical, behavioral, and educational interventions aimed at improving adherence to medications for chronic diseases have been developed [1] and [5]. Less frequent dosage enhances compliance, and technical adherence interventions are usually directed at simplifying the medication regimen including use of extended-release formulations or fixed-dose combination pills. Behavioral interventions are also used to provide patients with memory aids and reminders. Educational interventions focus on adequately informing patients about the disease, its management, and the potential benefits of long-term treatment with these agents.
Urologists need to interact with those patients who are observed to be noncompliant. Both understanding the needs and expectations and involving our patients in the decision-making process can play a significant role in compliance to therapy and the improvement of treatment outcomes in LUTS/BPH. Adherence to medical therapy deserves our particular attention, and further investigation into the reasons for noncompliance is still warranted.
Stavros Gravas has received grants or research support from Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK, and speaker honoraria from Angelini Pharma Hellas, Pierre Fabre Medicament, Lilly, and GSK. He is a consultant for Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK.
Cindolo L, Pirozzi L, Fanizza C, et al
Eur Urol. In press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2014.11.006
Expert's summary:
Cindolo et al searched an administrative prescription database and hospital discharge codes for men aged >40 yr treated with α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors alone or in combination to assess the adherence to medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nonadherence was defined as discontinuation of any regimen for at least 2 consecutive months during the first year of treatment and at least 4 mo/yr during the follow-up period or as a regimen switch.
In this large population-based cohort study, 1-yr adherence was 29% in patients undergoing therapy for at least 6 mo. An important finding was that discontinuation of any drug treatment was an independent risk factor for hospitalization for BPH and BPH-related surgery.
Expert's comments:
Low compliance with prescribed medications is a challenging problem for chronic diseases or conditions such as LUTS/BPH. As a result, a significant number of patients do not get the maximum benefit of medical treatment, resulting in poor health outcomes, lower quality of life, and increased health care costs [1] .
Adherence has been linked to perceived efficacy, side effects, and cost of medical treatment. It is known that patients with worse LUTS tend to complain less about adverse side effects compared with those with less severe symptoms [2] . In addition, older patients are more likely to be adherent. Other risk factors for discontinuation including number of medical comorbidities, type of treatment, and polypharmacy have also been investigated [2], [3], and [4].
Technical, behavioral, and educational interventions aimed at improving adherence to medications for chronic diseases have been developed [1] and [5]. Less frequent dosage enhances compliance, and technical adherence interventions are usually directed at simplifying the medication regimen including use of extended-release formulations or fixed-dose combination pills. Behavioral interventions are also used to provide patients with memory aids and reminders. Educational interventions focus on adequately informing patients about the disease, its management, and the potential benefits of long-term treatment with these agents.
Urologists need to interact with those patients who are observed to be noncompliant. Both understanding the needs and expectations and involving our patients in the decision-making process can play a significant role in compliance to therapy and the improvement of treatment outcomes in LUTS/BPH. Adherence to medical therapy deserves our particular attention, and further investigation into the reasons for noncompliance is still warranted.
Stavros Gravas has received grants or research support from Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK, and speaker honoraria from Angelini Pharma Hellas, Pierre Fabre Medicament, Lilly, and GSK. He is a consultant for Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK.
Cindolo L, Pirozzi L, Fanizza C, et al
Eur Urol. In press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2014.11.006
Expert's summary:
Cindolo et al searched an administrative prescription database and hospital discharge codes for men aged >40 yr treated with α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors alone or in combination to assess the adherence to medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nonadherence was defined as discontinuation of any regimen for at least 2 consecutive months during the first year of treatment and at least 4 mo/yr during the follow-up period or as a regimen switch.
In this large population-based cohort study, 1-yr adherence was 29% in patients undergoing therapy for at least 6 mo. An important finding was that discontinuation of any drug treatment was an independent risk factor for hospitalization for BPH and BPH-related surgery.
Expert's comments:
Low compliance with prescribed medications is a challenging problem for chronic diseases or conditions such as LUTS/BPH. As a result, a significant number of patients do not get the maximum benefit of medical treatment, resulting in poor health outcomes, lower quality of life, and increased health care costs [1] .
Adherence has been linked to perceived efficacy, side effects, and cost of medical treatment. It is known that patients with worse LUTS tend to complain less about adverse side effects compared with those with less severe symptoms [2] . In addition, older patients are more likely to be adherent. Other risk factors for discontinuation including number of medical comorbidities, type of treatment, and polypharmacy have also been investigated [2], [3], and [4].
Technical, behavioral, and educational interventions aimed at improving adherence to medications for chronic diseases have been developed [1] and [5]. Less frequent dosage enhances compliance, and technical adherence interventions are usually directed at simplifying the medication regimen including use of extended-release formulations or fixed-dose combination pills. Behavioral interventions are also used to provide patients with memory aids and reminders. Educational interventions focus on adequately informing patients about the disease, its management, and the potential benefits of long-term treatment with these agents.
Urologists need to interact with those patients who are observed to be noncompliant. Both understanding the needs and expectations and involving our patients in the decision-making process can play a significant role in compliance to therapy and the improvement of treatment outcomes in LUTS/BPH. Adherence to medical therapy deserves our particular attention, and further investigation into the reasons for noncompliance is still warranted.
Stavros Gravas has received grants or research support from Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK, and speaker honoraria from Angelini Pharma Hellas, Pierre Fabre Medicament, Lilly, and GSK. He is a consultant for Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK.
Cindolo L, Pirozzi L, Fanizza C, et al
Eur Urol. In press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2014.11.006
Expert's summary:
Cindolo et al searched an administrative prescription database and hospital discharge codes for men aged >40 yr treated with α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors alone or in combination to assess the adherence to medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nonadherence was defined as discontinuation of any regimen for at least 2 consecutive months during the first year of treatment and at least 4 mo/yr during the follow-up period or as a regimen switch.
In this large population-based cohort study, 1-yr adherence was 29% in patients undergoing therapy for at least 6 mo. An important finding was that discontinuation of any drug treatment was an independent risk factor for hospitalization for BPH and BPH-related surgery.
Expert's comments:
Low compliance with prescribed medications is a challenging problem for chronic diseases or conditions such as LUTS/BPH. As a result, a significant number of patients do not get the maximum benefit of medical treatment, resulting in poor health outcomes, lower quality of life, and increased health care costs [1] .
Adherence has been linked to perceived efficacy, side effects, and cost of medical treatment. It is known that patients with worse LUTS tend to complain less about adverse side effects compared with those with less severe symptoms [2] . In addition, older patients are more likely to be adherent. Other risk factors for discontinuation including number of medical comorbidities, type of treatment, and polypharmacy have also been investigated [2], [3], and [4].
Technical, behavioral, and educational interventions aimed at improving adherence to medications for chronic diseases have been developed [1] and [5]. Less frequent dosage enhances compliance, and technical adherence interventions are usually directed at simplifying the medication regimen including use of extended-release formulations or fixed-dose combination pills. Behavioral interventions are also used to provide patients with memory aids and reminders. Educational interventions focus on adequately informing patients about the disease, its management, and the potential benefits of long-term treatment with these agents.
Urologists need to interact with those patients who are observed to be noncompliant. Both understanding the needs and expectations and involving our patients in the decision-making process can play a significant role in compliance to therapy and the improvement of treatment outcomes in LUTS/BPH. Adherence to medical therapy deserves our particular attention, and further investigation into the reasons for noncompliance is still warranted.
Stavros Gravas has received grants or research support from Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK, and speaker honoraria from Angelini Pharma Hellas, Pierre Fabre Medicament, Lilly, and GSK. He is a consultant for Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK.
Cindolo L, Pirozzi L, Fanizza C, et al
Eur Urol. In press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2014.11.006
Expert's summary:
Cindolo et al searched an administrative prescription database and hospital discharge codes for men aged >40 yr treated with α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors alone or in combination to assess the adherence to medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nonadherence was defined as discontinuation of any regimen for at least 2 consecutive months during the first year of treatment and at least 4 mo/yr during the follow-up period or as a regimen switch.
In this large population-based cohort study, 1-yr adherence was 29% in patients undergoing therapy for at least 6 mo. An important finding was that discontinuation of any drug treatment was an independent risk factor for hospitalization for BPH and BPH-related surgery.
Expert's comments:
Low compliance with prescribed medications is a challenging problem for chronic diseases or conditions such as LUTS/BPH. As a result, a significant number of patients do not get the maximum benefit of medical treatment, resulting in poor health outcomes, lower quality of life, and increased health care costs [1] .
Adherence has been linked to perceived efficacy, side effects, and cost of medical treatment. It is known that patients with worse LUTS tend to complain less about adverse side effects compared with those with less severe symptoms [2] . In addition, older patients are more likely to be adherent. Other risk factors for discontinuation including number of medical comorbidities, type of treatment, and polypharmacy have also been investigated [2], [3], and [4].
Technical, behavioral, and educational interventions aimed at improving adherence to medications for chronic diseases have been developed [1] and [5]. Less frequent dosage enhances compliance, and technical adherence interventions are usually directed at simplifying the medication regimen including use of extended-release formulations or fixed-dose combination pills. Behavioral interventions are also used to provide patients with memory aids and reminders. Educational interventions focus on adequately informing patients about the disease, its management, and the potential benefits of long-term treatment with these agents.
Urologists need to interact with those patients who are observed to be noncompliant. Both understanding the needs and expectations and involving our patients in the decision-making process can play a significant role in compliance to therapy and the improvement of treatment outcomes in LUTS/BPH. Adherence to medical therapy deserves our particular attention, and further investigation into the reasons for noncompliance is still warranted.
Stavros Gravas has received grants or research support from Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK, and speaker honoraria from Angelini Pharma Hellas, Pierre Fabre Medicament, Lilly, and GSK. He is a consultant for Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK.
Cindolo L, Pirozzi L, Fanizza C, et al
Eur Urol. In press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2014.11.006
Expert's summary:
Cindolo et al searched an administrative prescription database and hospital discharge codes for men aged >40 yr treated with α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors alone or in combination to assess the adherence to medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nonadherence was defined as discontinuation of any regimen for at least 2 consecutive months during the first year of treatment and at least 4 mo/yr during the follow-up period or as a regimen switch.
In this large population-based cohort study, 1-yr adherence was 29% in patients undergoing therapy for at least 6 mo. An important finding was that discontinuation of any drug treatment was an independent risk factor for hospitalization for BPH and BPH-related surgery.
Expert's comments:
Low compliance with prescribed medications is a challenging problem for chronic diseases or conditions such as LUTS/BPH. As a result, a significant number of patients do not get the maximum benefit of medical treatment, resulting in poor health outcomes, lower quality of life, and increased health care costs [1] .
Adherence has been linked to perceived efficacy, side effects, and cost of medical treatment. It is known that patients with worse LUTS tend to complain less about adverse side effects compared with those with less severe symptoms [2] . In addition, older patients are more likely to be adherent. Other risk factors for discontinuation including number of medical comorbidities, type of treatment, and polypharmacy have also been investigated [2], [3], and [4].
Technical, behavioral, and educational interventions aimed at improving adherence to medications for chronic diseases have been developed [1] and [5]. Less frequent dosage enhances compliance, and technical adherence interventions are usually directed at simplifying the medication regimen including use of extended-release formulations or fixed-dose combination pills. Behavioral interventions are also used to provide patients with memory aids and reminders. Educational interventions focus on adequately informing patients about the disease, its management, and the potential benefits of long-term treatment with these agents.
Urologists need to interact with those patients who are observed to be noncompliant. Both understanding the needs and expectations and involving our patients in the decision-making process can play a significant role in compliance to therapy and the improvement of treatment outcomes in LUTS/BPH. Adherence to medical therapy deserves our particular attention, and further investigation into the reasons for noncompliance is still warranted.
Stavros Gravas has received grants or research support from Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK, and speaker honoraria from Angelini Pharma Hellas, Pierre Fabre Medicament, Lilly, and GSK. He is a consultant for Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK.
Cindolo L, Pirozzi L, Fanizza C, et al
Eur Urol. In press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2014.11.006
Expert's summary:
Cindolo et al searched an administrative prescription database and hospital discharge codes for men aged >40 yr treated with α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors alone or in combination to assess the adherence to medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nonadherence was defined as discontinuation of any regimen for at least 2 consecutive months during the first year of treatment and at least 4 mo/yr during the follow-up period or as a regimen switch.
In this large population-based cohort study, 1-yr adherence was 29% in patients undergoing therapy for at least 6 mo. An important finding was that discontinuation of any drug treatment was an independent risk factor for hospitalization for BPH and BPH-related surgery.
Expert's comments:
Low compliance with prescribed medications is a challenging problem for chronic diseases or conditions such as LUTS/BPH. As a result, a significant number of patients do not get the maximum benefit of medical treatment, resulting in poor health outcomes, lower quality of life, and increased health care costs [1] .
Adherence has been linked to perceived efficacy, side effects, and cost of medical treatment. It is known that patients with worse LUTS tend to complain less about adverse side effects compared with those with less severe symptoms [2] . In addition, older patients are more likely to be adherent. Other risk factors for discontinuation including number of medical comorbidities, type of treatment, and polypharmacy have also been investigated [2], [3], and [4].
Technical, behavioral, and educational interventions aimed at improving adherence to medications for chronic diseases have been developed [1] and [5]. Less frequent dosage enhances compliance, and technical adherence interventions are usually directed at simplifying the medication regimen including use of extended-release formulations or fixed-dose combination pills. Behavioral interventions are also used to provide patients with memory aids and reminders. Educational interventions focus on adequately informing patients about the disease, its management, and the potential benefits of long-term treatment with these agents.
Urologists need to interact with those patients who are observed to be noncompliant. Both understanding the needs and expectations and involving our patients in the decision-making process can play a significant role in compliance to therapy and the improvement of treatment outcomes in LUTS/BPH. Adherence to medical therapy deserves our particular attention, and further investigation into the reasons for noncompliance is still warranted.
Stavros Gravas has received grants or research support from Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK, and speaker honoraria from Angelini Pharma Hellas, Pierre Fabre Medicament, Lilly, and GSK. He is a consultant for Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK.
Cindolo L, Pirozzi L, Fanizza C, et al
Eur Urol. In press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2014.11.006
Expert's summary:
Cindolo et al searched an administrative prescription database and hospital discharge codes for men aged >40 yr treated with α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors alone or in combination to assess the adherence to medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nonadherence was defined as discontinuation of any regimen for at least 2 consecutive months during the first year of treatment and at least 4 mo/yr during the follow-up period or as a regimen switch.
In this large population-based cohort study, 1-yr adherence was 29% in patients undergoing therapy for at least 6 mo. An important finding was that discontinuation of any drug treatment was an independent risk factor for hospitalization for BPH and BPH-related surgery.
Expert's comments:
Low compliance with prescribed medications is a challenging problem for chronic diseases or conditions such as LUTS/BPH. As a result, a significant number of patients do not get the maximum benefit of medical treatment, resulting in poor health outcomes, lower quality of life, and increased health care costs [1] .
Adherence has been linked to perceived efficacy, side effects, and cost of medical treatment. It is known that patients with worse LUTS tend to complain less about adverse side effects compared with those with less severe symptoms [2] . In addition, older patients are more likely to be adherent. Other risk factors for discontinuation including number of medical comorbidities, type of treatment, and polypharmacy have also been investigated [2], [3], and [4].
Technical, behavioral, and educational interventions aimed at improving adherence to medications for chronic diseases have been developed [1] and [5]. Less frequent dosage enhances compliance, and technical adherence interventions are usually directed at simplifying the medication regimen including use of extended-release formulations or fixed-dose combination pills. Behavioral interventions are also used to provide patients with memory aids and reminders. Educational interventions focus on adequately informing patients about the disease, its management, and the potential benefits of long-term treatment with these agents.
Urologists need to interact with those patients who are observed to be noncompliant. Both understanding the needs and expectations and involving our patients in the decision-making process can play a significant role in compliance to therapy and the improvement of treatment outcomes in LUTS/BPH. Adherence to medical therapy deserves our particular attention, and further investigation into the reasons for noncompliance is still warranted.
Stavros Gravas has received grants or research support from Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK, and speaker honoraria from Angelini Pharma Hellas, Pierre Fabre Medicament, Lilly, and GSK. He is a consultant for Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK.
Cindolo L, Pirozzi L, Fanizza C, et al
Eur Urol. In press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2014.11.006
Expert's summary:
Cindolo et al searched an administrative prescription database and hospital discharge codes for men aged >40 yr treated with α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors alone or in combination to assess the adherence to medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nonadherence was defined as discontinuation of any regimen for at least 2 consecutive months during the first year of treatment and at least 4 mo/yr during the follow-up period or as a regimen switch.
In this large population-based cohort study, 1-yr adherence was 29% in patients undergoing therapy for at least 6 mo. An important finding was that discontinuation of any drug treatment was an independent risk factor for hospitalization for BPH and BPH-related surgery.
Expert's comments:
Low compliance with prescribed medications is a challenging problem for chronic diseases or conditions such as LUTS/BPH. As a result, a significant number of patients do not get the maximum benefit of medical treatment, resulting in poor health outcomes, lower quality of life, and increased health care costs [1] .
Adherence has been linked to perceived efficacy, side effects, and cost of medical treatment. It is known that patients with worse LUTS tend to complain less about adverse side effects compared with those with less severe symptoms [2] . In addition, older patients are more likely to be adherent. Other risk factors for discontinuation including number of medical comorbidities, type of treatment, and polypharmacy have also been investigated [2], [3], and [4].
Technical, behavioral, and educational interventions aimed at improving adherence to medications for chronic diseases have been developed [1] and [5]. Less frequent dosage enhances compliance, and technical adherence interventions are usually directed at simplifying the medication regimen including use of extended-release formulations or fixed-dose combination pills. Behavioral interventions are also used to provide patients with memory aids and reminders. Educational interventions focus on adequately informing patients about the disease, its management, and the potential benefits of long-term treatment with these agents.
Urologists need to interact with those patients who are observed to be noncompliant. Both understanding the needs and expectations and involving our patients in the decision-making process can play a significant role in compliance to therapy and the improvement of treatment outcomes in LUTS/BPH. Adherence to medical therapy deserves our particular attention, and further investigation into the reasons for noncompliance is still warranted.
Stavros Gravas has received grants or research support from Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK, and speaker honoraria from Angelini Pharma Hellas, Pierre Fabre Medicament, Lilly, and GSK. He is a consultant for Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK.
Cindolo L, Pirozzi L, Fanizza C, et al
Eur Urol. In press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2014.11.006
Expert's summary:
Cindolo et al searched an administrative prescription database and hospital discharge codes for men aged >40 yr treated with α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors alone or in combination to assess the adherence to medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nonadherence was defined as discontinuation of any regimen for at least 2 consecutive months during the first year of treatment and at least 4 mo/yr during the follow-up period or as a regimen switch.
In this large population-based cohort study, 1-yr adherence was 29% in patients undergoing therapy for at least 6 mo. An important finding was that discontinuation of any drug treatment was an independent risk factor for hospitalization for BPH and BPH-related surgery.
Expert's comments:
Low compliance with prescribed medications is a challenging problem for chronic diseases or conditions such as LUTS/BPH. As a result, a significant number of patients do not get the maximum benefit of medical treatment, resulting in poor health outcomes, lower quality of life, and increased health care costs [1] .
Adherence has been linked to perceived efficacy, side effects, and cost of medical treatment. It is known that patients with worse LUTS tend to complain less about adverse side effects compared with those with less severe symptoms [2] . In addition, older patients are more likely to be adherent. Other risk factors for discontinuation including number of medical comorbidities, type of treatment, and polypharmacy have also been investigated [2], [3], and [4].
Technical, behavioral, and educational interventions aimed at improving adherence to medications for chronic diseases have been developed [1] and [5]. Less frequent dosage enhances compliance, and technical adherence interventions are usually directed at simplifying the medication regimen including use of extended-release formulations or fixed-dose combination pills. Behavioral interventions are also used to provide patients with memory aids and reminders. Educational interventions focus on adequately informing patients about the disease, its management, and the potential benefits of long-term treatment with these agents.
Urologists need to interact with those patients who are observed to be noncompliant. Both understanding the needs and expectations and involving our patients in the decision-making process can play a significant role in compliance to therapy and the improvement of treatment outcomes in LUTS/BPH. Adherence to medical therapy deserves our particular attention, and further investigation into the reasons for noncompliance is still warranted.
Stavros Gravas has received grants or research support from Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK, and speaker honoraria from Angelini Pharma Hellas, Pierre Fabre Medicament, Lilly, and GSK. He is a consultant for Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK.
Cindolo L, Pirozzi L, Fanizza C, et al
Eur Urol. In press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2014.11.006
Expert's summary:
Cindolo et al searched an administrative prescription database and hospital discharge codes for men aged >40 yr treated with α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors alone or in combination to assess the adherence to medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nonadherence was defined as discontinuation of any regimen for at least 2 consecutive months during the first year of treatment and at least 4 mo/yr during the follow-up period or as a regimen switch.
In this large population-based cohort study, 1-yr adherence was 29% in patients undergoing therapy for at least 6 mo. An important finding was that discontinuation of any drug treatment was an independent risk factor for hospitalization for BPH and BPH-related surgery.
Expert's comments:
Low compliance with prescribed medications is a challenging problem for chronic diseases or conditions such as LUTS/BPH. As a result, a significant number of patients do not get the maximum benefit of medical treatment, resulting in poor health outcomes, lower quality of life, and increased health care costs [1] .
Adherence has been linked to perceived efficacy, side effects, and cost of medical treatment. It is known that patients with worse LUTS tend to complain less about adverse side effects compared with those with less severe symptoms [2] . In addition, older patients are more likely to be adherent. Other risk factors for discontinuation including number of medical comorbidities, type of treatment, and polypharmacy have also been investigated [2], [3], and [4].
Technical, behavioral, and educational interventions aimed at improving adherence to medications for chronic diseases have been developed [1] and [5]. Less frequent dosage enhances compliance, and technical adherence interventions are usually directed at simplifying the medication regimen including use of extended-release formulations or fixed-dose combination pills. Behavioral interventions are also used to provide patients with memory aids and reminders. Educational interventions focus on adequately informing patients about the disease, its management, and the potential benefits of long-term treatment with these agents.
Urologists need to interact with those patients who are observed to be noncompliant. Both understanding the needs and expectations and involving our patients in the decision-making process can play a significant role in compliance to therapy and the improvement of treatment outcomes in LUTS/BPH. Adherence to medical therapy deserves our particular attention, and further investigation into the reasons for noncompliance is still warranted.
Stavros Gravas has received grants or research support from Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK, and speaker honoraria from Angelini Pharma Hellas, Pierre Fabre Medicament, Lilly, and GSK. He is a consultant for Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK.
Cindolo L, Pirozzi L, Fanizza C, et al
Eur Urol. In press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2014.11.006
Expert's summary:
Cindolo et al searched an administrative prescription database and hospital discharge codes for men aged >40 yr treated with α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors alone or in combination to assess the adherence to medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nonadherence was defined as discontinuation of any regimen for at least 2 consecutive months during the first year of treatment and at least 4 mo/yr during the follow-up period or as a regimen switch.
In this large population-based cohort study, 1-yr adherence was 29% in patients undergoing therapy for at least 6 mo. An important finding was that discontinuation of any drug treatment was an independent risk factor for hospitalization for BPH and BPH-related surgery.
Expert's comments:
Low compliance with prescribed medications is a challenging problem for chronic diseases or conditions such as LUTS/BPH. As a result, a significant number of patients do not get the maximum benefit of medical treatment, resulting in poor health outcomes, lower quality of life, and increased health care costs [1] .
Adherence has been linked to perceived efficacy, side effects, and cost of medical treatment. It is known that patients with worse LUTS tend to complain less about adverse side effects compared with those with less severe symptoms [2] . In addition, older patients are more likely to be adherent. Other risk factors for discontinuation including number of medical comorbidities, type of treatment, and polypharmacy have also been investigated [2], [3], and [4].
Technical, behavioral, and educational interventions aimed at improving adherence to medications for chronic diseases have been developed [1] and [5]. Less frequent dosage enhances compliance, and technical adherence interventions are usually directed at simplifying the medication regimen including use of extended-release formulations or fixed-dose combination pills. Behavioral interventions are also used to provide patients with memory aids and reminders. Educational interventions focus on adequately informing patients about the disease, its management, and the potential benefits of long-term treatment with these agents.
Urologists need to interact with those patients who are observed to be noncompliant. Both understanding the needs and expectations and involving our patients in the decision-making process can play a significant role in compliance to therapy and the improvement of treatment outcomes in LUTS/BPH. Adherence to medical therapy deserves our particular attention, and further investigation into the reasons for noncompliance is still warranted.
Stavros Gravas has received grants or research support from Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK, and speaker honoraria from Angelini Pharma Hellas, Pierre Fabre Medicament, Lilly, and GSK. He is a consultant for Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK.
Cindolo L, Pirozzi L, Fanizza C, et al
Eur Urol. In press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2014.11.006
Expert's summary:
Cindolo et al searched an administrative prescription database and hospital discharge codes for men aged >40 yr treated with α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors alone or in combination to assess the adherence to medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nonadherence was defined as discontinuation of any regimen for at least 2 consecutive months during the first year of treatment and at least 4 mo/yr during the follow-up period or as a regimen switch.
In this large population-based cohort study, 1-yr adherence was 29% in patients undergoing therapy for at least 6 mo. An important finding was that discontinuation of any drug treatment was an independent risk factor for hospitalization for BPH and BPH-related surgery.
Expert's comments:
Low compliance with prescribed medications is a challenging problem for chronic diseases or conditions such as LUTS/BPH. As a result, a significant number of patients do not get the maximum benefit of medical treatment, resulting in poor health outcomes, lower quality of life, and increased health care costs [1] .
Adherence has been linked to perceived efficacy, side effects, and cost of medical treatment. It is known that patients with worse LUTS tend to complain less about adverse side effects compared with those with less severe symptoms [2] . In addition, older patients are more likely to be adherent. Other risk factors for discontinuation including number of medical comorbidities, type of treatment, and polypharmacy have also been investigated [2], [3], and [4].
Technical, behavioral, and educational interventions aimed at improving adherence to medications for chronic diseases have been developed [1] and [5]. Less frequent dosage enhances compliance, and technical adherence interventions are usually directed at simplifying the medication regimen including use of extended-release formulations or fixed-dose combination pills. Behavioral interventions are also used to provide patients with memory aids and reminders. Educational interventions focus on adequately informing patients about the disease, its management, and the potential benefits of long-term treatment with these agents.
Urologists need to interact with those patients who are observed to be noncompliant. Both understanding the needs and expectations and involving our patients in the decision-making process can play a significant role in compliance to therapy and the improvement of treatment outcomes in LUTS/BPH. Adherence to medical therapy deserves our particular attention, and further investigation into the reasons for noncompliance is still warranted.
Stavros Gravas has received grants or research support from Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK, and speaker honoraria from Angelini Pharma Hellas, Pierre Fabre Medicament, Lilly, and GSK. He is a consultant for Pierre Fabre Medicament and GSK.
