Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the association of patients’ self–reported compliance with topical cyclosporine A (tCSA) 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion (Restasis) with the onset of effects from increased tear production in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).
Methods: :
Beginning in January 2005, individual physicians from 2,000 medical offices across the United States identified patients from their practices who were appropriate candidates for treatment with tCSA and provided patients with medication samples and study materials. Study participation was voluntary. Patient participants responded to automated survey questions prior to use of tCSA and 60 days post–medication initiation. Patients were asked to provide self–reported information about their use of the medication, rapidity of symptom relief, medication satisfaction and intent to continue its use.
Results: :
To date, 2,286 patients are participating in this ongoing study and have completed the baseline and follow–up surveys. The vast majority (85%) is female; average age is 60 years. The majority (79%) of patients reported using tCSA twice a day as prescribed. Nearly 15% missed "some of the doses", while 6% missed at least half. Patients who reported taking the medication as prescribed reported feeling the effects of increased tear production significantly (p<0.05) more rapidly than those who did not. Of those who took tCSA as prescribed, 73% reported feeling the effects of increased tear production within 5 weeks, compared with 59% of those who missed at least half their doses. Patients also were very satisfied with the medication, as evidenced by an overall average rating of 7.5 out of 10 (very satisfied) and 83% intending to continue its use. Average satisfaction was highest (p<0.001) among those fully compliant (7.7) vs. those who missed some (7.3) vs. those who missed at least half the doses (5.2).
Conclusions: :
Results from this real–world study highlight the importance of medication compliance for experiencing rapid symptom relief and overall medication satisfaction.
Keywords: quality of life • drug toxicity/drug effects