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Abstract #19313 Published in IGR 9-3
Tolerability, quality of life, and persistency of use in patients with glaucoma who are switched to the fixed combination of latanoprost and timolol
Dunker S; Schmucker A; Maier HAdvances in Therapy 2007; 24: 376-386
This study was undertaken to assess tolerability, quality of life, and persistency of use and to monitor changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) during the first 6 mo after a switch to fixed combination latanoprost/timolol. In Germany, 271 general ophthalmology practices enrolled patients who were switched from previous ocular hypotensive therapies to latanoprost/timolol for medical reasons. Usual care routines were followed, and IOP was measured at baseline and approximately 6 mo later. Adverse events were recorded throughout. Immediately before switching and at follow-up, patients completed a 29-item quality-of-life questionnaire. Of 1052 patients who met analysis criteria, 748 (71%) switched from combination therapy and 304 (29%) from monotherapy. An insufficient IOP reduction with the previous therapy was a reason for switching in 71% of patients; the desire to simplify to once-daily administration was cited in 66%. Ocular adverse events were reported in 19 patients after the switch, and 97% remained on therapy throughout the follow-up period. After switching, patients were less likely to forget to instill their eyedrops or to feel that their drops had adverse effects; they found it easier to include eyedrop administration in their routine; they were more satisfied with the frequency of instillation; and they were more likely to want to continue with the drops. Across all previous therapies, mean IOP decreased from 20.6 ± 3.7 mmHg to 17.2 ± 2.8 mmHg after the switch (P < .001) - a 14.8% difference. Fixed combination latanoprost/timolol is well tolerated and effective in patients who are switched from other monotherapies or combination therapies for medical reasons. Such a switch may be associated with improved quality of life.
Dr. S. Dunker, Kerpstr. 11, D-53844 Troisdorf, Germany. stephandun@aol.com
Classification:
11.13.4 Betablocker and prostaglandin (Part of: 11 Medical treatment > 11.13 Combination therapy)
11.17 Cooperation with medical therapy e.g. persistency, compliance, adherence (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
