Regular and Irregular Use and Reasons for Discontinuation of Solifenacin Therapy in Patients with Overactive Bladder Managed by Urologists.

Solifenacin, a selective muscarinic receptor antagonist, is one of the best-tolerated and most effective medicines that relieve storage symptoms in patients with an overactive bladder (OAB). However, the persistence of solifenacin in daily clinical practice remains far below that reported in clinical trials. This study aimed to analyze the adherence of patients to the therapy and the reasons for solifenacin discontinuation and non-regular use in OAB patients managed by urologists. Data concerning non-compliance and the discontinuation of solifenacin, along with the reasons, were collected during two consecutive visits for 64,049 OAB outpatients. Over the two visits, 81.6% of the patients continued therapy, and 88.6% were taking solifenacin regularly. An age ≥ 75 yrs., the male sex, a rural or small-city dwelling, and a prescription of ≥10 mg predicted therapy continuation. The female sex, a higher education, a short or long duration of an OAB, and a non-idiopathic OAB predicted regular use. The persistence of nycturia and urinary incontinence during therapy predicted both discontinuation and non-regular use. Dissatisfaction with therapy was the most frequent reason for discontinuation. In conclusion, an initial prescription of solifenacin at a low dose reduces the chance of OAB symptom improvement and results in more frequent discontinuation. A high rate of discontinuation related to dissatisfaction suggests unrealistic expectations for OAB patients and insufficient education by urologists.

Correction: Bednarek et al. The Prevalence of Diabetes among Hypertensive Polish in Relation to Sex-Difference in Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, Body Fat Percentage and Age. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 9458.

In the original publication [...].

The assessment of effectiveness, tolerance, and patient satisfaction with the use of a new fixed-dose combination product, containing salmeterol and fluticasone propionate, Salflumix Easyhaler® in the treatment of asthma in the daily clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of a fix-dose salmeterol/fluticasone combination therapy in asthma was previously shown for the original product. The study aim was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of a second entry DPI - dry powder inhaler (Salflumix Easyhaler) in patients with asthma in everyday clinical practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This multicenter Investigator-Initiated Study that enrolled 2,037 adult outpatients with asthma treated with Salflumix Easyhaler, was conducted by 220 pulmonologists across Poland. Asthma control was assessed during 3 visits with 6 ± 2 weeks intervals based on the Asthma Control Test (ACT). In addition, patient Satisfaction with Asthma Treatment Questionnaire (SATQ) and adherence and adverse events (AEs) were monitored. RESULTS: During the observation (86 ± 30 days) the percentage of patients with controlled asthma (ACT 20-25 pts) increased from 35.5% at the first visit to 86.5% at the third visit (p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, there were more patients not obtaining asthma control among patients that switched from the treatment with other devices than in naive ones. Global SATQ scores increased from 5.8 ± 0.7 to 6.2 ± 0.6 during the observation. Patients' satisfaction with the use of the Salflumix Easyhaler was high. Adherence exceeded 95%. Eight AEs were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Salflumix Easyhaler is highly effective and well-tolerated by naïve patients with asthma and those switching from another device. In general, patients show good compliance with medical product and are satisfied with the use of this new device, and not reporting difficulties and errors related to its' use. Their physicians' overall perception of Salflumix Easyhaler use is very positive.

Factors affecting the choice of budesonide in the therapy of croup, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Introduction: Budesonide is one of inhaled corticosteroids with an established position in the therapy of croup, bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Aim: To assess factors affecting the choice of budesonide in the therapy of croup, asthma and COPD by specialists and general practitioners in daily clinical practice. Material and methods: This multicentre, open-label, post-marketing survey was performed nation-wide with the participation of 1113 doctors and 100,980 patients treated with budesonide. The study questionnaire included questions about factors affecting the choice of budesonide and assessing the prescription pattern of the drug. Results: The doctors frequently declared use of budesonide in monotherapy in patients with croup, and in polytherapy in asthma and COPD (with salmeterol or formoterol and with formoterol, respectively). The most important factors affecting the choice of budesonide, as declared by doctors, were safety, efficacy, good personal experience with the use of this medication and recommendations of scientific associations. Budesonide in monotherapy was prescribed in 63.7%, 49.7%, and only 13.5% of patients with croup, asthma and COPD, respectively. The most important factors which determined the choice of this drug were safety (from 78.7% to 91.0%), efficacy (from 78.9% to 90.5%) and good personal experience of doctors (from 65.6% to 84.5%). Conclusions: Budesonide is still frequently chosen in the treatment of croup, asthma and COPD by Polish specialists and general practitioners because of its efficacy, safety and considerable experience in the application. Acquired clinical experience of physicians prevails over the issued recommendations of scientific societies regarding the use of budesonide in daily clinical practice.

The Prevalence of Diabetes among Hypertensive Polish in Relation to Sex-Difference in Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, Body Fat Percentage and Age.

Background: Little is known about sex differences in the risk of type 2 diabetes (DM2) development related to body fat depot. The main aim of this study was to assess sex-specific differences in the prevalence of diabetes in the relation to body mass, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and calculated body fat percentage (BF), adjusted by physical activity, in younger and older hypertensive adults. Subjects/Methods: The survey enrolled 12,289 adult hypertensive outpatients with body weight, height, and WC reported by their physicians across Poland. Prevalence of diabetes was plotted against body mass, BMI, WC, and calculated BF and adjusted by the self-reported level of physical activity. Results: In our cohort, younger women (<60 years) with BMI < 25.0 kg/m2 had lower adjusted prevalence of diabetes than corresponding men (3.4% vs. 6.5%), while among older (≥60 years) with BMI < 25.0 kg/m2, the prevalence of diabetes was greater in women than in men (19.4% vs. 11.2%). A 25% probability of diabetes was observed for younger women with lower BMI than younger men (32.1 kg/m2 and 35.3 kg/m2, respectively) and WC (100.7 cm and 116.1 cm, respectively) but greater BF (45.5% and 38.9%, respectively). The corresponding differences in BMI and WC in older ones were much smaller (27.6 kg/m2 and 27.2 kg/m2, respectively; 83.7 cm and 85.6 cm, respectively), but not for BF (40.7% and 30.1%, respectively). A doubling of diabetes probability (from 25% to 50%), adjusted by physical activity, was attributable to the lower increase in BMI and WC and BF in women than in men (6.3 vs. 9.8 kg/m2, 25.0 vs. 36.1 cm, and 6.5 vs. 10.8%, for younger, and 8.1 vs. 11.3 kg/m2, 26.2 vs. 73.2 cm and 8.8 vs. 13.3%, for older). Conclusions: This study shows a lower probability of diabetes in younger women than younger men with normal weight BMI ranges, adjusted to physical activity. This probability is greater for hypertensive women, regardless of age, due to the increase in BMI/WC and BF values adjusted for physical activity.

Therapeutic preferences and factors determining the use of inhaled corticosteroids with long-acting ß2-agonists in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

INTRODUCTION: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting ß2-agonists (LABA) are a part of standard therapy of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). AIM: Assessment of the therapeutic preferences and factors determining the choice of polytherapy with ICS and LABA in patients with asthma and COPD in daily clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This multicentre, open-label, post-marketing observational survey was performed nation-wide with the participation of 245 doctors and 13,800 patients with asthma or COPD on polytherapy with ICS and LABA. The study questionnaire included two parts: concerning doctors' preferences in the use of ICS and LABA and their prescription in patients as well as efficacy and tolerance of inhaled drugs during two consecutive visits. RESULTS: The study doctors frequently declared a choice of polytherapy with formoterol and fluticasone in patients with asthma and COPD. The most important factors supporting the choice of ICS and LABA, declared by doctors, were safety and efficacy. ICS and LABA polytherapy with formoterol and fluticasone was used in 71.0% of patients with asthma and 81.4% with COPD. The most important factors explaining the choice of this drug combination were safety (75.3% and 72.5%, respectively) and efficacy (75.2% and 71.9%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Formoterol and fluticasone polytherapy is frequently chosen by Polish physicians in the treatment of asthma and COPD due to its high efficacy and safety. In accordance with doctors' declaration, in the study group this therapy was characterized by the highest effectiveness and the best tolerance.

A Stronger Effect of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference on the Prevalence of Uncontrolled Hypertension among Caucasian Men than Women.

BACKGROUND: Gender-related differences in fat distribution may affect blood pressure (BP) control in hypertensive subjects. The aim of the study was to assess how body mass (BM), BMI, and waist circumference (WC) influence the effectiveness of antihypertension therapy in hypertensive men and women in daily clinical practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The observational study involved 12,289 adult hypertensive Caucasians (6,163 women) declaring regular use of antihypertensive drugs. BP control was scored based on the mean values of 2 attended office BP measurements. WC thresholds for visceral obesity were adopted from definitions of the International Diabetes Federation (≥94/80 cm for men/women) and National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (≥102/88 cm for men/women). Stepwise backward multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse correlates of the effectiveness of hypertension therapy. RESULTS: The predictive value of BMI ≥30 (for uncontrolled hypertension) was stronger than that of visceral obesity, regardless of the criteria used. In men, BP control rapidly deteriorated with BMI (odds ratio [OR] up to 8.58 [95% CI: 5.74-12.83]) and WC (OR up to 5.09 [3.84-6.74]), while in women, the association was more flattened (OR up to 3.63 [2.78-4.74] and 1.93 [1.59-2.35], respectively). However, the highest risk of uncontrolled BP occurred in women with BM ≥110 kg (OR = 10.47 [5.05-21.71]) and men with BM ≥125 kg (OR = 9.66 [5.86-15.94]). CONCLUSIONS: (1) Obesity and visceral obesity limit the effectiveness of antihypertension therapy more in men than in women. (2) This phenomenon should be taken into account in the prescription of adequate doses of antihypertensive drugs.

The herbal medicine containing of ivy leaf dry extract in the treatment of productive cough in children.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: The assessment of the therapeutic effects of the herbal medicine containing of ivy leaf dry extract administered twice a day in children with productive cough and their guardians' satisfaction with the use of this syrup. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Material and methods: A multicenter, observational survey was conducted by 268 doctors working in Primary Health Care. The survey was conducted during two routine, consecutive outpatient visits (including first supplemented retrospectively) resulting from the needs of therapy. RESULTS: Results: The study group consisted of 5162 patients treated for productive cough with the herbal medicine containing of ivy leaf dry extract administered twice a day. In 75.7%, productive cough was intense, in 61.6% it occurred at night, in 49.8% it was very common (several times per hour), and in 62.7% it affected daily activity. Most often the syrup containing of ivy leaf dry extract was used in doses twice a day for 2 ml or 4 ml. During observation the percentage of children with intensive, very common, night and affected daily activities cough decreased significantly. Very satisfied with a therapeutic effect of the preparation containing of ivy leaf dry extract administered twice a day were 68.2% of children guardians. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The use of the herbal medicine containing of ivy leaf dry extract administered twice a day may be a good alternative to current therapeutic regimens in the treatment of productive cough in children. This recommendation is supported by effectiveness comparable to other medicines and a high level of satisfaction with its use by patients and guardians of chidren.

Lower utilization of home blood pressure monitoring in younger, poorly educated hypertensive males - real-life data.

Background: Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) became a standard in the management of hypertension. However, there are few data concerning the utilisation of blood pressure (BP) monitors in daily clinical practice.Aim: The aim of this analysis was to show: (1) how frequently hypertensive patients are equipped with BP monitors, (2) how often they perform regular HBPM and running BP diaries, (3) what are the correlates of utilisation of BP monitors, in a large real-life cohort of hypertensives examined for the efficacy of antihypertensive therapy. Patients and methods: The survey was conducted by 570 physicians among 14,200 hypertensive patients, of whom 12,289 (6163 women; mean age 63 ± 12 years) declared use of antihypertensive medicines. Each patient was asked whether at home is having and using regularly or occasionally BP monitor and running BP diary. BP control was assessed based on the mean of two attended office BP measurements.Results: Among patient equipped with BP monitors (87.2%), 73.4% were conducting HBPM regularly, while 26.6% occasionally, and 66.9% were running BP diaries. Controlled BP was achieved by 34.5% (32.9% men and 36.1% women; p < .001), more frequently by equipped with BP monitors (34.9 vs 31.7%, p < .001). Female sex, education, professional activity, active lifestyle, older age, hypertensive polytherapy, longer than 5-year therapy for hypertension, and coexistence of diabetes were factors increasing, while alcohol consumption, visceral obesity and heart failure decreasing the probability of being equipped with BP monitor and running BP diary. Regular HBPM were more frequently among women, physically active, older, diabetics, viscerally obese and patients with coronary artery disease.Conclusions: (1) The majority of hypertensive Poles are already equipped with BP monitors, (2) three-fourth patients perform regular HBPM and two-third run BP diaries, (3) there is still a need to promote utilisation of BP monitors among younger, poorly educated hypertensive males.

Effectiveness of subcutaneously administered methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous methotrexate (sMTX) administration is considered more effective than the oral route due to better bioavailability and a lower rate of adverse drug reactions (ADRs); however, clinical data supporting this hypothesis is scarce. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of sMTX in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including a subset classified as an early stage of RA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A post-marketing, multicenter, open-label, non-randomized, non-interventional study enrolled 771 adult patients with active RA treated with sMTX (Metex®) for 2-6 weeks. The evaluation of therapy effectiveness (DAS28-ESR or DAS28-CRP) and monitoring of ADRs was an element of routine patient management. Therapy effectiveness was scored as the achievement of remission or response (according to European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)). RESULTS: Among 761 (98.7%) patients that continued sMTX (after 25-31 weeks), clinical response was achieved by 69.5%, remission by 19.2% and low disease activity by 34.2%. Patients aged >60 years were less likely to achieve both remission (odds ratio (OR) = 0.61 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.39-0.93)) and clinical response (OR = 0.82 (95% CI = 0.71-0.95)), while overweight/obese patients (OR = 1.11 (95% CI = 1.00-1.24)) and those with early RA had greater chance to reach a clinical response (OR = 1.18 (95% CI = 1.03-1.34)). There were 16 ADRs (no serious or severe). In addition, at least 2-fold increase in alanine transaminase (ALT) activity was noted in 10 patients (1.3%). CONCLUSIONS: After 6-month therapy with sMTX, about 70% of patients with RA achieve a clinical response, and remission was observed in 20%. Younger age, overweight/obesity and an early stage of the disease are factors increasing therapy effectiveness; sMTX is well tolerated.

Factors affecting the choice of therapeutic regimens in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and patient adherence to the therapies prescribed.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are the most common chronic respiratory diseases worldwide. At the moment, there is no information about the preferences of Polish specialists as regards the treatment of asthma and COPD or factors influencing the choice of particular treatment regimens. AIM: To determine the treatment options most commonly used by experienced pulmonologists and allergists for asthma and COPD and to identify the factors affecting the choice of a particular therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey included 224 doctors (pulmonologists and allergists) across Poland and concerned patients diagnosed with asthma (n = 4358) and COPD (n = 3062). RESULTS: In the case of asthma, the most common therapy applied was inhaled glucocorticosteroids and long-acting ß2 agonists. According to 27.2% of doctors, combination therapy was used in 70-80% of patients while 23.7% declared that the proportion of patients receiving such a treatment exceeded 80%. In the case of COPD, anticholinergics were most frequently prescribed when inhaled glucocorticosteroids and long-acting ß2 agonists had proved insufficient. According to 21% of specialists, the percentage of patients treated so was 41-50%, while 19% declared the use of this treatment in 71-80% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The most common treatments for asthma and COPD in Poland are inhaled glucocorticosteroids and long-acting ß2 agonists. The main factors influencing treatment decisions are the current GINA and GOLD recommendations as well as patients' age, comorbidities, and price of treatment.

Evaluation of the Efficiency of Single-Inhaler Combination Therapy with Budesonide/Formoterol Fumarate in Patients with Bronchial Asthma in Daily Clinical Practice.

INTRODUCTION: The effectiveness of single-inhaler budesonide/formoterol fumarate combination therapy for asthma has been previously shown for the original product. The aim of this nonrandomized, open-label, postauthorization efficacy study (PAES) real-life clinical assessment was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a second product (Bufomix Easyhaler®) in the daily clinical practice of asthma therapy. METHODS: This multicenter PAES was conducted by 220 unselected allergologists and pulmonologists who enrolled 2200 adult outpatients (age 49.8 ± 17.9 years) with asthma treated with Bufomix Easyhaler® for at least 14 days before enrolment. Asthma control was assessed during three subsequent visits with 8-12-week intervals on the basis of the Asthma Control Test (ACT). Adherence was assessed with the Medication Adherence Questionnaire. In addition, patient satisfaction with Bufomix Easyhaler® was scored, and adverse drug reactions were recorded. RESULTS: The percentage of patients with well-controlled asthma or total control of asthma (ACT score 20-25 points) increased from 46.6% at the first visit to 90.8% at the third visit (p < 0.001). In addition, the percentage of patients with poor control of asthma (ACT score less than 15 points) decreased from 14.9% to 1.2% (p < 0.001). The adherence rate increased from 88% at the first visit to 95.3% at the third visit. Patient satisfaction with the use of this dry powder inhaler increased with the duration of its use. Only one adverse drug reaction was reported. CONCLUSION: The results obtained confirm the effectiveness of Bufomix Easyhaler® in the treatment of asthma in outpatient adults in daily clinical practice. FUNDING: Orion Corporation.

The decreased achievement of therapeutic goal in lipid lowering therapy in obese and diabetic patients in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Statins are used to reduce a cardiovascular risk. However, the effectiveness of the therapy in many cases remains unsatisfactory. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of obesity and diabetes on the achievement of therapeutic goal in lipid-lowering therapy in patients with a various cardiovascular risk in the daily clinical practice. METHODS: This study was conducted on the basis of questionnaires obtained from 7018 patients (41.4% obese, 65.9% viscerally obese and 25.3% diabetics) treated with statins for at least three months. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed in a subgroup of 3218 patients with a full lipid profile. RESULTS: The LDL-cholesterol target, adjusted for cardiovascular risk, was obtained by 8.1% of patients, less frequently by those with a very high risk of a cardiovascular disease (3.7%), obesity (5.5%), visceral obesity (5.5%) and the type 2 diabetes (5.3%). The obese patients with type 2 diabetes were the least likely to reach the target (3.0%). Male gender, age, the body mass index (BMI)≥28kg/m2, visceral obesity, type 2 diabetes, and a low/moderate statin dose prescription were independent factors decreasing the chance of reaching the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol target. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The prescribed statin doses do not fully explain the lower frequency of achieving the recommended target in a lipid-lowering therapy in the obese patients and the diabetics. 2. In the daily clinical practice the doses of statins are frequently insufficient and not adjusted for a cardiovascular risk.

Evaluation of the safety profile of Zolafren®, a generic olanzapine formulation, in patients with bipolar disorder: a post-authorization safety study.

INTRODUCTION: Prior to registration, no clinical trial evaluating safety and tolerability of Zolafren® (Adamed Sp. z o.o., Czosnów, Poland), a generic olanzapine formulation, had been performed. Therefore, the aim of this post-authorization safety study (PASS) was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of Zolafren in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). METHODS: Adverse events (AEs) associated with the use of Zolafren were recorded in a PASS, in an open-label, non-randomized, multicenter observational study involving 20,698 outpatients with BD. RESULTS: Zolafren was used in both monotherapy (82.8%) and polytherapy (17.2%) at a mean dose of 12.1±4.2 mg. The most commonly used formulation was coated tablets (70.9%). Orally dissolving tablets (19.7%) and hard capsules (9.4%) were less commonly used. During a period of 171±47 days of exposure to Zolafren, 5883 AEs were reported in 2138 patients (10.3% of the study population). None of the reported AEs were severe. Zolafren-associated AEs were the reason for discontinuation in 43 patients and the reason for dose reduction in a further 762 patients. The most common AE was weight gain (by 1.6±3.3 kg) which was considered unrelated to the dose of Zolafren. During follow-up, the percentage of patients with very good tolerance with Zolafren increased from 44.4% to 59.8%. The percentage of patients who had confidence in Zolafren also increased. CONCLUSION: The results of this PASS support the safety of Zolafren use and indicate a high tolerance in patients treated for BD. FUNDING: Adamed Sp. z o.o., Czosnów, Poland.

Depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of depression are common in patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and are usually a reaction to deterioration of health, severity of lower urinary tract symptoms, and erectile dysfunction. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with BPH and factors affecting their occurrence in a large Polish cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four thousand thirty-five men (4,035) diagnosed with BPH participated in the survey (age 65 ± 8 years). The occurrence of symptoms of depression was assessed using the Beck depression inventory, severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on the basis of the international prostate symptoms score, and erectile dysfunction using the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5). RESULTS: Depressive symptoms were found in 22.4% of patients (mild in 20.8% and moderate/severe in 1.6%). Erectile dysfunction was found in 71.9% of patients. Monotherapy for BPH was prescribed to 50.9% of patients (mostly ARA-selective α1-selective alpha-adrenolytic-47.5%), while polytherapy (ARA with a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor-5αRI) to 47.9%. Logistic regression analysis showed a bidirectional relation between the occurrence of depressive symptoms and erectile dysfunction. The occurrence of both depressive symptoms and erectile dysfunction was related to severity of LUTS, nocturia, the use of 5αRI, comorbidity, and sedentary life style. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with BPH is associated with severity of LUTS, erectile dysfunction, nocturia, BPH pharmacotherapy (5αRIs), sedentary life style, and comorbidities including obesity.

Ramipril/amlodipine single pill - effectiveness, tolerance and patient satisfaction with antihypertensive therapy in relation to nutritional status.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity decrease the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy despite the more frequent use of polytherapy. One method for improving therapy effectiveness is by decreasing non-compliance with the use of fixed-dose combinations (FDC). The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness, tolerance, and satisfaction with ramipril/amlodipine FDC antihypertensive therapy in relation to nutritional status. METHODS: The survey enrolled 24,240 hypertensive patients recently switched to ramipril/amlodipine FDC (EGIRAMLON) at the same doses as previously prescribed separate pills. RESULTS: The effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy increased during follow-up from 32.9% to 76.5%. Overweight and obesity were associated with the increased risk of not attaining the recommended BP values [adjusted for age OR=0.74 (95% CI 0.67-0.83) and 0.70 (0.61-0.81) for overweight; 0.54 (0.47-0.60) and 0.49 (0.42-0.57) for obese, at the first and the second examination, respectively]. "Very good" or "good" the FDP tolerance was reported by 98.8%, 97.6% and 96.4%, respectively. Adverse events (AE) were reported in 0.35% of patients regardless of nutritional status. High levels of satisfaction with the FDC were reported by 57.0% of patients with normal weight, 54.5% of overweight, and 50.6% with obesity. Effectiveness and convenience were the most important for patients. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of therapy with ramipril/amlodipine FDC in the study population was high, but slightly lower in overweigh and obese. This FDC was well tolerated and a significant number of patients satisfied with the therapy regardless of nutritional status. Although the perceived tolerance and satisfaction with treatment were lower in obese and overweight than in normal weight patients; the incidence of AE and perceived benefit from the use of a single-pill, compared to multiple tablets, were comparable irrespective of nutritional status.

The adherence and illness perception of patients diagnosed with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treated with polytherapy using new generation Cyclohaler.

INTRODUCTION: The factors influencing adherence of patients diagnosed with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include the complexity of the therapy, fear of side effects of drugs, method of taking the drug, dosage regimen, polypharmacy, adverse events, knowledge about the essence of the disease and its complications, illness perception and priorities in life, training on the use of the inhaler, the duration of treatment, social support, and drug availability. AIM: To assess the adherence of patients diagnosed with asthma and COPD treated with polytherapy with fluticasone propionate and formoterol fumarate using the Fantasmino inhaler in relation to primary diagnosis and illness perception as well as patients' and doctors' opinion about this form of therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire survey covering adherence, illness perception and opinion about polytherapy using new generation Cyclohaler performed by pulmonologists, allergologists and general practitioners in 3,618 patients with asthma and 2,602 with COPD. RESULTS: On visit 1, a lower adherence rate was observed in COPD than in the asthma group (72.0% vs. 61.5%; p < 0.01). During the observation, the adherence rate increased significantly in the COPD group, only (61.5% vs. 73.0%; p < 0.01). A negative correlation between total MMAS-8 and BIPQ scores was observed in both study groups (R = -0.15; p < 0.001 and R = -0.24; p < 0.001, respectively). During the observation, a percentage of patients who believed that the administration of the two drugs in a single inhaler considerably facilitates their use increased significantly in both study groups. In addition, an increased percentage of doctors believed that this therapeutic option facilitated education of patients and decreased the number of errors made by the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The illness perception, younger age, disease duration and severity are predictors of adherence to treatment with fluticasone propionate and formoterol fumarate using the Fantasmino inhaler among patients with asthma and COPD. The positive opinion of patients and doctors about administration of fluticasone propionate and formoterol fumarate using the Fantasmino inhaler increased during observation.