Benefits of Lopinavir/Ritonavir Tablet Over Soft Gel Capsules
Author Information
Author(s): Shannon Schrader, Susan K. Chuck, Laurie W. Rahn, Paras Parekh, Katherine G. Emrich
Primary Institution: The Schrader Clinic, Houston, USA; Abbott Virology, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, USA
Hypothesis
Does switching from soft gel capsules to a tablet formulation of lopinavir/ritonavir improve patient satisfaction and adherence?
Conclusion
The LPV/r tablet formulation provides HIV-infected patients with multiple benefits over the SGC in terms of tolerability and convenience.
Supporting Evidence
- Switching to tablets increased patient satisfaction from 60% to 80%.
- Diarrhea reports decreased significantly after switching to tablets.
- Patients preferred the tablet formulation due to fewer pills and no refrigeration needed.
Takeaway
Patients switching from soft gel capsules to tablets of a medicine for HIV found it easier to take and had fewer stomach problems.
Methodology
A market research survey was conducted with self-administered questionnaires completed by patients before and after switching from soft gel capsules to tablets.
Limitations
The survey used is not a validated instrument or quality of life measure.
Participant Demographics
Predominantly male, majority over 35 years old, with over 80% having received ART for more than one year.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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