Combination Therapy to Reduce Adverse Effects and Increase Compliance
One of the ways compliance can be improved is by using a combination tablet. A study has demonstrated improved persistence with prescription refills and patient compliance using a combination pill (Figure 10). Lisinopril/HCTZ combination was compared with separate lisinopril and HCTZ tablets. At the end of a year, there was an 18.8% difference in persistence favoring the combination pill.[44]
Drug persistence rates at 12 months in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients administered lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) as two separate pills (lisinopril) vs. a single combination tablet (lisinopril/HCTZ). Reprinted with permission from Manag Care. 2000;9(9 suppl):S2-S6.[44]
© 2005 Le Jacq Communications, Inc.
Cite this: Quality of Life and Antihypertensive Drug Therapy - Medscape - May 01, 2005.