Psoriasis patient preferences for topical drugs: a systematic review

Abstract

Background

Topical drugs are recommended first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate psoriasis. However, patient preferences for the topical drugs differ, since a wide variety of topical drugs and topical drug formulations are available.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate psoriasis patient preferences for topical drugs.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed for English-language articles in Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Cinahl, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library.

Results

Four surveys, six randomized controlled trials, and two prospective studies of mainly good quality were included. Seven of the studies investigated patient preferences for topical drug formulations, while five studies investigated their preferences for different topical drugs. Overall, patients preferred drugs that are easy to apply, less messy, and have a pleasant scent.

Conclusion

Psoriasis patient preferences for topical drugs differ. There is no one topical drug or topical drug formulation that suits everyone, which shows the importance of individualized prescriptions for topical drugs that are based on shared decision-making between the prescriber and patient.

Keywords:

• Patient preferences
• psoriasis
• topical drugs

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Acknowledgements

Medical researchers at Odense University Hospital Library helped formulate the block search strategy and search method design.

Disclosure statement

MTS and KEA have received funding from LEO Pharma. SRF is a speaker for Janssen and Taro, a consultant and speaker for Galderma, Stiefel/GlaxoSmithKline, Abbott Labs, Leo Pharma Inc. and has received grants from Galderma, Janssen, Abbott Labs, Amgen, Celgene, and Anacor. SRF is also a consultant for Amgen, Baxter, Caremark, Gerson Lehrman Group, Guidepoint Global, Hanall Pharmaceutical Co Ltd., Kikaku, Lilly, Merck & Co Inc., Merz Pharmaceuticals, Mylan, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Inc., Qurient, Suncare Research, and Xenoport, on an advisory board for Pfizer Inc., the founder of and a shareholder in Causa Research, and a shareholder in and majority owner of Medical Quality Enhancement Corporation. In addition, he receives royalties from UpToDate and Xlibris.