Patient assessment of onset of action and overall satisfaction with ebastine fast-dissolving tablets in allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate patient perception of the onset of action and overall satisfaction with a fast-dissolving tablet (FDT) formulation of ebastine in patients with intermittent or persistent allergic rhinitis. Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional, multicenter, pharmacy-based survey involving adult patients (>18 years) with allergic rhinitis who presented with a prescription for ebastine FDT. Via a telephone interview, patients were asked to evaluate the characteristics of ebastine FDT in comparison with their previous experience with other antihistamines. Results: 100 patients with allergic rhinitis were included in the study (41 had intermittent disease, 57 persistent disease and two with unknown disease states). Patients rated ebastine FDT very highly (mean scores: 4.5–4.7 out of a possible 5) for all characteristics related to convenience, such as easy to take, easy to carry around in a bag or pocket, suitable for taking anytime/anywhere, and convenient to use. A total of 85% of patients perceived ebastine FDTs onset of action to be fast or very fast, and 77% indicated that it acted faster than their usual antihistamine. A total of 96% were satisfied or very satisfied with ebastine FDT and 98% were interested in using the drug again. Conclusions: Patients with rhinitis rate ebastine FDT very highly in terms of its formulation, convenience of use and its rapid onset of action. These characteristics resulted in a high level of individual satisfaction with the new formulation and a clear preference by the majority of patients to use ebastine FDT in the future.

Keywords::

• ebastine
• fast-dissolving tablet
• intermittent allergic rhinitis
• persistent allergic rhinitis

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This project was supported by an educational grant from Almirall SA, Barcelona. Josep Fortea and Sheila Mora are full-time employees of Almirall SA, Barcelona. Maite Artés is a full-time employee of Adelphi Targis SL, Barcelona. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript. Editorial assistance was provided by Steve Clissold, PhD, Content Ed Net, Madrid, Spain.