Patient compliance improving

Some adults, as well as most young children, have difficulty swallowing medications formulated as standard pills (tablets and capsules).When oral medications are needed, drug therapy can be more efficient, and patient compliance improved, by prescribing medications formulated as chewable tablets, solutions, or suspensions, which are usually flavored to improve taste and are easily swallowed. 

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) consists of repeating units of ethylene glycol forming linear or branched polymers with different molecular masses. Pegylation is the process by which PEG chains are covalently attached to lEN molecules. Pegylation confers a number of properties on lEN-a molecules, such as sustained blood levels that enhance antiviral effectiveness and reduce adverse reactions, as well as a longer half-life and improved patient compliance (Kozlowski et al. 2001). 

Although nodular-cystic forms required eight to ten applications, a significant improvement of the coexisting post-acne superficial scarring was noted. The procedure was well tolerated and patient compliance was excellent [12]. In the treatment of atrophic acne scars (Fig. 2.6),... 

Advantages Simplified regimen for patient Increased patient compliance at home Decreased labor Decreased costs Decreased risk of contamination (due to less manipulation) Minimize infusion-related reactions from intravenous lipid emulsions Decreased vein irritation (especially with PPN) Improved stability compared to TNA Increased number of compatible medications Decreased bacterial growth compared to TNA Easier visual inspection Can use 0.22-micron bacterial retention filter Cost savings if unused (i.e. not spiked) intravenous lipid emulsion can be reused... 

Virtually all therapeutic proteins must enter the blood in order to promote a therapeutic effect. Such products must usually be administered parenterally. However, research continues on the development of non-parenteral routes which may prove more convenient, less costly and obtain improved patient compliance. Alternative potential delivery routes include transdermal, nasal, oral and bucal approaches, although most progress to date has been recorded with pulmonary-based delivery systems (Chapter 4). An inhaled insulin product ( Exubera , Chapters 4 and 11) was approved in 2006 for the treatment of type I and II diabetes. 

Sustained-release theophylline preparations improve patient compliance and achieve more consistent serum concentrations than rapid-release theophylline and aminophylline preparations. Caution should be used in switching from one sustained-release preparation to another because there are considerable variations in sustained-release characteristics. 

Study of drug delivery systems to improve effective presentation of the drug to patients for enhancing certain characteristics and improving patient compliance... 

Most of the drug delivery systems that have been studied for clinical application are capable of rate- and/or time-controlled drug release. The therapeutic advantages in these approaches lie in the in vivo predictability of release rate, minimized peak plasma levels, predictable and extended duration of action and reduced inconvenience of frequent re-dosing and hence, improved patient compliance [1]. 

The high efficiency and selectivity of the natural siderophores in binding iron(lll) inspired attempts to develop siderophore analogs with improved iron-scavenging properties amenable for chelation therapy. A most pertinent example is desferrioxamine B (DFO), where low patient compliance generates the need for developing oral means of administration for... 

Gutheil, T.G. (1977) Improving patient compliance psychodynamics in drug prescribing. Drug Ther 7 82-83, 87, 89-91, 95. 

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