Enhanced adherence to HCV therapy with higher dose ribavirin formulation: final analyses from the ADHERE registry

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Volume 32 Issue 4, Pages 535 - 542
Published Online: 25 May 2010
Journal compilation © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

I. Alam*, T. Stainbrook † , B. Cecil ‡ & K. D. Kistler §
*Austin Hepatitis Center, Austin, TX, USA.
† DuBois Regional Medical Center, DuBois, PA, USA.
‡ Hepatitis C Treatment Centers, Louisville, KY, USA.
§ ProSanos Corporation, Harrisburg, PA, USA.

Correspondence to Dr K. D. Kistler, ProSanos Corporation, 225 Market St. suite 502, Harrisburg, PA 17101, USA.
E-mail: Kristin.david@prosanos.com

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 535–542

ABSTRACT

Background
Poor adherence to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment is an important cause of treatment failure. Traditional ribavirin 200 mg (RBV) treatment is associated with a significant daily pill burden. RibaPak (RBP), available as 400 mg and 600 mg ribavirin tablets, offers simplified dosing at two pills daily.

Aim
To examine whether improved adherence was associated with RBP vs. RBV.

Methods
Accurate Dosing in Hepatitis C: Examining the RibaPak Experience (ADHERE) was a U.S., multi-centre, prospective registry capturing data on adherence with RBP vs. RBV in adults with HCV. Adherence was measured by the proportion of subjects remaining on treatment at weeks 4, 12 and 24; by pill counts; and by the proportion of subjects who took ≥80% of their prescribed dose.

Results
A total of 503 patients (RBP = 346, RBV = 157) from 33 sites were included. A greater proportion of RBV vs. RBP subjects prematurely discontinued treatment. At 12 and 24 weeks, a greater proportion of RBP vs. RBV subjects took ≥80% of their prescribed doses (P < 0.05). For patients who remained on treatment, the mean milligrams missed per day was significantly greater for RBV vs. RBP at 24 weeks.

Conclusions
First line treatment with RBP may offer the best prospect for less discontinuation and improved treatment adherence.

Publication data Submitted 30 March 2010 First decision 16 April 2010 Resubmitted 20 May 2010 Accepted 21 May 2010 Epub Accepted Article 25 May 2010

DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER (DOI)

10.1111/j.1365-2036.2010.04381.x About DOI
 
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