Patient Preference and Adherence (Jun 2024)
A Web-Based Survey of Patients Dispensed Viagra Connect® Behind the Counter in UK: An Evaluation of Effectiveness of Additional Risk Minimization Measures
Abstract
Jim Z Li,1 Joanna Asia Lem,2 Muhammad Younus,2 Shaantanu S Donde,3 Janine Collins,4 Kelly H Zou1 1Global Medical Analytics, Real-World Evidence, and Health Economics & Outcomes Research Viatris Inc., Canonsburg, PA, USA; 2Safety Surveillance Research, Worldwide Medical and Safety, Pfizer Inc, New York, NY, USA; 3Medical Affairs - Developed Markets, Viatris Inc., Dorking, UK; 4Safety, Epidemiology, Registries and Risk Management Department, UBC, Geneve, SwitzerlandCorrespondence: Kelly H Zou, Global Medical Analytics, Real-World Evidence, and Health Economics & Outcomes Research, Viatris Inc., Canonsburg, PA, USA, Tel +1.212-722-0087, Email [email protected]: A national additional risk minimization measures (aRMMs) program was implemented to train pharmacists for safe supply of non-prescription Viagra Connect® (VC) to erectile dysfunction (ED) patients in United Kingdom (UK). A survey aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of aRMMs.Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey enrolled ED patients who purchased at least 1 supply of VC in UK, using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Patients were assessed for the suitability of VC and received appropriate advice from pharmacists. Descriptive statistics were used.Results: The final sample had 297 patients, who reported that pharmacists inquired about blood pressure and heart comorbidities (91.9%), relevant illnesses (87.9%), medications (86.5%), ED diagnosis (82.2%), and were advised to consult their doctor regarding ED (51.2%). Furthermore, 85.5% of patients were advised on how to take VC correctly, 82.2% on possible side effects for which they might have to discontinue taking VC and consult their doctor, 80.1% on being informed that ED could be caused by underlying conditions. About 65.0% reported that they had visited (19.2%) or planned to visit (45.8%) their doctor. A majority (68.7%) also indicated that they had received advice on lifestyle modifications to manage their ED-related health risks.Conclusion: This survey provided a reasonable confirmation of the effectiveness of the VC aRMMs program and assurance that ED patients, when requesting and purchasing VC in UK pharmacies, are assessed appropriately for suitability of VC and receive the appropriate advice from pharmacists.Plain Language Summary: A national additional risk minimization measures (aRMMs) program was implemented to train pharmacists for safe supply of non-prescription VC to erectile dysfunction (ED) patients in United Kingdom (UK).A cross-sectional, web-based survey enrolled ED patients who purchased at least 1 supply of VC in UK, using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Patients were assessed for the suitability of VC and received appropriate advice from pharmacists.The final sample had 297 patients, who reported that pharmacists inquired about blood pressure and heart comorbidities, relevant illnesses, medications, ED diagnosis, and were advised to consult their doctor regarding ED. Additionally, most of the patients had consulted or planned to consult their doctors, on how to take VC correctly, on possible side effects for which they might have to discontinue taking VC and consult their doctor, on being informed that ED could be caused by underlying conditions, and on lifestyle modifications. A majority also indicated that they had received advice on lifestyle modifications to manage their ED-related health risks.This survey provided a reasonable confirmation of the effectiveness of the VC aRMMs program and assurance that ED patients, when requesting and purchasing VC in UK pharmacies, are assessed appropriately for suitability of VC and receive the appropriate advice from pharmacists.Keywords: aRMM, erectile dysfunction, pharmacist, sildenafil citrate
