Asthma Study Reveals Treatment Concerns Patients Skip Medication To Avoid Side Effects

FAIRFAX, Va., Aug 25, 1999

PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- A study published in the August issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology indicates that more than 60 percent of asthma patients suffer from medication side effects. The study, which was conducted among the membership of the Allergy and Asthma Network-Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc.

(AAN-MA), reveals that up to one-third of adults and almost one-quarter of pediatric patient caregivers reporting side effects had skipped doses or taken less medicine than prescribed in an attempt to reduce medication side effects and improve quality of life.

"Physicians may be surprised to find that such a large proportion oftheir patients experience intolerable side effects such as shakiness and jitteriness, which cause them to forego symptom relieving medicine," commented Martha White, MD, Director of Research at the Institute for Asthma and Allergy at Washington Hospital Center and lead author on the article.

"It's sad to think that so many people find that side effects from their bronchodilators, which are supposed to relieve asthma symptoms, cause symptoms which are sometimes more bothersome than the shortness of breath they are supposed to relieve."

 

AAN-MA

AAN-MA - Allergy and Asthma Network-Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc., a leading grassroots education and advocacy organization, assists the more than 50 million people who have allergies and asthma, and their families, so theycan better manage these diseases in their daily lives. AAN-MA offers these tips for minimizing bronchodilator side effects: -- Tell your physician about the frequency and severity of side effects -- Check your technique -- make sure you are inhaling correctly -- Use a holding chamber For more information about how to gain better control of asthma and treatment side effects, AAN-MA offers a customized asthma management plan. For more information call 1-800-264-5228 or visit the web site at www.aanma.org. AAN-MA also offers a quarterly magazine called, "ALLERGY AND ASTHMA HEALTH," which teaches people how to take charge of their respiratory health. According to Ms. Sander, the recently launched publication is the patient and family's only in-depth, unbiased, infomercial-free resource for factual information, advice and support.

"We weren't surprised to find that many patients experience side effects and that a solid percentage of them are skipping doses," said Nancy Sander, president and founder of AAN-MA. "While asthma medications offer relief when used, their effects can disrupt the routine of the entire family.

Caregivers of children with asthma often complain about bronchodilator side effects that make their child hyperactive or unable to sleep at night. Adults with asthma have concerns about feeling jittery or inattentive at work or important social occasions."

The 1810-patient study also documented that the groups more likely tohave emergency room visits, unscheduled doctor visits or be sent home from workor school for asthma had been classified by their physicians as having "mild asthma." Asthma accounts for one in six of all pediatric emergency visits in the U.S. and an estimated 10 million lost school days annually. People over 18 years of age are estimated to lose 3 million work days due to asthma each year.

"It is unusual for patients with mild asthma to experience these kindsof emergency episodes when asthma is well-controlled," commented Dr. White. "Whether these events occurred after missed or decreased doses is unclear. However, the compliance issues brought to light by this study are a call-to- action for more comprehensive asthma education and follow-up by physicians and other medical caregivers."

Physicians' Reactions to Patient Concerns A clear majority of respondents -- 57 to 79 percent of pediatric patients' parents and 63 to 79 percent of adult patients, depending on dosage forms used -- experience unwanted side effects from bronchodilators, the most widely used form of anti-asthma drug.

Although more than four out of five parents of users of all types of bronchodilators discussed medication side effects with their physicians, the study found that less than four percent perceived their physicians as prepared to discuss concerns, possibly because of the lack of alternatives. Parents reported that only 16-24 percent of physicians were willing to change the dose, frequency, or brand of bronchodilator treatment regimens with the goal of minimizing side effects, although there are currently a growing variety of treatment options for asthma.

"Physicians have many choices of medication to control asthma but unfortunately not many of the choices eliminate side effects," said Dr. White. "Oftentimes the benefit of the medication outweighs the risk and we haveto ask patients to tolerate the side effects. Fortunately, new medications are being introduced every year -- some with the ability to reduce side effects without compromising efficacy -- like levalbuterol, a new bronchodilator labeled for nebulizer use in patients 12 years of age and older."

Relief from Side Effects According to Dr. White, patients who are experiencing side effects should always discuss them directly with their doctor before making any changes to their treatment. Physicians can sometimes relieve side effects with a new medication or a different dosage.

"Some doctors just aren't aware that patients find the side effects so intolerable," said Ms. Sander. "Approaching your doctor with your concerns is a step toward breathing easier, but you can also take some steps on your own."

 

This study was supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Sepracor Inc.

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