Patient Compliance and Associated Factors for Treatment with Alfuzosin XL 10mg (UroXatral(R))

Jung, Tae Sung; Kim, Yoon Dong; Lee, Myung Ho; Yang, Won Jae; Song, Yun Seob; Park, Young Ho

Abstract

PURPOSE: Alfuzosin XL (Sanofi-Aventis, UroXatral(R)) has to be taken just after a meal for the best efficacy due to its specific pharmacokinetics. We studied patient compliance and associated factors with regard to the correct instructions for taking alfuzosin XL.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Alfuzosin XL was prescribed to 62 patients from February to May 2008. At the first visit, we provided a prescription for alfuzosin XL with the instructions to "take one tablet just after dinner once a day". At the second visit, we evaluated patient compliance and the factors that influenced the patient compliance for taking the alfuzosin XL. The physician explained the instructions to the patients. At the third visit, we compared the compliance and associated factors with the results from the first visit.
RESULTS
A total of 50 patients completed the study. After the first visit, twenty one patients (42.0%) were not taking the alfuzosin XL according to the prescription, that is, 20 patients took alfuzosin XL before going to bed, and one patient before meals. (p<0.05) After direct instructions by a physician, 49 patients (98.0%) took the alfuzosin XL correctly. (p<0.001)
CONCLUSIONS
Taking alfuzosin XL as prescribed was accomplished in only 58% of patients. When alfuzosin XL is prescribed, the physicians should be aware of the importance of providing instructions directly to patients.