Publication date: 2019
Source: Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, Volume 5
Author(s): Chee-Jen Chang, Tse-Chih Chou, Chiung-Chih Chang, Ta-Fu Chen, Chaur-Jong Hu, Jong-Ling Fuh, Wenfu Wang, Chiung-Mei Chen, Winco Hsu, Chin-Chang Huang
Abstract
Introduction
The objective of the study was to assess adherence and persistence of patients treated with rivastigmine versus donepezil.
Methods
Persistence was calculated as the time from the first prescription date of rivastigmine/donepezil until discontinuation/medication switch/end of available data, whichever occurred first. Adherence was calculated as proportion of days covered and medication possession ratio.
Results
A majority of patients persisted on 4.5 and 6 mg of rivastigmine for 429 and 468 days, respectively, versus 443 and 441 days for patients receiving 5 and 10 mg of donepezil daily, respectively. Patients who initially received 1.5 mg of oral rivastigmine required a shorter time to reach a stable dose compared with those who initiated treatment at a higher dose of rivastigmine. Patients at a stable dose of 4.5 or 6 mg of rivastigmine were observed to persist longer than those at a lower dose of rivastigmine and donepezil.
Discussion
Although results indicate significant difference in persistence between rivastigmine and donepezil groups, clinical significance remains undetermined.