488 A 6 MONTH STUDY EVALUATING THE COMPLIANCE OF PATIENTS TREATED WITH A FIXED DOSE COMBINATION ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE THERAPY, EXFORGE (AMLODIPINE/VALSARTAN) IN SOUTH AFRICA. (THE EXCEED SOUTH AFRICAN SURVEY)

Abstract

Objectives: Amlodipine/valsartan) is a fixed dose combination pill combining 2 antihypertensive compounds with complementary mechanisms of action. The study aimed to determine compliance in South African patients treated with amlodipine/valsartan and to evaluate compliance in different cardiovascular risk categories. Methods: A multicentre observational study was conducted on 366 patients with essential hypertension, treated with amlodipine/valsartan for ≤ 1 month. 3 visits were scheduled: enrolment, month 2 and 6. Patients were stratified according to cardiovascular risk (ESH/ESC guidelines): category 1 (average, low and moderate risk), or category 2 (high and very high risk). Compliance was evaluated as very good ≥ 80% (missed ≤ 6 tablets per month) or poor <80% (missed > 6 tablets per month).Data on antihypertensives and concomitant medications were collected. Results: 366 patients were enrolled (52% males; 48% females) with 340 patients at visit 2 and 306 at visit 3. Adverse events were responsible for study discontinuation in 7.1% patients, most commonly peripheral oedema (1.1%). Compliance data are summarised in the following graph:Conclusions: Patients on single pill combination therapy with amlodipine/valsartan demonstrated very good compliance regardless of cardiovascular risk and number of chronic medications including additional antihypertensives.