Open-label study to evaluate the treatment continuation rate after a dose reduction of lubiprostone due to onset of adverse events

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the continuation rate with a reduced lubiprostone dose (12 mcg twice daily, BD) after the onset of adverse events (AEs) in patients with chronic constipation (CC). Methods In this exploratory, open-label, multicenter study, patients with CC received lubiprostone 24 mcg BD and the dose was reduced to 12 mcg BD in subjects experiencing AEs. The primary objective was the continuation rate after dose reduction due to nausea/vomiting. Secondary objectives included the continuation rate after dose reduction due to diarrhea/any AE and efficacy, including changes in number of weekly bowel movements and Bristol Stool Form Scale. Results Of the 146 patients included in the study, 42 (28.8%) received lubiprostone 12 mcg BD (dose-reduced group) due to any AE. Thirty-six (85.7%) subjects in the dose-reduced group continued treatment and completed the study. 22/27 (81.5%) and 17/19 (89.5%) patients in whom the dose was reduced due to nausea/vomiting or diarrhea, respectively, continued treatment. There was no clinically relevant difference in efficacy after dose reduction. Conclusion These results suggest that treatment withdrawal due to AEs associated with lubiprostone 24 mcg BD could be minimized in patients with CC after dose reduction to 12 mcg BD, thus resulting in improved long-term outcomes. Clinical trial registration Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCTs031180069)