Patient and physician perspectives on the attributes of nasal allergy medications

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis (AR) often requires regular prophylactic use of allergy medications for the effective long-term management of nasal symptoms. However, patient adherence to AR treatment is frequently poor. The Allergies in America survey of nasal allergy sufferers assessed 2500 adults diagnosed with AR. Four hundred healthcare professionals also participated in this survey. Participants were interviewed about their perceptions of the effectiveness and tolerability of AR medications and the relationship of these parameters to patient satisfaction with therapy. Only 15% of nasal allergy sufferers reported that their intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) provided complete symptom relief, and 48% of patients indicated that their INCS did not provide 24-hour symptom relief. Healthcare professionals agreed that intranasal corticosteroids do not provide complete 24-hour symptom relief. The most commonly reported adverse effects of all nasal allergy medications were a drying feeling (47%), dripping down the throat (41%), drowsiness (37%), bad taste (32%), burning (17%), and headaches (16%). Many patients indicated that these adverse effects were moderately or extremely bothersome. Thirty-two percent and 25% of patients, respectively, discontinued treatment because their nasal allergy medications did not provide 24-hour symptom relief or were associated with bothersome adverse effects. Patients and healthcare professionals do not believe that INCSs provide complete 24-hour symptom relief. In general, allergy medications also are perceived as conferring unpleasant adverse effects. Lack of efficacy and bothersome adverse effects contribute to lack of satisfaction with treatment and treatment discontinuation in patients with AR.