Survey on Patient Satisfaction with the Usability and Formulation of Budesonide Rectal Foam Following a Change in Head and Applicator Shape and Properties

Abstract

Budesonide Rectal Foam (BF) was introduced in 2017 and changed in November 2022 upon request, addressing the challenges encountered with liquid rectal formulations indicated for ulcerative colitis (UC). This formulation is an important agent in the treatment of rectal to sigmoid colon lesions in moderate UC. As the characteristics of the formulation of the rectal formulation are thought to influence patient satisfaction, a survey was conducted on the formulation and patient satisfaction among patients who used BF before and after the change. The survey spanned from January 2023 to May 2023. As the primary endpoint, the same patients were evaluated on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for patient satisfaction. Significant variations in formulation usability and patient satisfaction were observed in 20 eligible patients before and after the change (p<0.05). Patient satisfaction with the formulation was strongly correlated with formulation usability, ease of pushing the head, and ease of insertion (r>0.7). The change in packaging was thought to improve the usability of the formulation and patient satisfaction. The formulation's usability and ease of insertion had a clear influence on satisfaction with the rectal formulation.