The Particulars: In previous research, fixed-dose combinations of antihypertensive drugs have been shown to reduce the pill burden for patients. However, studies are lacking on whether combination medications help improve patient adherence among patients with hypertension.
Data Breakdown: American investigators compared adherence to single-, double-, and triple-pill regimens among more than 17,000 adults who were diagnosed with hypertension and treated with three antihypertensive medications. The adherence rate among patients treated with single-pill therapy was 55.3%, compared with rates of 40.4% for patients on double-pill therapy and 32.6% for those on triple-pill therapy.
Take Home Pearl: Single-pill antihypertensive combinations appear to lessen pill burden among adults with hypertension when compared with double- and triple-pill treatment regimens.
