E-DRUG: KENYA: Malaria drug effectiveness hit by under-dosage (2)
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[To Rob's question: FDCs will give better adherence than co-blisters. Unfortunately, WHO do not exclude co-blisters but recommend FDCs. It was tried to make FDCs a requirement for the ongoing AMFm-project, but it was decided to follow WHO guidelines and try incentives to encourage FDCs. The number of manufacturers of FDCs is limited. Still, of course, it is possible to take less than prescribed. And side effects may vary between combinations and could also be a cause of poor adherence. Moderator]
Hi all,
I remember a discussion, here at e-drug some years ago, on the pre-packed
artemether-lumefantrine tablets (i.e. same tablets in 4 different package
forms) promoted by manufacturers claiming better adherence. However, without evidence and making life complicated for all involved in making essential medicines available and affordable. The report by ko/eo/mw (who are they?)[probably the researchers, eo would be Eric Onyango. The moderator cannot find the report in the open domain] seems to confirm that the pre-packaging of tablets are no factor when discussing adherence, at least it is quite remarkable that there is no mention about it at all. Can we finally let go of this expensive and inefficient way of packaging tablets (and can this finally made the view of the United Nations)?
Kind regards,
Rob Verhage
HERA Pharmaceutical Consultant
Tawajakoerastraat 4
Paramaribo
Suriname
+597 438966 or 8888647
www.hera.eu
verhager@gmail.com