Abstract
Background
Subcutaneous injection of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for the correction of
anemia associated with chronic kidney disease is well recognized. Different delivery
devices are available, although their impact on patient-reported outcomes is limited.
Objectives
Subcutaneous delivery of darbepoetin alfa via an autoinjector prefilled pen (PFP)
and prefilled syringe (PFS) were compared and assessed according to patient-rated
preferences and perceptions.
Methods
In this single-center, randomized, open-label, double-crossover study, patients continued
using the PFS for 4 injections or were switched to the PFP for the same number of
injections, after which they were switched to the alternative device. Following further
4 injections using the new device, patients were switched back to the initial device.
Questionnaires were administered at the end of each series of injections for each
device and at the start and end of the study.
Results
For overall device preference, the majority (62%) of patients responded with PFP,
whereas 32% preferred the PFS mode of delivery. This preference for PFP was driven
by a perception of increased convenience and ease of use compared with PFS. No significant
differences in pain scores were noted between the 2 devices. Most patients rated both
devices as being “easy” or “extremely easy” to use and were either “satisfied” or
“extremely satisfied.”
Conclusion
When given the choice, most patients preferred the PFP mode of administration compared
with PFS due to convenience and ease of use. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: ACTRN12611000839909.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 17, 2012
Accepted:
August 1,
2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
