Transdermal rivastigmine patches for Alzheimer's disease in Colombia: Experience and perception study

Abstract

Background: Dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive and functional decline, eventually leading to death. In Colombia, approximately 260,000 people over 60 years of age suffer from AD. Therapeutic options include acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, such as donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine, which are used to treat mild to moderate AD. Rivastigmine in transdermal patch allows controlled release of the drug for 24 hours, improving tolerability at higher doses. The purpose of this research was to describe the experience and perception of the use of Exelon^® and generic rivastigmine transdermal patches in Colombia.

Materials and methods: Study of experience and perception of the use of Exelon^® brand versus generic rivastigmine transdermal patches for the management of Alzheimer's disease, divided into 2 phases: quantitative and qualitative; The survey was conducted using dichotomous questions and Likert-type scales regarding satisfaction, preference, and specific properties of rivastigmine patches in 55 caregivers, and perception questions in 5 specialist physicians and 5 caregivers.

Results: The perception of satisfaction with rivastigmine transdermal patches showed that 67% of caregivers rated the Exelon^® patch with a high level of satisfaction, compared to 45% for the generic patch. Although there were no statistically significant differences in comfort and other attributes, caregivers reported greater overall satisfaction and less dissatisfaction with Exelon^® compared to the generic patch. Additionally, 60% of caregivers preferred Exelon® (vs. 38%) over the generic patch, a difference that was significant. Qualitative analysis revealed that Exelon® is perceived as having higher quality and effectiveness, while the adhesion issues of the generic patch lead specialists to question its effectiveness.

Discussion: Although Exelon^® was generally preferred, both patch types showed specific advantages, suggesting that selection should be tailored to individual patient needs. Initiation of other medications in some cases reflected challenges in symptom management, but all patients reported overall improvements after switching to the Exelon^® patch.

Conclusions: Exelon^® rivastigmine transdermal patches are more preferred over generic patches. Variability in perceived comfort and ease of use indicates the need for personalized patch selection.