Asacol® Sponsors ScriptAssist Nurse Call-Back Program to Address Medication Adherence

CINCINNATI -- Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has partnered with ScriptAssist to offer a nurse call-back program for patients prescribed Asacol. This nationwide program will encourage patient adherence to medication through education and support. The personalized, six-month, no-cost, confidential program is offered to all patients currently taking Asacol to treat their ulcerative colitis (UC), a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), poor adherence to treatment of chronic disease is a "worldwide problem of striking magnitude." The WHO estimates that in developed nations, half of patients do not take medicines for chronic diseases in the prescribed manner.¹ In a survey of 588 patients taking chronic medications, 56 percent reported missing a dose.² Further, a recent analysis of 1,680 UC patients who initiated 5-ASA treatment showed that approximately one-third of patients were no longer on their 5-ASA therapy at three months.³

"New data show that there continues to be a steady decline in patient adherence to ulcerative colitis medication, regardless of drug formulation and dosing regimen," said Sunanda Kane, MD, associate professor of medicine, section of gastroenterology and nutrition at the University of Chicago. "A program that encourages patients through a personalized approach is an effective way to encourage patients' adherence to their UC medication."

Patients enrolled in the ScriptAssist Nurse Call-Back Program for Asacol are paired with a ScriptAssist registered nurse who, after an initial welcome call to discuss the program and adherence, periodically follows up by phone to ensure the patient is complying with his or her Asacol regimen. After each follow-up call, reports are sent to the patient's physician to update him or her about the patient's progress with the program.

"The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is committed to improving the lives of those affected by digestive diseases through education and support. We are encouraged by the ScriptAssist Program for Asacol, which can provide a valuable service to patients," said Kimberly Frederick, CCFA vice president of patient and professional services. Neglecting to take prescribed medication for a chronic disease, such as ulcerative colitis, can lead to clinical recurrence of disease symptoms.⁴

The ScriptAssist Nurse Call-Back Program for Asacol launched this past summer in New York and is now available in all 50 states.

References
1. "Adherence to Long-Term Therapies: Evidence for Action," World Health Organization Report, 2003.
2. Data from a survey conducted by National Family Opinion, 2004.
3. Magowan, S.H., et.al Am. J. Gastroenterology, Sept. 2006, Vol. 101, Issue 52, p. S447.4
4. Kane S., et al. Am J Med. 2003; 114:39-43.

Source: Procter & Gamble

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