Abstract

Objective We conducted a multicentre, observational, non-interventional evaluation of adherence (by tablet counting) to an Extended-Release (XR) metformin preparation (Glucophage® XR) as antidiabetic monotherapy in 201 patients with type 2 diabetes in the routine care setting. Research design and methods Patients had previously received immediate-release metformin for at least 8 weeks, followed by metformin XR for at least 4 weeks. The duration of follow-up was 6 months. Main outcome measures Adherence to therapy and patient's preferences for extended-release vs. immediate release formulations. Results Adherence to metformin XR was "excellent" (> 90%) in 194 patients (96.5%) and "good" (> 75%) in the remaining 7 patients (3.5%). Almost all patients (194/201; 96.5%) expressed a preference for metformin XR compared with immediate-release metformin, 6 patients preferred immediate-release metformin (3.0%) and the remaining patient (0.5%) expressed no preference. Greater convenience of treatment was the most common reason driving patient preference for a regimen (cited by 88.6% of the overall population). Fasting blood glucose was high (according to local laboratory reference ranges) in 57% of patients at baseline and 42% at study end; corresponding percentages for elevated HbA1c were 48% and 43%, respectively. Metformin XR was well tolerated. Conclusions This population of type 2 diabetes patients managed in the usual care setting adhered well to an extended-release metformin regimen, with strong preference overall for this regimen over their previous immediate-release metformin regimen.

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