
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Bryant, Linda 
A1  - Martini, Nataly 
A1  - Chan, Jacky 
A1  - Chang, Lisa 
A1  - Marmoush, Ahmed 
A1  - Robinson, Belinda 
A1  - Yu, Karen 
A1  - Wong, Many 
T1  - Could the polypill improve adherence? The patient perspective
JF  - Journal of Primary Health Care
JO  - J Prim Health Care
Y1  - 2013
VL  - 5
IS  - 1
SP  - 28
EP  - 35
KW  - 
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/HC13028 
N2  - INTRODUCTION: Multiple medications are recommended for the management of ischaemic heart disease. Unfortunately, increasing the number of medicines reduces adherence to medicines therapy. The concept of a polypill with a fixed dose combination of the common cardiovascular medicines (aspirin, statin, two blood pressure&#x96;lowering medicines) has been promoted. Patient perceptions about this concept have not been explored. METHODS: People taking at least three cardiovascular medicines were interviewed using a semi-structured interview about their views on a polypill that could reduce the number of tablets they would need to take. FINDINGS: The participants considered that the polypill would be very convenient, especially when travelling and would reduce the pill burden. If the polypill was subsidised by the government, they would have reduced dispensing fee costs. There were concerns around the inflexibility of dosing of individual components of the polypill, and some concerns about safety and efficacy. Medical practitioners were identified as having an important role in influencing participants about the acceptability of the polypill. CONCLUSION: Generally the concept of the polypill was acceptable to participants, primarily because of the convenience and reduced number of tablets required daily. There were concerns about whether the polypill would be as effective and safe as the individual medicines. KEYWORDS: Cardiovascular diseases; medication adherence; prevention 
ER  -

