Real-world use of Permixon® in benign prostatic hyperplasia--determining appropriate monotherapy and combination treatment.

INTRODUCTION

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a major health concern for aging men. The resulting lower urinary tract symptoms may have a profound effect on a patient's quality of life and it is recognized that patient acceptability of treatment is key to decreasing the human and economic burden of the condition. Alphaadrenergic antagonists (alpha-blockers), 5-alphareductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), and phytotherapy as monotherapy or in combination, form the mainstay of medical treatment.

METHODS

The Adelphi Permixon Study, a cross-sectional study of representative consulting patients with BPH in two European countries, was undertaken to examine the reasons for choice of medication. Physicians completed patient record forms, and data were analyzed for clinical outcomes and their relationship with the choice of appropriate therapy.

RESULTS

Patients receiving combination therapies for BPH are likely to be older and are more likely to be retired than those on monotherapy. Combination therapy is adopted in the real-world setting as first-line therapy on a not-infrequent basis. The analyses demonstrated an association between choice of Permixon® (Pierre Fabre Medicament, Castres, France) as appropriate monotherapy or in combination with alpha-blockers, and the following: BPH severity; treatment of general urinary symptoms, including storage and voiding symptoms; improvement of urinary flow rate; lack of a risk of sexual problems; and reduction of inflammation. Permixon combination with an alpha-blocker is associated with benefits in terms of speed of onset of action, reduction of inflammation, and a positive benefit regarding sexual problems when compared with use of alpha-blocker monotherapy.

CONCLUSION

In the real clinical world, Permixon is considered an appropriate treatment for BPH as both monotherapy and in combination with alpha-blockers. Prescribing Permixon in combination with alpha-blockers can be demonstrated to provide benefits beyond use of either therapy alone.