Persistence Rate with Tadalafil for Treatment of Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

OBJECTIVES

We examined the persistence rate with tadalafil for treatment of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and explored the factors relevant to withdrawal.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively collected the data of male patients who received tadalafil treatment for LUTS. The persistence rate and the reason for withdrawal were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 155 patients were examined. Mean age and mean observation period were 71.9 (48-93) years and 15.1 (1-52) months, respectively. During the observation period, 74 patients (48%) withdrew tadalafil. The Kaplan-Meier curve indicated a 58% persistence rate at 1 year. The reasons for withdrawal included insufficient efficacy (31 patients, 42%), adverse events (21 patients, 28%), or symptom improvement (8 patients, 11%). Patients who continued tadalafil were significantly younger than those who withdrew it due to insufficient efficiency (71.4 ± 9.6 vs. 74.9 ± 9.1 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients withdrew tadalafil due to insufficient efficacy. Older patients are likely to withdraw the treatment because of insufficient efficacy, thus, tadalafil for male LUTS could be more effective for younger patients.