Preference and Adherence to a Fixed-Dose Combination of Bisoprolol-Aspirin and Blood Pressure Control: Results of an Open-Label, Multicentre Study

This study assessed blood pressure (BP) control and adherence in patients given a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of bisoprolol (BIS) + aspirin (ASA) compared to those given these two drugs as separate tablets. Patients with hypertension and/or coronary heart disease treated with two-pill BIS (5-10 mg) and ASA (75-100 mg) were switched to FDC BIS + ASA (either 5/75 mg or 10/75 mg) >= 4 weeks prior to study initiation. Adherence was estimated from pill counts and patients' diaries (1-2 months and 3 months after inclusion) and using Morisky's Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) at 3 months. BP control with the two treatments was compared. A total of 356 patients were enrolled (mean (SD) age: 64.3 +/- 11.9 years, 56.5% male). Mean (SD) duration of prior treatment with two-pill BIS and ASA was 17.8 +/- 26.6 months. FDC adherence was excellent or good (>= 76%) in 98.3% and 98.0% of patients based on pill counts and patients' diaries, respectively. Overall MMAS score was 3.1 +/- 1.0. A significant decrease was observed in mean systolic BP, mean diastolic BP and heart rate over the 3-month period (all p < 0.001). FDC BIS + ASA was associated with excellent adherence and improved BP control. The majority (78.7%) of patients preferred the FDC.