Survival study of treatment adherence by patients given oral glycopyrrolate for hyperhidrosis following treatment failure with oral oxybutynin

Oral anticholinergics such as oxybutynin (OOx) and glycopyrrolate (OGly) are frequently used in the management of hyperhidrosis. Although OOx is considered currently the anticholinergic drug of first choice, OGly is a safe and effective alternative if OOx fails. The aim of this study was to identify the main variables associated with treatment adherence by patients receiving OGly, for whom previous treatment with OOx had failed. A prospective study was conducted of patients with hyperhidrosis receiving treatment with OGly in the period 2012 to 2019. Epidemiological variables, treatment details, effectiveness and adverse effects were recorded. A total of 58 patients (41 women), with a mean age of 35.9 years, were included in the study. The median follow-up period was 32 months. At 3 months, 70.7% of the patients had responded to treatment (excellent response: 75.6%), and adverse effects were reported by 70.7%. At 12 months, 53.4% had responded (excellent response: 74.2%), with adverse effects in 70.9%. The variables associated with poorer adherence were affected areas: palms of the hands, soles of the feet and armpits. The only variable associated with greater adherence was the generalized presence of hyperhidrosis. Our results provide valuable insights into the outcomes achieved when OGly is used to treat hyperhidrosis.