(238) A Web-Based Survey of Patients Dispensed Viagra Connect Behind the Counter in the UK: An Evaluation of The Effectiveness of Additional Risk Minimization Measures

Publication Number: 912

Background: Viagra Connect® (VC [a behind-the-counter, pharmacist-supervised sildenafil citrate]) was launched in the United Kingdom (UK) in April 2018 for erectile dysfunction (ED). Before and after its launch, a pharmacist education program of additional risk minimization measures (aRMM, as defined by EMA), comprising a training guide and a checklist regarding the safe use of VC was implemented. Using online resources, printed materials and in-store face-to-face sessions, pharmacists were trained to assess ED patients’ suitability of VC and to advise them to see their doctors within 6 months.

Objectives: As part of the aRMM evaluation, this survey assessed whether patients were evaluated appropriately and were advised by pharmacists, at the time of VC dispensing, to see their doctors.

Methods: This study was a cross-sectional web-based structured survey. Patients who were dispensed VC at pharmacies across UK were screened for eligibility between October 2020 and June 2021. Statistical methods included counts and proportions.

Results: A total of 412 patients who were dispensed VC at 96 pharmacies across UK were eligible. Of 303 (73.5%) eligible respondents, 297 (98.0%) completed the survey for analysis. In assessing the suitability of VC use, most of the respondents reported that at the time of VC dispensing their pharmacists asked questions regarding their blood pressure and heart conditions (91.9%), other illnesses (87.9%) and concomitant medications usage (86.5%). 82.2% of them reported being asked about ED and 71.7% of them recalled being asked if their doctor has said that they were not fit enough for physical and/or sexual activity. About half (51.2%) of the patients reported being advised by the pharmacist to see their doctor. A majority (65.0%) of the 297 respondents reported that they had either visited (19.2%) or planned to visit (45.8%) their doctor in near future. In addition, 68.7% of them said that they had received advice on lifestyle modifications to manage their ED-related health risks.

Conclusions: This survey suggested that patients are being assessed appropriately for the suitability of VC, although only half received advice from pharmacists to see their doctors. Inherent limitations of surveys, including selection bias, reliance of respondent recall and self-reported data, should be considered.