SUFFERN, N.Y., May 30 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey reveals that 79 percent of women undergoing treatment for infertility were required to use a combination of injectable medications in their most recent treatment cycle, but only 30 percent were able to administer those medications via a single injection each day. Nearly two-thirds of patients indicated that they would ask their doctor for a single injection per day treatment option if they knew it was available to fulfill their treatment protocol.
The nationwide survey, sponsored by Ferring Pharmaceuticals, was conducted online by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association from January 15 through January 26, 2006. The majority of the 238 respondents were between the ages of 27 and 40, with nearly two-thirds in treatment for infertility more than a year. More than half of the respondents used both a needle and syringe and pen (an injection device that resembles a ball point pen) to administer their injectable medications; one-third used only a needle and syringe and 10 percent only a pen.
"We would like to see more patients who must combine their medication for their infertility treatment be able to administer their medication just once- a-day," said William Keye, M.D., director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at William Beaumont Hospital. "With once-daily dosing, the benefits to the patient are significant -- there is less anxiety, burden, teaching time and chance for error."
As expected, more patients were anxious about administering their medication using a needle and syringe than a pen, however, patients required to use both a needle and syringe and pen experienced even greater levels of anxiety. Among this latter group, nearly 17 percent reported considerable to very severe anxiety when they had to inject their medication more than once per day.
While only two percent of all pen users discarded a pen because it failed to work properly, approximately 40 percent of pen users acknowledged they needed to discard a pen on one or more occasions because it contained insufficient medication for their next dose and 44 percent discarded a pen with medication in it at the completion of their treatment cycle. Only one- third (34 percent) of patients using the pen opted to use the diary typically accompanying it to record the amount of medication remaining in the pen. More (45 percent), however, simply chose to estimate amounts based on their daily dose.
"This survey uncovered continuing anxieties and challenges that patients undergoing treatment for infertility are facing," said Olivier Delannoy, vice president, infertility business unit, Ferring Pharmaceuticals. "We feel it is critical for the industry to take the lead in simplifying the patient care journey and reducing hurdles that contribute to a more arduous process for the majority of those treated."
"RESOLVE continues to encourage and support additional research into the diagnosis, treatment and emotional challenges related to infertility and reproductive health," said Joseph C. Isaacs, president and CEO, RESOLVE. "The more we know about infertility and can simplify the treatment process, the better we can support the millions of women and men struggling to have a baby."
General Demographics and Treatment History
* The majority of respondents (83%) were between 27 and 40 years of age. * One-third of the respondents had been in treatment for less than one year; nearly two-thirds for more than one year. * More than one-third (34%) of the respondents had undergone four or more cycles of injectable medications for ovulation induction; more than half (54%) had undergone one or two IVF cycles using injectable medications. * The vast majority (79%) used multiple injectable medications in their most recent treatment cycle. * However, only 30% of the respondents were able to administer their medications in one injection per day. * Nearly two-thirds (64%) of the respondents indicated that they would ask their doctor for a single injection per day treatment option if they knew it was available. * Most patients did not request specific products (78%), however, when they did, Follistim (8%), Gonal-f (7%) and Menopur (5%) were the three most frequently requested brands. * More than half of the respondents (52%) used both a needle and syringe and pen to administer their injectable medications; one-third (34%) used a needle and syringe only; and 10% used a pen only.
About RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association is the oldest and largest consumer-based, nonprofit group in the United States providing education, advocacy and support on behalf of those struggling with infertility. Founded in 1974, RESOLVE and its network of more than 40 chapters across the U.S. handle over 1.5 million contacts each year from people seeking information and compassionate support to help them address a reproductive system disease now afflicting 7.3 million in the United States or 12.5 percent of all couples of childbearing age. For more information visit www.resolve.org.
About Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Ferring Pharmaceuticals is part of the Ferring Group, a privately owned, international pharmaceutical company. The Company markets BRAVELLE(R) (urofollitropin for injection, purified), MENOPUR(R) (menotropins for injection, USP), REPRONEX(R) (menotropins for injection, USP) and NOVAREL(R) (chorionic gonadotropin for injection, USP) in the U.S. to infertility specialists and their patients, and EUFLEXXA(TM) (highly purified hyaluronan) for patients with pain from knee osteoarthritis. Other products include ACTHREL(R) (corticorelin ovine triflutate for injection) for the differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome and generic DESMOPRESSIN ACETATE in injectable and rhinal tube forms for the treatment of diabetes insipidus and primary nocturnal enuresis.
The Ferring Group specializes in the research, development and commercialization of compounds in general and pediatric endocrinology, urology, gastroenterology, obstetrics/gynecology and infertility. For more information, call 888-FERRING or visit www.ferringusa.com or www.ferringfertility.com.
Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.CONTACT: Andrea Preston, Kovak-Likly Communications, +1-203-762-8833,apreston@klcpr.com, for Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.
