Effects of the transition from bottle to PTP packaging of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide on medication management

Abstract Background Press-through packaging (PTP) is widely used for oral medications in Japan. In contrast, many antiretroviral agents have traditionally been supplied in bottles, making their packaging distinct from that of most other oral medications. Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) was the first antiretroviral agent in Japan to adopt PTP packaging in addition to bottle packaging. This study aimed to evaluate changes in medication management practices and patient perceptions of packaging among patients who experienced the transition from bottle-packaged to PTP-packaged B/F/TAF and to investigate the impact of this transition on daily medication management. Methods This study was a single-center, prospective, questionnaire-based study conducted at Hiroshima Citizens Hospital. The questionnaires were administered before the transition from bottle-packaged to PTP-packaged B/F/TAF and at least 3 months after the transition. The questionnaires assessed medication management practices, perceptions of packaging, and satisfaction with the packaging. In addition, free-text responses regarding the packaging were collected. Results A total of 15 participants were included in this study. During the bottle packaging survey, 5 participants (33.3%) reported being satisfied with the packaging, whereas 12 (80.0%) reported being satisfied in the PTP packaging survey. The number of participants who reported transferring B/F/TAF to another container, such as a pill organizer, decreased from 6 (40.0%) before the transition to 2 (13.3%) after the transition. Compared with bottle packaging, more participants perceived PTP packaging as being easier to carry and allowing easier confirmation of the remaining tablets. Free-text responses indicated that the smaller printed medication name was perceived as beneficial for privacy and that the absence of noise when carrying the medication was appreciated. Conclusions Our findings suggest that PTP packaging of B/F/TAF may improve patient satisfaction by addressing concerns regarding portability and privacy. Furthermore, this packaging transition may contribute to favorable changes in daily medication management practices among people living with HIV.