2021 Volume 114 Issue 10 Pages 791-800
A transdermal patch containing emedastine difumarate (ALLESAGA® TAPE) was the first transdermal drug delivery system developed for allergic rhinitis, including Japanese cedar pollinosis, in Japan. However, only few studies have been conducted to determine its clinical efficacy, usability and satisfaction level of the patients.
We prospectively evaluated the efficacy of emedastine patch treatment in 41 patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis.
The efficacy of treatment was better in those who were treated prior to massive pollen dispersal than in those who were treated after massive pollen dispersal. More than 60% of the patients were satisfied with the emedastine patch treatment, and more than 70% of the patients wished to continue the treatment. In addition, the medication adherence rate was more than 90%.
The plasma concentrations of medications increase more slowly with dermal patch formulations than with oral formulations. Owing to its slow effect on the clinical status, the application of emedastine patch treatment in patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis may need to be started prior to massive pollen dispersal for obtaining greater efficacy.
