The management of upper gastrointestinal symptoms: A study on community pharmacies in Italy

Keber, Enrico; Rocco, Paolo; Musazzi, Umberto M.; Morselli-Labate, Antonio Maria; Floris, N; Pedrazzini, A; Minghetti, Paola; Giua, Corrado

doi:10.3897/pharmacia.68.e66065

Cited by 2 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 46 publications

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“…In addition, the age inclusion criterion of 35–65 years enabled us to target those most likely to experience symptoms suggestive of FD. 4 , 8 The survey questions were not formally validated. However, the way questions were asked, including the provision of categorical answer options to respondents, has been used and tested for robustness and stability in several other similar studies conducted by Bayer within the past 2 years.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… 8 Italian data suggest that UGI symptoms suggestive of FD appear to be more frequent among individuals aged >35 years than among younger patients. 4 , 8 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…H 2 -blockers, prokinetics, and other types of treatment each comprised fewer than 10% of the therapies used. 4 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…2,3 A recently published cross-sectional survey of Italian community pharmacies found that among 1020 individuals suffering from at least one common gastrointestinal symptom, 12% reported postprandial fullness, 10% upper abdominal bloating, and 7% epigastric pain. 4 The most common diagnosis usually assigned to people experiencing such symptoms is functional dyspepsia (FD), characterized by UGI symptoms such as postprandial fullness, early satiation, and epigastric pain/burning in the absence of any evident structural disease; nausea, belching, or abdominal bloating can also occur. 5 Symptoms of FD are strongly linked to the ingestion of food.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A real-world evidence study evaluating Geffer effervescent granules for the symptomatic relief of digestive symptoms

et al. 2022

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Objectives: Geffer effervescent granules (active ingredients: metoclopramide, dimethicone, and sodium bicarbonate) is an established over-the-counter medication available in Italy for the symptomatic treatment of hyperacidity (pain and/or heartburn) when accompanied by slowing of gastric transit, nausea, aerophagia, and bloating, all symptoms that can occur in functional dyspepsia and can negatively impact individuals’ quality of life. The aim of this observational study was to explore the perceived benefits of, and consumer experience with, Geffer effervescent granules used for the symptomatic treatment of digestive disorders suggestive of functional dyspepsia under real-life conditions in Italy. Methods: Adults (aged 35–65 years) experiencing symptoms suggestive of functional dyspepsia/indigestion at least once a month and who had used Geffer effervescent granules within the previous 6 months completed an online questionnaire eliciting information on symptom relief (speed of onset and duration) and quality of life. Results: Geffer effervescent granules provided rapid onset of symptom relief, with 21% of respondents perceiving an effect within 10 min and 88% reporting an improvement in overall symptoms within 30 min. A similarly rapid onset of complete resolution of gastric pain/cramps, acidity, bloating, nausea, and bothersome fullness symptoms was reported by 65%–83% of respondents; 50%–59% of respondents were free from such symptoms for more than 3 h or until the next meal. Most participants (92%) reported that their quality of life improved when taking Geffer effervescent granules to treat hyperacidity symptoms. Overall, 95% of the respondents were satisfied with the effectiveness of Geffer effervescent granules on overall symptom relief. Conclusions: In Italian consumers with digestive disorders likely due to functional dyspepsia, Geffer effervescent granules was associated with rapid, complete, and durable relief of symptoms of gastric pain/cramps, acidity, bloating, nausea, and bothersome fullness; an improvement in quality of life; and a high level of consumer satisfaction.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… 8 Italian data suggest that UGI symptoms suggestive of FD appear to be more frequent among individuals aged >35 years than among younger patients. 4 , 8 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…H 2 -blockers, prokinetics, and other types of treatment each comprised fewer than 10% of the therapies used. 4 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A real-world evidence study evaluating Geffer effervescent granules for the symptomatic relief of digestive symptoms

et al. 2022

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A Prospective Real-World Study of Bacillus clausii Evaluating Use, Treatment Habits and Patient Satisfaction in Italian Community Pharmacies: The PEGASO Study

Giua,

Romano,

Keber

et al. 2023

Drugs - Real World Outcomes

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Background Ailments such as diarrhoea and antibiotic-associated gut symptoms are generally self-managed using probiotics. Real-world data on reasons behind self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) products and patient-reported outcomes can be investigated strategically by the pharmacists. Objective This study evaluates the use of Bacillus clausii (Enterogermina ® ) at the Italian community pharmacies among self-medicating patients, their treatment habits and perceived benefits. Design This is a multicentre, prospective, non-interventional study which included two visits [at screening (T0) and end of the study (T1) when symptoms had subsided, ≤ 30 days from T0]. Patients who were already inclined to buy B. clausii were enrolled and instructed to complete a questionnaire at T0 and T1. The primary objective was to evaluate the reasons for taking B. clausii . Secondary objectives assessed treatment duration, perceived effectiveness, quality of life (QoL), treatment satisfaction and safety outcomes. Results Overall, 268 patients were enrolled; 99.6% of them were evaluated at T0 and 97.4% at T1, and safety was evaluated in 97.8% who had ≥ 1 dose of B. clausii . At T0, mean age was 50.7 years and majority were females (62.2%). In the interview, main reason stated for using B. clausii at T0 was diarrhoea (56.93%), followed by other gastrointestinal symptoms. Treatment duration was shorter in those with diarrhoea or abdominal pain versus those with constipation or abdominal tension. More than 90% perceived their symptoms to have improved or improved very much. Overall QoL improved in all the aspects measured. Treatment satisfaction was reported by nearly 90% of patients as satisfied, very satisfied or extremely satisfied. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion This is the first pharmacy-based study in Italy that evaluated the real-world usage of an OTC probiotic containing B. clausii among self-medicating adults. Diarrhoea was the most common reason for use, with high-level of perceived effectiveness and patient satisfaction with B. clausii . Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40801-023-00402-1.

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The management of upper gastrointestinal symptoms: A study on community pharmacies in Italy

Cited by 2 publications

References 46 publications

A real-world evidence study evaluating Geffer effervescent granules for the symptomatic relief of digestive symptoms

A real-world evidence study evaluating Geffer effervescent granules for the symptomatic relief of digestive symptoms

A Prospective Real-World Study of Bacillus clausii Evaluating Use, Treatment Habits and Patient Satisfaction in Italian Community Pharmacies: The PEGASO Study

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