Comparison of fesoterodine and tolterodine extended release for the treatment of overactive bladder: a head‐to‐head placebo‐controlled trial

Study Type – Therapy (RCT)
Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and tolerability of fesoterodine 8 mg with tolterodine extended‐release (ER) 4 mg and placebo in a randomized clinical trial of patients with an overactive bladder (OAB).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this 12‐week double‐blind, double‐dummy, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trial, eligible patients reported OAB symptoms for ≥3 months and recorded ≥8 voids and ≥1 urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) episode per 24 h in 3‐day bladder diaries at baseline. Patients were randomized in a 2:2:1 ratio to fesoterodine (4 mg for 1 week then 8 mg for 11 weeks); tolterodine ER 4 mg; or placebo (with sham dose escalation for tolterodine ER and placebo). Endpoints were changes from baseline to week 12 in UUI episodes (primary endpoint), total and nocturnal voids, urgency episodes, severe urgency episodes, and frequency‐urgency sum per 24 h; mean voided volume per void (MVV); and the OAB questionnaire (OAB‐q), Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC), and Urgency Perception Scale (UPS). Safety and tolerability were assessed and summarized over the 12‐week study period.

RESULTS

Fesoterodine (636 patients) significantly improved UUI episodes at week 12 (primary endpoint) compared with tolterodine ER (641 patients; P = 0.017) and placebo (313 patients; P < 0.001). Fesoterodine also produced significantly greater improvements than tolterodine ER in MVV (P = 0.005). Fesoterodine significantly improved all diary endpoints compared with placebo (P < 0.001), except for nocturnal voids (P = 0.327). Tolterodine ER significantly improved all diary endpoints vs placebo (P < 0.001), except for nocturnal voids (P = 0.506) and MVV (P = 0.103). Diary dry rates (the proportion of patients reporting no UUI episodes at endpoint among those with one or more UUI episodes at baseline) were significantly higher with fesoterodine (64%) than with tolterodine ER (57%; P = 0.015) and placebo (45%; P < 0.001). Improvements in PPBC, UPS and OAB‐q scale and domain scores at week 12 were all significantly better with fesoterodine than placebo (all P < 0.001) and tolterodine ER (all P < 0.05) except for the OAB‐q Sleep domain vs tolterodine ER (P = 0.081). Dry mouth and constipation rates were 28% and 5% in the fesoterodine group, 16% and 4% in the tolterodine ER group, and 6% and 3% with placebo, respectively. Discontinuations due to treatment‐emergent adverse events were 6%, 4% and 2% in the fesoterodine, tolterodine ER, and placebo groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In patients with OAB, fesoterodine 8 mg showed superior efficacy over tolterodine ER 4 mg and placebo in reducing UUI episodes (primary endpoint) and in improving most patient‐reported outcome measures. Both active treatments were well tolerated.     

Comparison of fesoterodine and tolterodine in patients with overactive bladder

OBJECTIVE

To compare, in a post hoc analysis of a phase III trial, the maximum recommended doses of fesoterodine (8 mg) and tolterodine (4 mg) for improving overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), as fesoterodine effectively reduces OAB symptoms vs placebo.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients with frequency (≥eight voids/24 h) and either urgency (≥six episodes over 3 days) or urgency urinary incontinence (UUI; ≥three episodes over 3 days) were randomized to placebo, fesoterodine 4 or 8 mg, or tolterodine extended‐release (ER) 4 mg for 12 weeks; fesoterodine 4 mg data were published elsewhere. Patients completed a 3‐day bladder diary in which they recorded the time of each void, voided volume (VV), and the severity of urgency. A post hoc inferential analysis was conducted on the primary endpoint (voids/24 h), the two co‐primary endpoints (UUI episodes/24 h and treatment response), several secondary endpoints (severe urgency plus UUI per 24 h, mean VV (MVV)/void, and continent days/week), HRQoL, using the King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICIQ‐SF), and self‐reported bladder‐related problems. A subanalysis also assessed all endpoints for patients who were incontinent at baseline. Tolerability and safety were assessed by evaluating adverse events, residual urine volume, laboratory variables and treatment withdrawals.

RESULTS

By week 12, patients with OAB in both active‐treatment groups showed significant improvements in most bladder diary variables and treatment response rates compared with placebo. Fesoterodine 8 mg was statistically significantly better than tolterodine ER 4 mg for improving UUI episodes, severe urgency plus UUI, mean VV, and number of continent days/week. In addition, the fesoterodine and tolterodine ER groups showed significantly greater improvements in HRQoL than the placebo group, with positive changes in most domains of the KHQ and an improvement in ICIQ‐SF score. The fesoterodine 8‐mg group had statistically significant improvements over placebo in eight of nine KHQ domains. A major improvement in the severity of bladder‐related problems was reported by 39% of the fesoterodine 8 mg and 34% of the tolterodine ER groups vs 25% of those on placebo (P ≤ 0.01). Results for the subgroup of incontinent patients at baseline were similar to the overall results. Adverse events reported most commonly with active treatment included dry mouth, constipation, dry eye, dry throat, and nausea.

CONCLUSIONS

Both fesoterodine and tolterodine ER significantly improved OAB symptoms and HRQoL, with statistically significant advantages for fesoterodine 8 mg compared with tolterodine ER on several important endpoints.     

Efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended-release in continent patients with overactive bladder and nocturia

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended-release (ER) in continent patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and nocturia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A post hoc analysis was conducted of data from a 12-week, double-blind study of 850 patients randomized to tolterodine ER (4 mg once daily) or placebo, taken within 4 h of going to bed. Patients with a mean of > or = 8 voids/24 h were enrolled, including a mean of > or = 2.5 voids/night. Patients completed 7-day voiding diaries, and for each void an urgency rating was assessed using a 5-point scale (1, none; 5, urgency incontinence); 24-h voids were categorized by urgency rating: total (1-5), non-OAB (1-2), OAB (3-4), and severe OAB (4-5) voids. All adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: The post hoc analysis included 513 patients (243 placebo; 270 tolterodine ER; 58% men) who were continent at baseline; 47% of 24-h voids were classed as non-OAB, and 12% as severe OAB. After 12 weeks of treatment, tolterodine ER significantly reduced mean urgency rating and 24-h OAB, severe OAB, and total voids vs placebo. Tolterodine ER did not affect normal, non-OAB voids, and there were no significant adverse events related to voiding. Other than dry mouth (tolterodine ER, 9% vs placebo, 2%), all the adverse events were reported in <3% of patients; <2% of patients receiving tolterodine ER withdrew because of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: In continent patients with OAB, tolterodine ER significantly improved urgency rating and reduced 24-h OAB, severe OAB, and total voids, suggesting that it is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for this subpopulation. More studies are needed to better understand the clinical efficacy of tolterodine ER in this under evaluated group of OAB patients without incontinence.     

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled multicentre study to explore the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin and tolterodine in women with overactive bladder syndrome

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of tamsulosin oral-controlled absorption system (OCAS) vs placebo in overactive bladder (OAB), to evaluate the safety and tolerability of once-daily dosing with tamsulosin OCAS, and to compare the efficacy and safety with tolterodine extended-release (ER). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A parallel-group, multicentre, multinational study was conducted with a single-blind placebo run-in period of 2 weeks, followed by a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy active and placebo-controlled treatment period of 6 weeks; women (aged 18-70 years) with symptoms of OAB for >/= 3 months were recruited. Women were randomized to receive one of four doses of tamsulosin OCAS (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 mg), 4 mg of tolterodine ER, or placebo once daily for 6 weeks. The primary efficacy variable was the change in the mean number of voids/24 h. Secondary efficacy variables included change from baseline in; mean volume voided per void, mean number of incontinence episodes/24 h, mean number of urgency episodes/24 h and in quality of life (QoL), as assessed using the Kings Health Questionnaire (KHQ). RESULTS: Overall, 364 women were randomized; the primary efficacy analysis showed that the difference from placebo in the mean number of voids/24 h was not statistically significant for tamsulosin OCAS 1.5 mg (P = 0.189). There was no statistically significant difference for tolterodine ER 4 mg vs placebo in the mean number of voids/24 h (P = 0.353). Similarly, for the secondary outcome variables there was no statistically significant difference between tamsulosin and placebo. Although women taking tolterodine ER 4 mg had a consistently greater increase in mean voided volume/void and consistent decreases in incontinence episodes/24 h, urgency episodes/24 h and episodes of nocturia/24 h, this was not statistically significant. There was no significant improvement in QoL scores across the treatment groups. Tamsulosin OCAS was well tolerated and the proportion of women discontinuing because of adverse events was low (4.7%). CONCLUSION: Tamsulosin is not effective for treating OAB in women and the evidence from this study does not support its use on an empirical basis.     

Does urodynamic verification of overactive bladder determine treatment success? Results from a randomized placebo‐controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether subjects with or with no detrusor overactivity (DO) determined by urodynamic assessment respond differently to treatment with the antimuscarinic agent tolterodine (extended release formulation, ER).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Adult subjects with urinary frequency (average ≥8 voids/24 h) and urgency with or without urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) underwent urodynamic assessment and were stratified according to whether they had DO (positive urodynamics) or not (negative urodynamics). Subjects in each urodynamic stratum were randomized to receive tolterodine‐ER (4 mg once daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. Diary cards were completed for 7 days before each study visit (at baseline, week 4, and week 12). The volume per void was recorded for 3 of the 7 days.

RESULTS

The difference between the positive and negative urodynamic groups in mean change in volume voided between baseline and 12 weeks was 5.38 mL (95% CI, ?93 mL to +15.71 mL). This difference is within the pre‐stipulated range defined for equivalence (±20 mL, P = 0.31). There was also no significant difference in the change from baseline to 12 weeks between the urodynamics groups in mean number of voids per day or UUI episodes. However, there was significant improvement in the treatment group compared with the placebo group, in the number of voids per 24 h (P = 0.003) and in the mean change in volume voided (P = 0.03), from baseline to 12 weeks, but not in UUI episodes (P = 0.35).

CONCLUSIONS

Urodynamics status could not predict treatment outcomes between patients treated with tolterodine‐ER or placebo. The results add support to evidence suggesting that urodynamic assessment is not a prerequisite for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). Therefore, we recommend that anticholinergic treatment may be initiated to patients with OAB symptoms without the need for urodynamics studies.     

Randomized, double-blind placebo- and tolterodine-controlled trial of the once-daily antimuscarinic agent solifenacin in patients with symptomatic overactive bladder

OBJECTIVE: To assess in a phase 3a trial the efficacy of solifenacin succinate, a once-daily oral antimuscarinic agent in development at 5-mg and 10-mg dosage strengths, for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) (Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Tokyo, Japan) compared with placebo in patients with symptoms of OAB, i.e. urgency, incontinence, and frequency, with additional objectives being to assess the safety and tolerability of solifenacin and to compare the efficacy and safety of solifenacin with tolterodine 2 mg twice daily. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was an international, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, tolterodine- and placebo-controlled trial conducted at 98 centres. Adult patients with symptomatic OAB for > or = 3 months were eligible; after a single-blind 2-week placebo run-in period patients were randomized equally to a 12-week double-blind treatment with either tolterodine 2 mg twice daily, placebo, solifenacin 5 mg or 10 mg once daily. Efficacy variables included change from baseline in the mean number of urgency, incontinence and urge incontinence episodes, and change from baseline in voids/24 h and mean volume voided/void. RESULTS: In all, 1281 patients were enrolled, 1081 randomized and 1077 treated; 1033 were evaluated for efficacy. Compared with placebo, the change from baseline (-1.41, -32.7%) in the mean number of urgency episodes per 24 h was statistically significantly lower with solifenacin 5 mg (-2.85, -51.9%) and 10 mg (-3.07, -54.7%; both P < 0.001), but not with tolterodine (-2.05, -37.9%; P = 0.0511). There was a statistically insignificant decrease in episodes of incontinence with tolterodine (-1.14; P = 0.1122) but a significant decrease in patients treated with solifenacin 5 (-1.42; P = 0.008) and 10 mg (-1.45; P = 0.0038). Compared with placebo (-1.20, -8.1%) the mean number of voids/24 h was significantly lower in patients receiving tolterodine (-1.88, -15%; P = 0.0145), solifenacin 5 (-2.19, -17%) and 10 mg (-2.61, -20%; both P < 0.001). The mean volume voided/void was also significantly higher with all three active treatments (P < 0.001). Solifenacin was well tolerated; compared with placebo (4.9%), dry mouth (the most common side-effect), mostly mild, was reported in 18.6% of patients receiving tolterodine, 14.0% receiving 5 mg and 21.3% receiving 10 mg solifenacin. CONCLUSION: Solifenacin 5 and 10 mg once daily improved urgency and other symptoms of OAB, and was associated with an acceptable level of anticholinergic side-effects. Solifenacin demonstrated significantly favourable efficacy to side-effect ratio in treating symptomatic OAB.     

Tolterodine: superior tolerability than and comparable efficacy to oxybutynin in individuals 50 years old or older with overactive bladder: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE: We compared the tolerability and clinical efficacy of tolterodine with those of oxybutynin in patients with an overactive bladder using an upward oxybutynin dose titration strategy analogous to that used in routine clinical practice in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized double-blind trial 378 male and female patients 50 years old or older with symptoms of overactive bladder (a urinary frequency of 8 or more voids per 24 hours with urgency and/or urge incontinence, that is 1 or more urge incontinence episodes per 24 hours) received 10 weeks of treatment with 2 mg. tolterodine twice daily/or an initial dose of 2.5 mg. oxybutynin twice daily, increasing to 5 mg. twice daily after 2 weeks of treatment. The main outcome measures were changes in voiding diary variables combined with detailed tolerability-safety assessments. RESULTS: Patients treated with tolterodine had significantly fewer adverse events (69% versus 81%, p = 0.01), notably dry mouth (37% versus 61%, p <0.0001), as well as a lower incidence of dose reduction (6% versus 25%, p <0.0001) than those in the oxybutynin group. Each agent had comparable efficacy for improving urinary symptoms. Tolterodine and oxybutynin caused a significant decrease (p = 0.0001) in the mean number of voids per 24 hours (-1.7 or -15% and -1.7 or -15%, respectively), urge incontinence episodes per 24 hours (-1.3 or -54% and -1.8 or -62%, respectively) and mean voided volume per void (33 ml. or 22% and 34 ml. or 23%) after 10 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Tolterodine is as effective as oxybutynin for improving the symptoms of overactive bladder but it has superior tolerability. The combination of these qualities makes tolterodine the preferred pharmacological therapy for the long-term treatment of this condition.     

Long-term safety, tolerability and efficacy of extended-release tolterodine in the treatment of overactive bladder in Japanese patients

AIM: To evaluate the long-term safety, tolerability and efficacy of extended-release (ER) tolterodine in Japanese patients completing 12-week treatment in a randomized, double-blind trial comparing tolterodine ER 4 mg once daily, oxybutynin 3 mg three times daily or placebo in patients with overactive bladder. METHODS: Of 293 Japanese patients completing the 12-week study, 188 continued in the open-label trial and received tolterodine ER 4 mg once daily for 12 months, irrespective of previous treatment. The primary objective was to assess the safety of tolterodine ER for up to 52 weeks of treatment and at post-treatment follow-up. Secondary endpoints included changes in micturition diary variables, patient perception of bladder condition and urgency and treatment benefit. RESULTS: Overall, 77% of patients completed 12 months of open-label treatment. Tolterodine ER was well tolerated and the most common adverse event was dry mouth (33.5%). In general, there was no increase in adverse event frequency with long-term treatment compared with short-term treatment. The efficacy of tolterodine ER was maintained over the 12-month period. The complete analysis showed a median reduction in incontinence episodes/week (-92.9%; mean reduction, -77.2%), a mean reduction in micturitions/24 h (-21.3%) and a mean increase in volume voided per micturition (19.6%). Of patients completing the 12-month study, 78.6% reported improvement in patient perception of bladder condition, 52.4% reported improvement in perception of urgency and 89.7% reported treatment benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Favorable safety, tolerability and efficacy of once-daily tolterodine ER was maintained over 12 months in a Japanese overactive bladder patient population.     

Efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended-release in men with overactive bladder and urgency urinary incontinence

A group of authors from the USA evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended-release on objective and subjective endpoints in men with an overactive bladder. They found that it significantly reduced incontinent episodes and improved patient perception of treatment benefit in men with an overactive bladder OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended-release (ER) on objective and subjective endpoints in men with overactive bladder (OAB) and urgency urinary incontinence (UI). PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a post hoc analysis of data collected from men with OAB enrolled in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of tolterodine ER (4 mg once daily; tolterodine ER registration trial) and included men with urinary frequency (> or =8 micturitions/24 h) and urgency UI (> or =5 episodes/week). UI episodes were assessed using 7-day bladder diaries. Patient perception of treatment benefit was evaluated after 12 weeks. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded throughout the study. RESULTS: In all, 163 men with OAB (placebo, 86; tolterodine ER, 77; mean age 65 years) were evaluated. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were similar for the two treatment groups. Compared with placebo, tolterodine ER significantly reduced weekly UI episodes (median % change, -71% vs - 40%, P < 0.05; mean numeric change, - 11.9 vs -5.9, P = 0.02). Men receiving tolterodine ER had fewer micturitions/24 h, but this was not a significant difference from placebo (median % change, -12% vs - 4%, P = 0.22). Significantly more men treated with tolterodine-ER (63%) than placebo-treated men (46%) reported a benefit of treatment after 12 weeks (P = 0.04). The most commonly reported AEs associated with tolterodine-ER vs placebo were dry mouth (16% vs 7%), constipation (4% vs 9%), dyspepsia (4% vs 1%), dizziness (5% vs 1%), and somnolence (3% vs 1%). One of the men receiving tolterodine ER had symptoms suggestive of urinary retention that led to his withdrawal from the study. None of the men had acute urinary retention requiring catheterization. CONCLUSION: In men with OAB and urgency UI, tolterodine ER was well tolerated and significantly reduced episodes of urgency UI, and improved patient perception of treatment benefit.     

Clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of once-daily fesoterodine in subjects with overactive bladder

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of fesoterodine in subjects with overactive bladder (OAB). METHODS: This was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled trial with tolterodine extended release (ER) to assess the efficacy and safety of fesoterodine. Eligible subjects (> or =18 yr) with increased micturition frequency and urgency and/or urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) were randomised to placebo, fesoterodine 4 mg, fesoterodine 8 mg, or tolterodine ER 4 mg for 12 wk. The primary efficacy variable was a change from baseline to week 12 in micturitions per 24 h. Co-primary end points included change from baseline to week 12 in UUI episodes per 24 h and Treatment Response ("yes" or "no," based on four-point treatment benefit scale). Secondary efficacy variables included mean volume voided per micturition, continent days per week, and number of urgency episodes. RESULTS: At the end of treatment, subjects taking fesoterodine 4 and 8 mg had significant (p<0.05) and clinically relevant improvements versus placebo in the primary, co-primary, and most secondary efficacy variables. Tolterodine ER (active control) also provided significantly greater improvement than placebo for most efficacy variables, confirming the sensitivity of the study design. A more pronounced effect was observed with fesoterodine 8 mg at most end points. CONCLUSIONS: Both doses of fesoterodine were significantly better than placebo in improving the symptoms of OAB and produced a significantly greater Treatment Response versus placebo. Efficacy was more pronounced with fesoterodine 8 mg compared with the other treatments. Active treatments were well tolerated.     

A new once-daily formulation of tolterodine provides superior efficacy and is well tolerated in women with overactive bladder

 This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of new extended-release (ER) tolterodine for the treatment of overactive bladder in women. In this subpopulation analysis of a double-blind multicenter trial, 1235 female patients were randomized to oral therapy with tolterodine ER 4 mg once daily (n=417), tolterodine IR 2 mg twice daily (n=408) or placebo (n=410) for 12 weeks. Both formulations reduced the mean number of urge incontinence episodes per week (both P=0.001 vs placebo); tolterodine ER was more effective than tolterodine IR (P=0.036). Both formulations significantly improved all other micturition chart variables compared to placebo. Dry mouth was the most common adverse event. There were no safety concerns. Toltrodine ER 4 mg once daily is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of women with overactive bladder, and reduces urge incontinence episodes more than the existing IR twice-daily formulation. Received: 15 May 2002 / Accepted: 21 July 2002 Acknowledgement This study was sponsored by a grant from Pharmacia Corporation.     

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tolterodine Compared to Oxybutynin and Placebo in Patients with Overactive Bladder

This study compared the clinical efficacy (determined from micturition diaries) and safety of 12 weeks’ treatment with either tolterodine 2 mg twice daily, oxybutynin 5 mg three times daily or placebo in patients with an overactive bladder. A total of 277 patients were randomized and treated at 25 centers. Both tolterodine and oxybutynin significantly increased volume voided/micturition compared to placebo. Both treatment groups evoked greater decreases in micturitions per 24 hours and incontinence episodes per 24 hours compared to placebo; however, only tolterodine was significantly better than placebo in reducing micturition frequency. Tolterodine and oxybutynin were equivalent in their effectiveness. Tolterodine was significantly better tolerated than oxybutynin when adverse events (particularly frequency and intensity of dry mouth), dose reduction and patient withdrawals were considered. Oxybutynin is an effective drug whose frequent adverse effects limit its clinical usefulness. Tolterodine has equivalent efficacy to oxybutynin, but with less severe adverse effects. This will allow patients to receive more effective treatment for their condition, with better compliance.     

Transdermal oxybutynin: sticking to the facts

OBJECTIVES: This article critically reviews all the available published and presented data about transdermal oxybutynin to provide a summary of its efficacy, tolerability, and acceptability. RESULTS: For patients with urge incontinence or mixed incontinence, transdermal oxybutynin offers equivalent efficacy to variable dose oral oxybutynin IR and tolterodine LA 4 mg/d. At present no data are available for patients with frequency and urgency but without incontinence (overactive bladder [OAB] dry). Transdermal oxybutynin offers marked improvements compared with placebo in incontinence episodes, daily urinary frequency, and nocturia. These objective improvements are matched by improvements in quality of life. The rate of anticholinergic side-effects is lower than that for oral anticholinergic preparations. This benefit is offset by a rate of local skin reactions. CONCLUSIONS: The balance of efficacy and tolerability suggests that transdermal oxybutynin should be considered as a potential first-line therapy in OAB or mixed incontinence.     

Health-related quality of life of Japanese patients with overactive bladder treated with extended-release tolterodine or immediate-release oxybutynin: a randomized,placebo-controlled trial

Overactive bladder (OAB) has a significant impact on a patients health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study assessed the HRQoL of Japanese OAB patients following 12 weeks treatment with tolterodine extended release (ER) or oxybutynin. A total of 293 patients with symptoms of OAB were randomized for treatment with tolterodine ER 4 mg once daily (n=114), oxybutynin 3 mg three times daily (n=122) or a placebo (n=57). Treatment efficacy and safety assessments were made over the 12-week period. HRQoL was assessed using the Kings Health Questionnaire (KHQ). Patients receiving tolterodine ER or oxybutynin showed a significant (P<0.05) improvement in the Incontinence Impact, Role Limitations and most other KHQ domains compared with the placebo. These changes in HRQoL corresponded with significant (P<0.05) improvements in micturition diary variables for patients receiving tolterodine ER and oxybutynin compared with placebo. Our findings demonstrate that Japanese OAB patients receiving tolterodine ER or oxybutynin experienced overall improvement in their quality of life.     

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in the treatment of refractory overactive bladder syndrome: is maintenance treatment necessary?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a pause in percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) in successfully treated patients with an overactive bladder (OAB), and the reproducibility of successful treatment when restored. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven patients (mean age 51 years) with refractory OAB (more than seven voids and/or three or more urge incontinence episodes per day) were successfully treated with PTNS, and then discontinued treatment. Patients completed bladder diaries and quality-of-life (QoL) questionnaires (Short Form-36 and I-QoL) before (T1) and after a 6-week pause (T2) of maintenance PTNS, and again after re-treatment (T3). The first objective was defined as a > or = 50% increase in the incontinence episodes and/or voiding frequency in the bladder diary after T2. The second objective was defined as > or = 50% fewer incontinence episodes and/or voiding frequency in bladder diary after T3. RESULTS: At T2, seven of the 11 patients had a > or = 50% increase in incontinence episodes and/or voiding frequency in the bladder diary. The mean voided volume, nocturia, number of incontinence episodes and incontinence severity deteriorated significantly (P < 0.05). At T3, nine patients had > or = 50% fewer incontinence episodes and/or voiding frequency in the bladder diary. Nocturia, the number of incontinence episodes, incontinence severity, mean voided volume and quality of life improved significantly (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous therapy is necessary in patients with OAB treated successfully by PTNS. The efficacy of PTNS can be reproduced in patients formerly treated successfully.     

Solifenacin appears effective and well tolerated in patients with symptomatic idiopathic detrusor overactivity in a placebo- and tolterodine-controlled phase 2 dose-finding study

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the dose-response relationship and safety/tolerability of solifenacin succinate (YM905) in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB), and to compare its efficacy and safety/tolerability with tolterodine 2 mg twice daily. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This multicentre study included a 2-week single-blind placebo run-in, a 4-week double-blind placebo-controlled active treatment phase, and a 2-week follow-up. Men and women with an OAB and urodynamic evidence of detrusor overactivity were randomized to placebo or solifenacin 2.5, 5, 10 or 20 mg once daily, or tolterodine 2 mg twice daily. RESULTS: Of 265 patients enrolled, 225 were randomized and 192 completed the study. Solifenacin 5, 10 and 20 mg produced statistically significant (P < 0.05) improvements in voids/24 h vs placebo, whereas tolterodine did not; the mean change with tolterodine was between those with solifenacin 2.5 and 5 mg. The outcome was similar for the mean change from baseline to endpoint in mean volume voided/void. For incontinence and urgency episodes/24 h the solifenacin dose groups showed numerically superior changes vs placebo; the mean effects with tolterodine were generally smaller than with solifenacin. Most of the efficacy effect of solifenacin was evident at 2 weeks. Quality-of-life outcomes supported the efficacy results. Solifenacin 5 and 10 mg were well tolerated; there were no serious treatment-related adverse events. The incidence of dry mouth was 14% for solifenacin 5 and 10 mg, 2.6% for placebo and 24% for tolterodine. CONCLUSION: In this study, the 5- and 10-mg doses of solifenacin appeared to be the most clinically effective for treating OAB, considering the balance between efficacy, quality of life and tolerability. From the results of this study solifenacin 5 and 10 mg were selected for further evaluation in large-scale phase 3 studies.     

Extended-release tolterodine with or without tamsulosin in men with lower urinary tract symptoms and overactive bladder: effects on urinary symptoms assessed by the International Prostate Symptom Score

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of tolterodine extended‐release (ER) plus tamsulosin on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as assessed by changes in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) in men who met symptom entry criteria for both overactive bladder (OAB) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) trials.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Men aged ≥40 years with an IPSS of ≥12 and diary‐documented OAB symptoms (≥8 voids/24 h and ≥3 urgency episodes/24 h, with or without urgency urinary incontinence) who reported at least moderate problems related to their bladder condition were randomized to receive placebo, tolterodine ER (4 mg), tamsulosin (0.4 mg), or tolterodine ER (4 mg) + tamsulosin (0.4 mg) once daily for 12 weeks. Patients completed the IPSS at baseline and at 1, 6 and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Patients receiving tolterodine ER + tamsulosin had significantly greater improvements than those taking placebo on IPSS storage subscale scores and scores for all three individual storage items included on the IPSS (urinary frequency, urgency, and nocturnal micturitions) by 12 weeks. Storage subscale and urgency scores were significantly improved vs placebo at 1 and 6 weeks, whereas frequency scores were significantly improved at 6 weeks. Changes in IPSS storage subscale and individual storage item scores in the tolterodine ER and tamsulosin monotherapy groups were not significantly different from placebo at most time points. IPSS voiding subscale scores and scores for three of four individual voiding items (sensation of incomplete emptying, intermittency, and weak stream) were significantly improved by 12 weeks for patients receiving tamsulosin monotherapy vs placebo. Voiding subscale and intermittency scores were significantly improved vs placebo at 1 week; weak stream scores were significantly improved at 1 and 6 weeks. The IPSS voiding subscale and individual voiding item scores in the tolterodine ER + tamsulosin and tolterodine ER groups were not significantly different from placebo at most time points.

CONCLUSIONS

In this distinct clinical research population of men who met traditional symptom entry criteria for both OAB and BPH trials, tolterodine ER + tamsulosin was significantly more effective than placebo in treating storage LUTS, including OAB symptoms. Tamsulosin monotherapy produced significant improvements in voiding LUTS.     

Superior efficacy of fesoterodine over tolterodine extended release with rapid onset: a prospective,head‐to‐head,placebo‐controlled trial

Study Type – Therapy (RCT)
Level of Evidence 1b What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? A previous trial found greater efficacy with the maximum available dose of fesoterodine 8 mg compared with the maximum available dose of tolterodine ER 4 mg and placebo for improving overactive bladder symptoms, and patient‐reported outcomes were demonstrated by a recent placebo‐controlled, head‐to‐head trial. The results of this trial, the largest to date to compare antimuscarinic efficacy, confirms the superior efficacy of fesoterodine 8 mg over tolterodine ER 4 mg for the treatment of OAB symptoms, and further emphasize the clinical advantage of the availability of an additional 8‐mg dose over single‐dose tolterodine ER 4 mg.

OBJECTIVE

? To show the superior efficacy of fesoterodine over tolterodine extended release (ER) in a placebo‐controlled overactive bladder (OAB) trial with predefined treatment comparisons for both diary measures and patient‐reported outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

? In this 12‐week, double‐blind, double‐dummy trial, subjects reporting >1 urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) episode and ≥8 micturitions per 24 h at baseline were randomized to fesoterodine (4 mg for 1 week, 8 mg for 11 weeks), tolterodine ER 4 mg, or placebo. ? Subjects completed 3‐day bladder diaries, the Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) and the Urgency Perception Scale (UPS) at baseline and weeks 1, 4 and 12 and the OAB Questionnaire at baseline and week 12.

RESULTS

? A total of 2417 subjects were randomized. At week 12, fesoterodine 8 mg showed superiority over tolterodine ER 4 mg and placebo on UUI episodes (primary endpoint), micturitions, urgency and most other diary endpoints, and on the PPBC, UPS and all OAB Questionnaire scales and domains (all P < 0.05). ? Superiority of fesoterodine 8 mg over tolterodine ER 4 mg was seen as early as week 4 (3 weeks after escalation to fesoterodine 8 mg). At week 1, fesoterodine 4 mg was superior to placebo on most diary variables, the PPBC and the UPS (all P < 0.05). Dry mouth and constipation rates were 28% and 4% with fesoterodine, 13% and 3% with tolterodine ER, and 5% and 2% with placebo. ? Discontinuation rates as a result of adverse events were 5%, 3% and 2% for fesoterodine, tolterodine ER and placebo, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

? In this randomized study, which is the largest to compare antimuscarinic efficacy performed to date, fesoterodine 8 mg was superior to tolterodine ER 4 mg for UUI episodes, micturitions and urgency episodes, as well as for self‐reported patient assessments of bladder‐related problems, urgency, symptom bother and health‐related quality of life. ? The superiority of fesoterodine 8 mg over tolterodine ER 4 mg was observed as early as 3 weeks after escalation from fesoterodine 4 mg for most outcomes. These data may have important implications for the clinical management of OAB patients previously treated with tolterodine ER.     

Number of daytime micturitions and volume voided per micturition in the evaluation of efficacy of drugs for overactive bladder: findings from randomized clinical trials

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between mean volume voided per micturition and number of daytime micturitions. METHODS: We reviewed data from randomized clinical trials on the medical treatment of overactive bladder published in the international literature between 1997 and 2004. Fourteen studies including data on these two parameters were identified. RESULTS: Six studies compared tolterodine with placebo, two tolterodine and oxybutynin with placebo, two tolterodine with oxybutynin, two solifenacin and tolterodine with placebo, one oxybutynin CR with oxybutynin IR, and one different doses of solifenacin. The correlation between the percent change in the mean voided volume and in the number of daytime micturitions was assessed using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (r), with r=-0.67 for all the studies. For groups of patients treated with each drug, we found r=-0.09 for oxybutynin, r=-0.59 for tolterodine, r=-0.85 for solifenacin, and r=-0.34 for placebo. CONCLUSION: The results of this analysis suggest that in the evaluation of the efficacy of a drug for overactive bladder, the mean volume voided per micturition may be a useful measure of efficacy.     

Once-daily, extended-release formulations of antimuscarinic agents in the treatment of overactive bladder: a review

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a chronic condition that often requires long-term treatment to maintain control of symptoms. A range of therapeutic options are available; however, antimuscarinic agents form the mainstay of treatment. Of these agents, tolterodine and oxybutynin are the most widely used. It is well documented that the immediate-release (IR) formulations of these agents have equivalent efficacy in relieving OAB symptoms. However, tolterodine demonstrates a more favorable tolerability profile, particularly in terms of the frequency and severity of dry mouth. Due to the development of novel drug delivery systems, extended-release (ER) formulations of both oxybutynin and tolterodine are now available, permitting once-daily dosing. The convenience of once-daily dosing of antimuscarinic agents would be expected to improve patient compliance and further relieve the symptoms of OAB. Clinical studies with the ER formulations of tolterodine and oxybutynin demonstrate potential clinical advantages over their respective IR forms in terms of either efficacy or tolerability or both, although the therapeutic index of tolterodine ER appears to show a greater advantage over its IR counterpart compared with oxybutynin ER and its IR form. Importantly, the two ER agents have not been compared directly in a head-to-head clinical study. Overall, available clinical data suggest that the newly developed ER formulation of tolterodine represents a significant therapeutic advancement in the treatment of OAB.