The first three-in-one combination blood pressure treatment, including olmesartan medoxomil, amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide in a single tablet, has been launched by Daiichi Sankyo.

Branded Sevikar HTC, the combination treatment is designed to help patients who have difficulty taking multiple tablets.

The manufacturer has pointed to evidence that the three-in-one approach has the potential to improve adherence in this group, citing a recent review in the Journal of Hypertension.

"Poor adherence significantly compromises the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy, resulting in poorer outcomes for patients," said south London cardiovascular disease consultant pharmacist Helen Williams. "All elements contributing to non-adherence should be addressed, from tailoring drug therapy, to dealing with the patients' attitudes to high blood pressure and its treatment."

Ms Williams added that the new medicine service (NMS) offered by community pharmacists will be key in ensuring patients understand their medications with the aim of improving adherence to therapy.

Nearly 2 million people in the UK receive three or more treatments for their hypertension in order to achieve a target blood pressure of less than 140/90mmHg, and research shows that up to 80 per cent of patients don't take their medication as directed by their doctor. A proportion of these patients are believed to be at increased of cardiovascular disease and stroke.   Sevikar HCT is available in five tailored doses:  

• 20mg olmesartan medoxomil, 5mg amlodipine and 12.5mg hydrochlorothiazide
• 40mg, 5mg, 12.5mg
• 40mg, 10mg, 12.5mg
• 40mg, 5mg, 25mg
• 40mg, 10mg, 25mg