Vaginal Films as a Patient-Centered Dosage Form: Evaluation of Preferences, Acceptability, and Applicability in Personalized Drug Delivery

Author(s):  Vitral Geraldo Sérgio Farinazzo, Silva Carolina Costa Vicente, Polonini Hudson Caetano, Brandão Marcos Antônio Fernandes, Raposo Nádia Rezende Barbosa

Issue:  Jan/Feb 2026 - Volume 30, Number 1
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Abstract:  Vaginal films are emerging as a promising intravaginal drug delivery system, but patient acceptability remains essential for clinical adoption. To assess women’s anticipated preferences for vaginal films versus other dosage forms and determine the influence of prior vaginal medication use, a cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted. One hundred women aged 20–60 years in Brazil completed a questionnaire after visual and tactile assessment of placebo vaginal films. Preferences among four dosage forms—film, cream, ovule, and ring—were evaluated using descriptive and inferential statistics. Vaginal films were the most preferred (56%), followed by creams (28%), ovules (9%), and rings (7%) (p < 0.001). Preference was independent of age, education, income, and prior vaginal medication use. Most participants found the film easy to use (96%), visually appealing (99%), and convenient (95%). Vaginal films show strong anticipated acceptability and potential as a patient-centered option for intravaginal drug delivery.

Related Categories: PATIENT COMPLIANCE, DOSAGE FORMS/DRUG CARRIERS

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