Expert opinion on drug safety
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Expert Opin Drug Saf · Jan 2013
Healthcare professional surveys to investigate the implementation of the isotretinoin Pregnancy Prevention Programme: a descriptive study.
Three online surveys explored compliance with the PPP by pharmacists and dermatologists, in the Netherlands. In 2007 and 2011, two pharmacist surveys were conducted to assess improvement over time. ⋯ The observed non-adherence to the isotretinoin PPP calls for careful evaluation of risk minimisation plans and participation of all stakeholders in the development of these plans.
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Expert Opin Drug Saf · Nov 2012
Comparative StudySafety and efficacy evaluation of ambrisentan in pulmonary hypertension.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, which can lead to right heart failure and death. Endothelin-1 binding ETA and ETB receptors seem to play a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease, and oral endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) have been shown to be an effective treatment. Bosentan and ETA-selective ambrisentan are the ERAs currently available for PAH treatment. ⋯ Ambrisentan has shown an efficacy comparable with other ERAs. Compared with bosentan, ambrisentan seems to have a better safety profile with regards to hepatic safety and drug-drug interactions. On the other hand, ambrisentan shows a higher rate of other adverse events, such as nasal congestion and peripheral edema. Ambrisentan is a viable option for PAH treatment. However, there is still a need for more robust data about long-term mortality, treatment in non-PAH pulmonary hypertension (PH) (such as PH due to left heart disease and PH due to chronic hypoxic lung diseases) and combination therapy.
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Expert Opin Drug Saf · Sep 2012
ReviewSafety and interactions of new antifungals in stem cell transplant recipients.
Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Considerable progress in treating IFDs has been achieved over the last years, through the availability of new, effective drugs. However, many of these newer antifungal agents have some limitations, such as their variable toxicity and unique predisposition for pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions. ⋯ Nephrotoxicity is the most frequent side effect of lipid formulations of Amphotericin B, which may cause a reduced clearance of the renally eliminated calcineurin inhibitors used for the control of Graft Versus Host Disease. Second-generation triazoles are characterized by a limited toxicity profile, but also by frequent drug-drug interactions with other drugs metabolized by the hepatic enzymes. The echinocandins are characterized by a very low toxicity profile and negligible interactions with other drugs. Such pharmacological knowledge is crucial in the daily care of allogeneic HSCT patients.
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Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant with one known mechanism of action which is used most specifically in the management of neuropathic pain. ⋯ Pregabalin is a mostly well tolerated medication for the management of neuropathic pain and other conditions. Pregabalin use is associated with benign central nervous system and systemic adverse effects with very limited metabolic, idiosyncratic, or teratogenic adverse effects. Understanding of these adverse effects is essential for the clinician treating the patient and for the patient receiving treatment. Sedation, dizziness, peripheral edema, and dry mouth are the most prevalent adverse events experienced in all clinical populations. Other adverse effects are rare, but are discussed.