Therapeutic advances in respiratory disease
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Ther Adv Respir Dis · Feb 2013
Review Meta AnalysisEfficacy and safety of roflumilast in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, has been shown to improve lung function and reduce exacerbation rates, but is associated with adverse events (AEs). The purpose of this study was to systematically review the clinical effectiveness and safety of roflumilast. ⋯ The efficacy of roflumilast appears modest compared with other available therapies for COPD. Further studies are needed to investigate the risk-benefit ratio and long-term safety of roflumilast before its wider use.