European journal of clinical pharmacology
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Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. · Apr 2008
Adherence to statin therapy and patients' cardiovascular risk: a pharmacoepidemiological study in Italy.
To evaluate the pattern of use of statins in the Emilia Romagna Region, with a focus on the therapeutic regimens and the patient's risk profile as predictors of adherence to therapy. ⋯ Less than half of patients receiving statin therapy took their medication daily, with a coverage only slightly higher in patients at higher cardiovascular risk. Three-quarters of the patients received statin therapy in primary prevention, whereas the benefits of statins are documented mostly for patients in secondary prevention. These findings strengthen the need to sensitise physicians and patients to the correct use of statins.
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Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. · Apr 2008
The association of ABCB1 polymorphisms and elevated serum digitoxin concentrations in geriatric patients.
Digitoxin is a known substrate of the efflux pump P-glycoprotein (gene name: ABCB1). P-glycoprotein expression was shown to be modulated by single nucleotide polymorphisms in the ABCB1 gene, but it remains unclear whether these polymorphisms influence digitoxin blood levels. Our objective was to examine the association of ABCB1 C3435T genotype and elevated serum digitoxin concentrations (SDC) in a cohort of 77 geriatric patients consecutively admitted to a geriatric department over a 12-month period. ⋯ In this sample of frail geriatric patients, the impact of ABCB1 C3435T genotype on serum digitoxin concentration was not of major relevance. Regular monitoring of digitoxin blood levels and surveillance of appropriate drug use remain the best ways to prevent digitoxin intoxications in the elderly.
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Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. · Apr 2008
Trends in the consumption of opioid analgesics in Spain. Higher increases as fentanyl replaces morphine.
During the past few years there have been changes in the availability of opioids in Spain, and new policies on palliative care have been implemented. The aim of this study was to describe the new pattern of opioid consumption in Spain and the associated economic impact. ⋯ A huge increase in opioid consumption has occurred during the time period covered by this study, with fentanyl consumption accounting for most of that increase. Although oral morphine is the first-choice drug among strong opioids, fentanyl is currently the most consumed.