Current medical research and opinion
-
To evaluate the long-term dosing, safety, and tolerability of fentanyl buccal tablet (FBT) in a large cohort of opioid-tolerant patients with chronic noncancer pain and breakthrough pain (BTP). ⋯ Despite the limitations, including the controlled clinical setting, this pooled analysis of several clinical studies provides valuable information for the long-term management of BTP with FBT. Patients require regular evaluation and, when necessary, adjustment of opioid medications to maintain adequate pain control. FBT was generally safe and well tolerated in this setting.
-
To examine the impact of medication choice between duloxetine or pregabalin on medication adherence and direct healthcare costs among patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP). ⋯ Commercially-insured DPNP patients initiating duloxetine had significantly higher medication adherence and lower healthcare costs than those initiating pregabalin.
-
Agomelatine is a novel antidepressant with agonist activity at melatonin receptors (MT(1) and MT(2)), and antagonistic effects at the 5HT(2c) serotonin receptor. ⋯ Agomelatine is a useful and novel addition to the range of avialble antidepressants. Longer term post-marketing studies as to the effects of chronic exposure are required.
-
Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Effectiveness of varenicline as an aid to smoking cessation: results of an inter-European observational study.
Varenicline tartrate, a selective partial agonist of the α4β2 nicotinic receptor, has been shown to be an effective smoking cessation aid with an acceptable safety profile in a number of randomized, controlled trials. The aim of the CHOICES (Champix Observational Investigation in the Cessation of Smoking) study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of varenicline in real-world clinical practice. ⋯ The CHOICES study shows that in a real-world clinical practice setting outside a clinical trial environment, varenicline is an effective smoking cessation aid with an acceptable safety profile.
-
To assess the safety and efficacy of saxagliptin (5 mg once-daily) in older patients (≥65 years of age) with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes. ⋯ The pooled subgroup analysis of saxagliptin 5 mg once-daily monotherapy and add-on therapy trials demonstrated clinically relevant and significant efficacy for reducing HbA(1c) in older (≥65 years) patients. Saxagliptin was well-tolerated in older patients with a low incidence of hypoglycemia and no weight gain.