Current medical research and opinion
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To describe multiple myeloma (MM) treatment patterns and comorbidities over time in the US. ⋯ MM treatment patterns have been dynamic over time. Comorbid conditions and myeloma-related complications increase as patients progress and may worsen MM patients' prognoses over time. Combination regimens such as lenalidomide + bortezomib are more widely used as first- and second-line therapy. Newly approved agents (carfilzomib, pomalidomide) are the prevailing treatments in the third line and are under further investigation for earlier lines of therapy.
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The prevalence of medication non-adherence is 50% in chronic disease conditions and varies from 30% to 70% in asthma maintenance medications. A major drawback in addressing medication non-adherence is the short time available for patient consultations, which limits the ability of the clinician in identifying the problem. Thus, this study explores how medication adherence behavior can be clustered and identifies the unique characteristics of each cluster so that clinicians can recognize the cluster characteristics in patients to provide targeted interventions. The study objectives were to: (1) cluster patients' medication adherence behavior with asthma maintenance medications based on their beliefs in medicines and illness perceptions, and (2) describe the characteristics of the patients in each cluster based on psychosocial, clinical, and demographic characteristics. ⋯ The study demonstrated how the concept of 'non-adherence' is different for different patients and the need for tailored interventions for each type of non-adherence. With the limited consultation time available for clinicians to communicate with the patients, identifying the characteristics of patients in different clusters can assist clinicians in providing appropriate targeted interventions.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Efficacy of single-dose, extended-release naproxen sodium 660 mg in postsurgical dental pain: two double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials.
To evaluate the efficacy of a novel formulation of extended-release/immediate-release (ER) naproxen sodium over 24 h in a dental pain model. ⋯ A single dose of ER naproxen sodium 660 mg significantly reduced moderate to severe dental pain vs. placebo and was comparable to IR naproxen sodium 220 mg tid. Significant pain relief was experienced from 15 min and sustained over 24 h, resulting in a reduced need for rescue medication. ER naproxen sodium 660 mg once daily is a convenient and effective therapy providing 24 h relief of pain.
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Patiromer FOS (for oral suspension), formerly known as RLY5016, is pending FDA approval for the treatment of hyperkalemia. Once approved, patiromer, as well as a second agent known as sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (ZS-9), will be among the new therapeutic options available to treat hyperkalemia in over 50 years. ⋯ Patiromer is effective in decreasing serum potassium, preventing recurrence of hyperkalemia, and reducing RAASi discontinuation. Compared to current SPS therapy, patiromer may be the preferred option to treat hyperkalemia, once approved. Patiromer is well tolerated and is not associated with serious AEs.