Current medical research and opinion
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Review Comparative Study
Cost-effectiveness analysis of a new 8% capsaicin patch compared to existing therapies for postherpetic neuralgia.
The purpose of this study was to compare the cost effectiveness of a new 8% capsaicin patch, compared to the current treatments for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), topical lidocaine patches, duloxetine, gabapentin, and pregabalin. ⋯ The effectiveness results demonstrated that 8% capsaicin and topical lidocaine patches had significantly higher effectiveness rates than the oral agents used to treat PHN. In addition, this cost-effectiveness analysis found that the 8% capsaicin patch was similar to topical lidocaine patch and within an accepted cost per QALY gained threshold compared to the oral products.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Current practice of darbepoetin alfa in the management of haemoglobin levels in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy - data from the CHOICE study.
To evaluate adherence to European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and European Summary of Product Characteristic (SmPC) guidance on recommended haemoglobin (Hb) values in routine clinical practice use of darbepoetin alfa (DA) in cancer patients internationally. ⋯ This IA suggests most patients were treated according to European SmPC guidance. Hb evolution during the study is consistent with data from clinical trials, implying DA is effective in increasing Hb levels in chemotherapy-induced anaemia patients. Hb levels >13 g/dL were infrequent. Limitations are related to the observational nature of this study.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Epidemiological data, efficacy and safety of a paracetamol-tramadol fixed combination in the treatment of moderate-to-severe pain. SALZA: a post-marketing study in general practice.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the paracetamol-tramadol combination (PTC) in treating moderate-to-severe pain, in patients aged 65 years and over within general practitioner (GP) practice centers. ⋯ PTC, due to the complementary action of its two analgesics, is effective in treating the different types of pain in a GP's practice setting and is well-tolerated, even in an elderly population. Study limitations include all those inherent to non-interventional and open-label observations.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Clinical outcomes after insulin initiation in patients with type 2 diabetes: 6-month data from the INSTIGATE observational study in five European countries.
To examine insulin regimens and factors that affect glycaemic control at 6 months after initiation of insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ⋯ Differences in insulin regimen were observed between countries, and appeared to reflect the guidelines and treatment regimens used.
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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.