Current medical research and opinion
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Comparative Study
Opioid use and healthcare costs among patients with DPNP initiating duloxetine versus other treatments.
To compare opioid utilization and healthcare costs over a 1-year period following the initiation with duloxetine versus other standard of care (SOC) treatments among patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP). ⋯ Among commercially-insured DPNP patients, duloxetine-treated patients had delayed and reduced opioid use and lower healthcare costs than SOC-treated patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
A plaster containing DHEP and heparin for mild to moderate contusions and sprains with haematoma: a double-blind randomized study.
This prospective, randomized, double-blind, three-arm study was performed to investigate the efficacy of a medicated plaster containing the combination of diclofenac epolamine (DHEP) 180 mg and heparin 5600 IU in the treatment of unilateral blunt soft tissue injuries involving the upper or lower limb, complicated by severe local haematoma. ⋯ The plaster formulation combining DHEP and heparin relieves pain and induces faster dissolution of superficial haematomas, and may therefore contribute to a more rapid and complete recovery.
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A pooled analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of varenicline versus placebo for smoking cessation in Asian populations. A secondary objective was to compare the data to pooled trials among predominantly Western populations. ⋯ Varenicline significantly improved smoking abstinence in Asian populations from six countries. AEs were predominantly of mild or moderate intensity. These data were largely the same as those seen in Western populations, but the studies were not designed to explore racial or cultural differences.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Prasugrel versus clopidogrel in Asian patients with acute coronary syndromes: design and rationale of a multi-dose, pharmacodynamic, phase 3 clinical trial.
Prasugrel is a third generation thienopyridine that is more potent, rapid in onset, and consistent in inhibition of platelets than clopidogrel. However, early prasugrel dose-ranging studies and the subsequent phase 3 TRITON-TIMI 38 trial were conducted primarily in Caucasian populations. ⋯ This study is a phase 3, multi-dose, pharmacodynamic comparison of prasugrel versus clopidogrel in Asian patients with ACS undergoing PCI. It is the first study designed to investigate prasugrel therapy specifically in Asian ACS subjects, and will inform which doses of prasugrel are effective and safe for patients of Asian ethnicity.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Effect of a plaster containing DHEP and heparin in acute ankle sprains with oedema: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study.
Ankle sprains are the most frequent injuries in sport and daily life, and are usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs or compounds that have an effect on microcirculation. The efficacy and tolerability of a novel plaster containing both diclofenac epolamine (DHEP) and heparin in the treatment of acute painful ankle sprains with oedema was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. ⋯ Results confirm the efficacy of DHEP heparin plaster compared with placebo for the treatment of painful ankle sprain with oedema. Prompt control of pain and oedema may shorten the time to initiation of a rehabilitation programme, thus reducing the risk of ankle disability recurrence and the development of chronic injury.