Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
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Meta Analysis
Do selective COX-2 inhibitors increase the risk of cerebrovascular events? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
To evaluate the risk of cerebrovascular events (CVEs) associated with selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (coxibs). ⋯ On the basis of a detailed analysis of available RCTs, there does not appear to be any significant difference in risk of CVEs associated with coxibs when compared against placebo or non-selective NSAIDs. It is likely that the increased risk of thrombotic vascular events associated with coxibs is largely attributable to an increased risk of myocardial infarction, rather than CVEs.
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Comparative Study
Attitudes of Slovene general practitioners towards generic drug prescribing and comparison with international studies.
Over the recent years there has been a steady 7% yearly increase in prescribing costs, which accounts for 17% of the Slovene national health care budget. Substitution of branded products by generic equivalents can offer savings. General practitioners (GPs) are often concerned about the quality of generic products and possible legal liabilities associated with their use. ⋯ Slovene GPs are aware of the cost of prescribed drugs. They are willing to accept independent academic detailing to improve their prescribing and are willing to increase generic drugs under certain conditions.