The Annals of pharmacotherapy
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To summarize the preclinical and clinical data on vemurafenib, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August 17, 2011, and discuss the drug's clinical advantages and limitations. ⋯ Vemurafenib offers a novel, first-line, personalized therapy for patients who have mutated BRAF. Clinical trials of vemurafenib in combination with ipilimumab or other targeted or cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents may provide more effective regimens with long-term clinical benefit.
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To systematically review the literature on generic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), evaluate the efficacy and safety of generic AED substitution, and perform pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis using the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) scheme to classify evidence. ⋯ There is inconsistency between retrospective and prospective studies of generic AED substitution. The highest levels of evidence indicate that there should not be a problem with generic substitution, although some patients are more prone to problems with the generic products. Some evidence suggests that switches between multiple generic AED products in certain individuals may be problematic.
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To evaluate clinical studies on the role of moxifloxacin in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). ⋯ Although it cannot be stated definitively, available evidence suggests that moxifloxacin appears to be as effective as ethambutol and is possibly as effective as isoniazid in the treatment of pulmonary TB. Given the generally poor second-line options for the treatment of TB, moxifloxacin is an attractive option as an alternative drug in TB treatment.
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To summarize published data regarding the safety and efficacy of probiotics in the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). ⋯ Clinical trials have failed to demonstrate a consistent beneficial effect of probiotics in mechanically ventilated patients; thus, they are not recommended for routine clinical use. However, heterogeneity among study designs may hinder this assessment and the designs should be unified in future research.
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To review the pharmacology, microbiology, chemistry, in vitro activity, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety, dosage, and administration of ceftaroline fosamil (Teflaro, Forest Laboratories, Inc.), a novel parenteral broad-spectrum cephalosporin approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 29, 2010, for the treatment of adults with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). ⋯ These considerations should be part of the formulary review process; however, when considering the significant role MRSA plays in ABSSSI in both the community and hospital settings, we believe that ceftaroline will provide clinicians with a welcome option in addition to currently available anti-MRSA therapies for the treatment of ABSSSI.