The Annals of pharmacotherapy
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To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the polypill for prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke and to present literature related to the polypill components (statin, aspirin, antihypertensive) for primary prevention of CVD and stroke. ⋯ Polypill study results have been more modest than originally theorized. However, results show promise in patients at higher risk for CVD and stroke.
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Concerns that antiepileptic brand-to-generic interchange results in disruption of seizure control are widespread. However, little within-patient evidence exists examining such interchanges. ⋯ No increased proportion of seizures was observed within patients when branded phenytoin was interchanged to an AB-rated, single-source, generic equivalent. More rigorous studies should be conducted to more thoroughly evaluate patient tolerability and drug efficacy when antiepileptic drugs are interchanged from brand to generic formulations.
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While the clinical utility of atypical antipsychotics has been established in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who are refractory to antidepressant therapy, their cost-effectiveness is unknown. ⋯ Atypical antipsychotics substantially increase clinical response at 6 weeks. Cost per additional responder is lower for aripiprazole than for quetiapine or olanzapine/fluoxetine.
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Poor adherence to oral osteoporosis medications is common. Strategies for improving adherence begin with identification of the problem. The 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale for self-reported adherence to antihypertensive medications was modified for assessing adherence to oral osteoporosis medications. An evaluation of the measurement properties of the Osteoporosis-Specific Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (OS-MMAS) was needed. ⋯ The OS-MMAS showed strong psychometric properties with good reliability and construct validity and may provide a valuable assessment of self-reported medication adherence in women newly prescribed oral osteoporosis medications.