Clinical drug investigation
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Chronic pain is a widespread public health issue that has many effects on physical, emotional and cognitive functions. An estimated 10-55% of all adults are thought to have chronic pain. Chronic pain is a multifactorial condition, caused by the complex interplay of nociceptive, neuropathic or mixed pathogenic mechanisms. ⋯ Adequate assessment of pain, using validated tools, is an essential prerequisite of successful pain management. Unidimensional scales are useful for the measurement of pain intensity, while multidimensional scales measure both pain intensity and the extent to which pain interferes with life activity and emotional functioning. Patients should be reassessed and followed up in order to monitor progress and measure improvements in pain.
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Warfarin is a commonly used oral anticoagulant and its interaction with other drugs can result in serious thrombotic or bleeding events. Currently, there is no definitive evidence on the possibility of an interaction between warfarin and oseltamivir. ⋯ This case series suggests the possibility of a potential interaction between warfarin and oseltamivir. Further well designed prospective studies and genetic evaluations are needed to determine the exact nature of the interaction between warfarin and oseltamivir.
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We previously reported that risedronate improved the structural parameters of the proximal femur, as well as lumbar spine and proximal femoral bone mineral density (BMD), after 1 year of therapy by suppressing bone resorption in patients with an increased risk of fracture. Our practice-based observational study was subsequently extended to determine whether these effects were enhanced, maintained or attenuated after 3 years. ⋯ The present study showed the effects of risedronate therapy for 3 years on the BMD of the lumbar spine and proximal femur, as well as on proximal femoral structure, in patients with an increased risk for fracture.
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Influenza is a common respiratory disease occurring in seasonal patterns, and may lead to severe complications in frail populations such as the elderly. In Poland, influenza vaccination is recommended for people aged ≥65 years; however the vaccine coverage rate in the elderly is very low. The fact that influenza vaccine is neither reimbursed by the National Health Insurance (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia [NFZ]) nor financed via a National Immunization Program (NIP) could be a reason for the low coverage rate. This study assessed the cost effectiveness of the full reimbursement of an influenza vaccination programme in Poland for people aged ≥65 years. ⋯ Implementing a vaccination programme in Poland in which influenza vaccination would be fully reimbursed by the NFZ for people aged ≥65 years would be a very cost-effective strategy.