The American journal of managed care
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Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), known to actively reduce relapses and delay disability progression, have been used for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) for over a decade. These well-known therapies include intramuscular (IM) interferon (IFN) beta-1a (Avonex), subcutaneous (SC) IFN beta-1a (Rebif), SC IFN beta- 1b (Betaseron; Extavia), and SC glatiramer acetate (Copaxone). These first-line therapies have shown only partial benefits for controlling multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity and are often associated with inadequate patient adherence. ⋯ Recently, 2 new oral DMTs received FDA approval for the treatment of RRMS: teriflunomide (Aubagio) and dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera). In addition, oral laquinimod, several monoclonal antibodies (eg, alemtuzumab, daclizumab, and ocrelizumab), and other agents have shown preliminary beneficial results in relapsing MS in phase 3 clinical trials. These new and emerging DMTs may provide a more efficacious individualized therapeutic approach, more favorable methods of administration (eg, oral administration), and/or a lower frequency of infusions (eg, annually, 3-5 daily infusions over a year for alemtuzumab) that may improve patient adherence and clinical outcomes.
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Effective pain relief with use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may come at the cost of an increased risk for serious cardiovascular (CV), gastrointestinal (GI), and renal complications. Research has shown that these adverse events are more likely to occur with higher NSAID dosing and in individuals with a preexisting risk for CV and GI complications. To minimize the potential risk for an adverse event, numerous regulatory bodies and medical societies recommend using the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest time necessary. ⋯ Another strategy has emerged through use of new technology that produces submicron NSAID formulations. This new technology is also an approach that could provide effective pain relief at low doses. This article reviews the role of dose and duration in the risk for NSAID-associated adverse events, and discusses the potential benefits associated with new low-dose submicron NSAID formulations.
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Observational Study
Safety and effectiveness of mail order pharmacy use in diabetes.
Although research suggests that mail order pharmacy use is associated with greater medication adherence and cardiovascular disease risk factor control, no research has examined the potential impact of mail order pharmacy use on patient safety and utilization. ⋯ Mail order pharmacy use is not associated with adverse outcomes in most diabetes patients, and is associated with lower ED use. Interventions to increase mail order pharmacy use should use a patient-centered approach that is sensitive to primary and preventive care access.
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To characterize potentially problematic opioid use (PPOU) among opioid analgesic-treated chronic pain (OAT-CP) patients and to compare their healthcare service utilization and expenditures with those of a control group of OAT-CP patients not exhibiting these behaviors. ⋯ The PPOU group had the highest healthcare service utilization and costs. Although drivers of elevated service utilization and cost among this population are not clear, health plans may want to focus on PPOU case identification and development of interventions.