International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2009
Review Meta AnalysisOsteoporosis management: a perspective based on bisphosphonate data from randomised clinical trials and observational databases.
The efficacy of treatments for osteoporosis can be evaluated using a variety of study designs. This article aims to comprehensively review the evidence for bisphosphonate anti-fracture efficacy in postmenopausal women, discussing the strengths and limitations associated with each study method. ⋯ Understanding of the benefits of bisphosphonate treatment can be maximised by evaluating complementary data from RCTs and observational database studies. Fracture risk reduction with bisphosphonates is shown in RCTs and in real-world clinical settings.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2009
Review Meta AnalysisAsenapine for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: a review of the efficacy and safety profile for this newly approved sublingually absorbed second-generation antipsychotic.
To describe the efficacy and safety of asenapine for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. ⋯ Asenapine sublingual tablets are a new option for the treatment of acute episodes of schizophrenia and for the treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder. Although there is no evidence for asenapine's efficacy to be superior to currently available agents, asenapine's favourable weight and metabolic profile are of clinical interest. A caveat is that the data reviewed regarding asenapine are from its manufacturer. No independent studies of asenapine's efficacy or safety are available. Obstacles to the use of asenapine are the recommendations for twice daily dosing and the need to avoid food or liquids for 10 min after administration. As asenapine's bioavailability is very low if ingested, asenapine is unique among the antipsychotics, in that it needs to be swallowed to be covertly 'cheeked'.