International journal of clinical practice
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Effective prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic disorders remain suboptimal in many healthcare systems, partly owing to limitations of traditional anticoagulants. New oral anticoagulants have been developed and among these, rivaroxaban, apixaban and dabigatran etexilate are in the most advanced stage of clinical development. ⋯ Rivaroxaban, apixaban and dabigatran etexilate offer the possibility of simplified prevention and treatment strategies for thromboembolic disorders in the outpatient setting.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Feb 2013
Are specific initiatives required to enhance prescribing of generic atypical antipsychotics in Scotland?: International implications.
National and regional authorities in Scotland have introduced multiple measures to appreciably enhance prescribing efficiency for the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), statins and renin-angiotensin inhibitor drugs. Generic oral risperidone recently became available in Scotland; however, schizophrenia is a complex disease with advice from respected authorities suggesting that treatment should be individualised. ⋯ There is potential to realise some savings with generic AAPs. However, this is limited by the complexity of the disease area. Any measures introduced must aim at increasing the prescribing of generic AAPs first line in suitable patients.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Feb 2013
Diagnosis of BPH and treatment of LUTS among GPs: a European survey.
This survey was conducted in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK, with the aim to assess diagnosis and therapy of BPH patients in clinical practice. ⋯ This survey has shown that the most common LUTS is nocturia. Analyses of the symptoms' pattern revealed that the most common combination appears to be the triad nocturia-frequency-feeling of incomplete emptying. An association between LUTS and heart disease, diabetes and hypertension suggests that the pharmacological treatment should be devoid of effects on the cardiovascular system. With alpha blockers as first line treatment of LUTS, respondents were more concerned with hypotensive episodes resulting in falls, rather than about other typical side effects (e.g. ejaculation disorders and lowered libido). The survey highlights educational needs in diagnostics.