Medizinische Monatsschrift für Pharmazeuten
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Med Monatsschr Pharm · Jul 2010
Review[Roflumilast: a new approach to therapy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
Roflumilast, a new inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4, showed moderate efficacy in clinical trials with patients suffering from chonic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Improvement of pulmonary function is predominantly attributed to antiinflammatory effects with decrease in mucus secretion and less exacerbations. Diarrhoea, headache and nausea are typical adverse events.
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Med Monatsschr Pharm · Nov 2009
Review[Liraglutide: a human GLP-1 analogue for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2].
The GLP-1-receptor-agonist liraglutide (Victoza) has been approved for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 in Europe. Liraglutide is the first human GLP-1 analogue which is applied once a day. Efficacy and safety of liraglutide were investigated in the broad LEAD-study-programme in comparison with placebo and other common therapeutics for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2. Liraglutide has been approved for the combination with metformin and/or a sulfonylurea or with metformin and a thiazolidinedione, if treatment with one or a combination of these drugs is not sufficient for an adequate blood glucose control.
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The approval of gadofosveset trisodium as the first imaging agent for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) by the US Food and Drug administration (FDA) in December 2008 served as a motive to review a rare serious adverse reaction possibly related to the use of gadolinium based contrast agents. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a disabling and potentially fatal disease characterized by thickening and hardening of the skin, especially of the extremities. It is restricted to patients with renal insufficiency (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] < 30ml/min/ 1,73 m2). ⋯ Since there is no effective therapy for NSF, the top priority is to avoid exposure to gadolinium based contrast agents in patients at increased risk. In case of renal insufficiency (eGFR < 30 ml/min/1,73 m2) they should only be given if clearly necessary. After a thorough risk-benefit-assessment, the lowest possible dose should be used.
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This review describes the current knowledge level of epidemiology, genetics and pathogenesis of psoriasis for continuing education purposes. The different clinical appearances and degrees of severity of the illness are portrayed and important associated diseases are depicted. Treatment goals are designated and different therapy forms like topical therapy, phototherapy and classical as well as modem systemic therapies (biologicals) are described.
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Med Monatsschr Pharm · Aug 2009
Review[Antimycotic therapy of Tinea unguium and other onychomycoses].
Mycosis of foot or finger nails (onychomycosis) is the second most common fungal skin infection in industrialized countries. In Germany, estimated 10 to 17% of the total adult population and almost one half of all people beyond the age of 65 are suffering from an onychomycosis. In most cases, mycoses of toe nails are caused by a dermatophyte species (Tinea unguium), especially Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes. ⋯ If nail matrix is infected, a systemic treatment approach is generally recommended (independent of onychomycosis form). The prospects of success of local and systemic therapy can be enlarged applying nail abrasion and chemical avulsion of the diseased part of the nail. An improved effectiveness of systematic treatment is also achieved by concomitant application of topical antifungals.