Prescrire international
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Prescrire international · Jun 2015
Dabigatran (Pradaxa): deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Warfarin remains the standard drug.
Not more effective than warfarin in three "non-inferiority" trials. Less bleeding but more acute coronary events with dabigatran, and still no antidote.
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Prescrire international · May 2015
ReviewGlucose-lowering treatment of type 2 diabetes. Part II--Glucose-lowering drugs after metformin: a choice based largely on adverse effects.
Metformin alone is the glucose-lowering drug of first choice for patients with type 2 diabetes. None of the other glucose-lowering drugs available in 2014 have any proven efficacy in preventing diabetes complications. How important are adverse effects in the choice of glucose-lowering alternatives to metformin for patients with type 2 diabetes? What about their effects on HbA1c levels? To answer these questions, we conducted a review of the literature using the standard Prescrire methodology. ⋯ These drugs are already known to have a burdensome adverse effect profile despite their relatively recent market introduction. There are also safety signals concerning serious long-term adverse effects. Patients should not be exposed to these risks.
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Prescrire international · Apr 2015
Kaneuron: an oral solution of phenobarbital with dangerous packaging.
The syringe with dual graduations has been eliminated following cases of overdose in children, but there is still no child-proof cap.
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Prescrire international · Apr 2015
No-gift policy in medical schools. Demonstrated impact on prescribing behaviour.
A study has shown that a policy banning pharmaceutical industry gifts in US medical schools has beneficial effects on prescribing behaviour once students enter clinical practice.