Prescrire international
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Prescrire international · Jun 2015
How INNs are created. Making drug names safer by contributing to INN selection.
The international nonproprietary names (INNs) of drugs proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) are released for public consultation. These consultations provide an opportunity to identify any risks associated with INNs that could lead to confusion. Prescrire has submitted numerous comments since it began participating in the WHO's public consultations on proposed INNs in 2007. ⋯ The lack of an identifiable common stem in certain INNs, sometimes perceived as an obstacle to INN comprehensibility, is a consequence of the procedure for assigning INNs, because the INN programme wants to ensure that new common stems are not created prematurely. Critical analysis of proposed INNs during WHO public consultations offers an insight into the challenges involved in devising common stems. This analysis is useful for improving the quality and safety of INNs.
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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
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.
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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.