Expert review of clinical pharmacology
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Introduction: Statins remain among the most frequently prescribed drugs and constitute a cornerstone in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, muscle symptoms are often reported from patients on statins. Muscle symptoms are frequently reported as adverse events associated with statin therapy. ⋯ There are also nocebo effects of statins. Exchange of statin may be beneficial although all statins have been associated with muscle pain. In some patients reduction of dose is worth trying, especially in primary prevention Although the benefits of statins outweigh potential risks in the vast majority of cases, careful clinical judgment may be necessary in certain cases to manage potential side effects on an individual basis.
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Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol · Feb 2020
ReviewEmerging concepts on the use of ketamine for chronic pain.
Introduction: The use of ketamine infusions for chronic pain has surged, with utilization exceeding the proliferation of knowledge. A proposed mechanism for the long-term benefit in chronic pain is that ketamine may alter the affective-motivational component of pain. Areas covered: In this review, we discuss the classification and various dimensions of pain, and explore the effects of ketamine on different pain categories and components. ⋯ We also summarize animal models evaluating the antinociceptive effects of ketamine and risk mitigation strategies of ketamine-associated side effects. Expert opinion: Although ketamine exerts most of its analgesic effects via the NMDA receptor, recent evidence suggests that other receptors such as AMPA, and active metabolites such as nor-ketamine, may also play a role in pain relief and alleviation of depression. Data from clinical studies performed in patients with chronic pain and depression, and the observation that ketamine's analgesic benefits outlast its effects on quantitative sensory testing, suggest that the enduring effects on chronic pain may be predominantly due ketamine's ability to modulate the affective-motivational dimension of pain.
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Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol · Feb 2020
ReviewAclidinium bromide and formoterol fumarate for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Introduction: Treatment options for COPD have evolved rapidly in the last decade and inhaled bronchodilators have largely supplanted the use of oral bronchodilators because of their increased efficacy and excellent safety with topical delivery to the lung. Recently added to the therapeutic armamentarium are fixed-dose combinations (FDC) of two long acting bronchodilators. LAMAs (long acting muscarinic antagonists) and LABAs (long acting beta agonists) are the main classes available and use different pathways to effectively produce bronchial smooth muscle relaxation. ⋯ These individual drugs have excellent efficacy and safety records for the maintenance treatment of COPD. Studies have demonstrated that twice daily treatment with aclidinium/formoterol resulted in significant improvement in lung function and an improved exercise tolerance when compared to placebo. Adverse effects are within the range of what is seen with other LAMA/LABA combinations.
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Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol · Jan 2020
ReviewSTOPP/START criteria for potentially inappropriate medications/potential prescribing omissions in older people: origin and progress.
Introduction: STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions) and START (Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment) are explicit criteria that facilitate medication review in multi-morbid older people in most clinical settings. This review examines the clinical trial evidence pertaining to STOPP/START criteria as an intervention. Areas covered: The literature was searched for registered clinical trials that used STOPP/START criteria as an intervention. ⋯ Electronic deployment of STOPP/START criteria is a substantial technical challenge; however, recent clinical trials of software prototypes demonstrate feasibility. Even with well-functioning software for the application of STOPP/START criteria, the need remains for face-to-face interaction between attending clinicians and appropriately trained personnel (likely pharmacists) to explain and qualify specific STOPP/START recommendations in individual multi-morbid older patients. Such interaction is essential for the implementation of relevant STOPP/START recommendations.
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Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol · Jan 2020
ReviewErdafitinib for the treatment of metastatic bladder cancer.
Introduction: Since the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), there has been continuing and significant progress in urothelial cancer (UC) treatment. However, only about one fifth of UC patients respond to ICI. Recently, erdafitinib was developed for treating locally advanced or metastatic UC (mUC) with FGFR3 or FGFR2 alterations, accounting for 15-20% of patients. ⋯ Regular eye exams are recommended by the FDA. Tumor profiling during upfront therapy may help identify those who benefit at the time of progression. In summary, a high unmet need remains for new drugs in chemotherapy- and ICI-refractory UC.