Current medical research and opinion
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Diclofenac potassium liquid-filled soft gelatin capsules for the treatment of postbunionectomy pain.
Diclofenac potassium liquid-filled soft gelatin capsule (DPSGC) is a rapidly absorbed formulation of diclofenac approved for the treatment of mild to moderate acute pain in adults (≥18 years of age). The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of DPSGC 25 mg in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients experiencing pain following first metatarsal bunionectomy. ⋯ These results indicate that DPSGC reduced pain in patients who underwent bunionectomy and this novel formulation of diclofenac potassium may be a practical option for treating mild to moderate acute pain.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose ranging study to assess the efficacy and safety of eltrombopag in patients receiving carboplatin/paclitaxel for advanced solid tumors.
Eltrombopag, an oral, nonpeptide thrombopoietin receptor agonist, has been shown to increase platelet counts in adults with chronic immune thrombocytopenia and chronic hepatitis C. This multicenter phase 2 study assessed the efficacy and safety of eltrombopag in patients receiving first-line carboplatin/paclitaxel for the treatment of advanced solid tumors. ⋯ This study provides preliminary information that eltrombopag does increase platelets in patients receiving chemotherapy for advanced solid tumors. Further investigation is needed to identify the optimal dose(s) and schedule of eltrombopag in patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Saxagliptin and metformin XR combination therapy provides glycemic control over 24 hours in patients with T2DM inadequately controlled with metformin.
To assess 24-hour glycemic control with saxagliptin compared with placebo as add-on treatment to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and inadequate glycemic control. ⋯ In patients with T2DM treated with metformin XR, saxagliptin 5 mg orally administered once daily in the evening for 4 weeks effectively lowered plasma glucose concentrations through the 24-hour dosing interval and was well tolerated.
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Postherpetic neuralgia and painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy are common chronic neuropathic pain conditions associated with sleep disturbances. Pregabalin is indicated in the treatment of neuropathic pain. The objective of this review is to summarize the efficacy and safety of pregabalin in painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia and the effect of pregabalin on sleep interference in these patients. ⋯ In addition to an analgesic benefit, pregabalin may decrease pain-related sleep interference in patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia.
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While several studies have examined adherence to controller medications for the treatment of COPD, few systematic reviews have taken the translational step to identifying important and necessary areas for further research. The objective of this study was to review data on the outcomes of adherence to various controller therapies in patients with COPD in an effort to help prescribers understand adherence properties for each therapy. ⋯ Characteristics of the medication used (i.e. dosing schedule, formulation, etc.) as well as patient characteristics affect the adherence/persistence to medications for the treatment of COPD. Further patient education is necessary in order to effectively improve disease management and patient outcomes in COPD. There is a need for future research and educational efforts to improve adherence in COPD and more clearly identify specific behavioral and treatment characteristics associated with specific COPD medications that can facilitate adherence.