Current medical research and opinion
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Clinical and economic evaluation of tapentadol extended release and oxycodone/naloxone extended release in comparison with controlled release oxycodone in musculoskeletal pain.
Chronic pain is a leading cause of disability and represents a relevant societal burden. Opioids are widely used for managing chronic non-cancer pain; however, the high incidence of side effects is often the main reason for discontinuation. Two formulations have recently been studied to improve the tolerability of opioids (tapentadol extended release [ER] and oxycodone/naloxone ER), but a direct comparison between these drugs is not available in the literature. The comparative cost effectiveness of these two drugs has not previously been assessed. The objective of this meta-analysis is a clinical and economic evaluation of tapentadol ER and oxycodone/naloxone ER for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, by indirect comparison with controlled release (CR) oxycodone. ⋯ Both tapentadol ER and oxycodone/naloxone ER are cost effective interventions compared with CR oxycodone; however, tapentadol ER was shown to provide better clinical outcomes at lower costs.
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New generation antidepressant therapies, including serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were introduced in the late 1980s; however, few comprehensive studies compared the benefits and risks of various contemporary treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) in pediatric patients. ⋯ Sertraline and mirtazapine exhibited optimally balanced efficacy, acceptability, and safety for first-line acute treatment of child and adolescent MDD.