Current medical research and opinion
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Review Comparative Study
Cost-effectiveness analysis of a new 8% capsaicin patch compared to existing therapies for postherpetic neuralgia.
The purpose of this study was to compare the cost effectiveness of a new 8% capsaicin patch, compared to the current treatments for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), topical lidocaine patches, duloxetine, gabapentin, and pregabalin. ⋯ The effectiveness results demonstrated that 8% capsaicin and topical lidocaine patches had significantly higher effectiveness rates than the oral agents used to treat PHN. In addition, this cost-effectiveness analysis found that the 8% capsaicin patch was similar to topical lidocaine patch and within an accepted cost per QALY gained threshold compared to the oral products.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Current practice of darbepoetin alfa in the management of haemoglobin levels in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy - data from the CHOICE study.
To evaluate adherence to European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and European Summary of Product Characteristic (SmPC) guidance on recommended haemoglobin (Hb) values in routine clinical practice use of darbepoetin alfa (DA) in cancer patients internationally. ⋯ This IA suggests most patients were treated according to European SmPC guidance. Hb evolution during the study is consistent with data from clinical trials, implying DA is effective in increasing Hb levels in chemotherapy-induced anaemia patients. Hb levels >13 g/dL were infrequent. Limitations are related to the observational nature of this study.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Clinical outcomes after insulin initiation in patients with type 2 diabetes: 6-month data from the INSTIGATE observational study in five European countries.
To examine insulin regimens and factors that affect glycaemic control at 6 months after initiation of insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ⋯ Differences in insulin regimen were observed between countries, and appeared to reflect the guidelines and treatment regimens used.
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To evaluate the long-term dosing, safety, and tolerability of fentanyl buccal tablet (FBT) in a large cohort of opioid-tolerant patients with chronic noncancer pain and breakthrough pain (BTP). ⋯ Despite the limitations, including the controlled clinical setting, this pooled analysis of several clinical studies provides valuable information for the long-term management of BTP with FBT. Patients require regular evaluation and, when necessary, adjustment of opioid medications to maintain adequate pain control. FBT was generally safe and well tolerated in this setting.
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Agomelatine is a novel antidepressant with agonist activity at melatonin receptors (MT(1) and MT(2)), and antagonistic effects at the 5HT(2c) serotonin receptor. ⋯ Agomelatine is a useful and novel addition to the range of avialble antidepressants. Longer term post-marketing studies as to the effects of chronic exposure are required.