Current medical research and opinion
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Oral antidiabetics have comparable safety and efficacy when used as fixed-dose combination therapies (FDCT) or loose-pill combination therapies (LPCT) for patients with T2DM. To evaluate alternative outcomes to safety and efficacy with FDCT, a systematic review of literature was conducted. ⋯ The published literature suggested that T2DM patients treated with FDCT may have better adherence, improved satisfaction, and lower direct medical costs, compared to those treated with LPCT.
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Oral antidiabetics have comparable safety and efficacy when used as fixed-dose combination therapies (FDCT) or loose-pill combination therapies (LPCT) for patients with T2DM. To evaluate alternative outcomes to safety and efficacy with FDCT, a systematic review of literature was conducted. ⋯ The published literature suggested that T2DM patients treated with FDCT may have better adherence, improved satisfaction, and lower direct medical costs, compared to those treated with LPCT.
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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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Review Comparative Study
Special considerations on the management of Latino patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Latinos are the largest minority population in the United States, and are characterized by higher rates of obesity and diabetes compared to Whites. The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in Latinos is two-fold higher than in Caucasians, and Latinos suffer from higher rates of diabetic complications and mortality. As the diabetes epidemic continues to expand and exert greater socioeconomic strain on national healthcare systems, the success of global and national healthcare initiatives for diabetes prevention and improvement of care will depend upon strategies targeted specifically toward this population. Essential to such strategies is an understanding of success factors unique to the Latino population for diabetes prevention and achievement of optimal treatment outcomes. ⋯ A number of studies have highlighted various ethnic disparities in Latinos with diabetes including higher HbA1c levels, greater rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome, and a larger proportion of individuals with inadequate access to care. While relatively fewer studies describe success factors for redressing cultural disparities in diabetes, the current body of literature supports primary care strategies aimed at effective provider-patient relationships and culturally tailored education and lifestyle modification regimens. Further research demonstrating effective, culturally tailored practices that are suitable to the primary care setting would be of value to providers treating Latinos with diabetes.
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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.