E-DRUG: Independent Drug and Healthcare Newsletter for February 2020
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Newsletter, February 2020
Independent Drug & Healthcare Newsletter from the non-profit journal Prescrire International
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In Prescrire's Spotlight this month
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Drugs to avoid in the name of better patient care: 2020 update
The independent French medical journal Prescrire's annual review of drugs to avoid includes documented cases of 105 authorised in the European Union drugs that are more dangerous than beneficial. The aim is to make it easier to choose safe, effective treatments, primarily to avoid exposing patients to unacceptable harms.
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Annual Prescrire Drug Awards announced in Paris: 6 winning drugs, but no "Pilule d'Or"
The independent French medical journal Prescrire announced its Drug Awards for 2019, at its yearly awards ceremony in Paris on 30 January. Three drugs made the "Honours List" and three others were recognised as "Noteworthy", but there was no "Pilule d'Or" (Golden Pill) awarded this year.
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The Prescrire Packaging Awards for 2019: one winner and plenty of losers
The independent French medical journal Prescrire held its annual awards ceremony in Paris on 30 January. A Prescrire Packaging Award recognised Isentress° granules for oral suspension (raltegravir) for its clear, informative instruction booklet, whereas 34 "Red Cards" were handed out for substandard or dangerous packaging.
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Prescrire's Information Awards for 2019: just 6 drug companies (out of 112 contacted) are honoured for the quality of information provided
Prescrire's annual Information Awards recognise drug companies which respond to Prescrire's requests with complete and relevant information. In 2019, only a half-dozen drug companies (out of 112 companies contacted by Prescrire's editors with information requests) embraced transparency, in the best interest of patients.
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FEATURED REVIEW Baclofen (Baclocur°) and alcohol dependence. At moderate doses, a modest aid in controlling alcohol consumption
The GABA analogue baclofen (Baclocur°, Ethypharm), used since the 1970s as a muscle relaxant, has now been granted marketing authorisation in France for the reduction of alcohol consumption in alcohol-dependent patients in whom the other drug treatments have failed. What is known about baclofen's harm-benefit balance in this clinical situation as of late 2019?
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FREE DOWNLOAD In the February issue of Prescrire International - High thrombotic risk and antiphospholipid antibodies: avoid direct oral anticoagulants
In the Adverse Effects section this month: should patients taking a direct oral anticoagulant switch to a vitamin K agonist such as warfarin, in light of the French drug regulatory agency's recent advisory?
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SSRI antidepressants: persistant sexual dysfunction
Antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) expose patients to sexual adverse effects that may persist long after discontinuation of the drug.
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Severe vomiting in pregnancy: the priority is to rehydrate
In cases of severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, priority treatment combines parenteral rehydration and rest.
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Oral desensitisation to peanuts: too many adverse effects
Oral desensitisation to peanuts increases rather than reduces the risk of subsequent serious allergic reactions.
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COMING SOON Enjoy these features, and more, in our upcoming issues
Ertugliflozin in type 2 diabetes * Rotarix° oral vaccine: still being mistakenly administered by intramuscular injection * Paracetamol in late pregnancy: a risk factor for premature closure of the ductus arteriosus * Painful endometriosis...
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