E-DRUG: Independent Drug & Healthcare Newsletter for May 2016
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Newsletter, May 2016
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N° 171 May 2016
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In Prescrire's Spotlight this month
Hepatitis C treatment with dasabuvir (Exviera°) and the ombitasvir + paritaprevir + ritonavir combination (Viekirax°): await further trials
FEATURED REVIEW
The combination of dasabuvir with ombitasvir + ritonavir-boosted paritaprevir yields a sustained virological response in nearly every patient with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus infection. However there is no evidence that its harm-benefit balance is better than that of the ledipasvir + sofosbuvir combination, and there are many unknowns in terms of adverse effects and interactions.
Full reviews (4 pages and 2 pages) available for download by subscribers.
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In the May issue of Prescrire International: Ranibizumab or bevacizumab in AMD?
FREE DOWNLOAD
The Italian independent drug bulletin Informazioni sui Farmaci published a review comparing ranibizumab versus bevacizumab for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Its conclusion differs from that of Prescrire's review. A letter from Informazioni sui Farmaci's editors and Prescrire's reply explore the various scientific and policy questions surrounding these treatments.
Full text available for free download.
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Hypertension: avoid olmesartan pending its withdrawal
Olmesartan exposes patients to increased, and sometimes severe, gastrointestinal adverse effects. It is in the best interest of patients not to use it.
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New drugs and indications in 2015: little progress, despite exorbitant prices
Prescrire's report on drugs evaluated during 2015 highlights abuse of the orphan drug policy.
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Drug-related hair loss: not only anti-cancer medication
Hair loss can sometimes have a profound psychological impact. It is linked to a wide range of causes, including medication, and not only anti-cancer drugs.
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Heavy lobbying by pharmaceutical companies in Europe
Each year, pharmaceutical companies spend tens of millions of euros on lobbying EU institutions, and have dozens of lobbyists working on their behalf.
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