Odevixibat in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis: a profile of its use
AbstractOdevixibat (Bylvay™; Bylvay®) has been approved for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) in patients aged ≥ 3 months in the USA and those aged ≥ 6 months in the EU and UK. In the pivotal double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 PEDFIC 1 study, odevixibat 40 or 120 μg/kg once daily significantly reduced serum bile acids and pruritus. Odevixibat also improved growth, sleep and quality of life para meters compared with placebo in patients with PFIC. The clinical benefits of odevixibat were maintained with continued treatment for up to 72 weeks, according to an interim analysis of the ongoing...
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - July 8, 2022 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Use available data to optimise antibiotic use in critically ill children
AbstractOptimising antibiotic use has become increasingly important due to the rise of bacterial resistance in pathogens detected in critically ill children. Additionally, many critically ill children are receiving subtherapeutic antibiotic dosages. Determining the best antibiotic, dosage, duration and route of administration in these children relies largely on clinicians ’ expertise, as limited guidance is available. Using pharmacokinetic data and implementing antibiotic stewardship programmes to collect, analyse and share information are options for improving antibiotic optimisation in critically ill children. (Source:...
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - July 7, 2022 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Monitor growth changes from central nervous system stimulants in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
AbstractCNS stimulants used in the management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may suppress appetite, and thus growth. In randomised clinical trials, CNS stimulants demonstrated growth suppression in patients, with some trials demonstrating a dose-dependent effect. Weight deficits were attenuated in adolescence, however, deficits in height were carried into adulthood. Taking CNS stimulants with or after meals, initiating treatment at an older age or using drug holidays may improve appetite and growth. The benefits achieved with these strategies must be balanced against the risks of ineffectively managed A...
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - June 30, 2022 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Plasma lipid profile: a predictive marker of disease severity among COVID-19 patients —an opportunity for low-income countries
ConclusionA routine lipid profile test might help as a marker of inflammation and risk stratification in patients with COVID-19. Especially in middle- or low-income countries, the test can rapidly help clinicians to delineate prognostic measures and hence management and treatment plans for this disease as the levels of the lipid profile were correlated with the patients ’ BMI and infection severity. (Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives)
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - June 27, 2022 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Olanzapine/samidorphan in schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder: a profile of its use in the USA
AbstractOlanzapine/samidorphan (LYBALVI®) is a useful treatment option for patients with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder who could benefit from the antipsychotic efficacy of olanzapine, but for whom the potential for olanzapine-associated weight gain might otherwise preclude its use. In clinical trials (ENLIGHTEN-1 and ENLIGHTEN-2) in patients with schizophrenia, olanzapine/samidorphan had similar efficac y to olanzapine; samidorphan did not appear to impact the antipsychotic efficacy of olanzapine. In addition, olanzapine/samidorphan led to significantly less weight gain than olanzapine in ENLIGHTEN-2. Sustained be...
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - June 24, 2022 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Ceramides and sphingolipids are more than simple building blocks
AbstractCeramides and sphingolipids are long chain fatty acids, which are components of the stratum corneum layer of the skin. The composition of ceramides, sphingolipids and other lipids is important for the formation of a healthy skin barrier, which may be compromised in skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Ceramides and sphingolipids are also involved in the control of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, as well as modulating the immune system within the skin. Nutraceutical products with ceramides or sphingolipids are currently available and recent studies identified potential benefits of...
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - June 24, 2022 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Impact of clinical pharmacy guidance on valsartan recall management: a retrospective review
ConclusionFollowing the extensive recalls of valsartan-containing products, guidance for prescribers may have contributed to a statistically significant number of patients who switched to an alternative ARB at a comparative dose without worsening of blood pressure (BP) control, whereas worsening of blood pressure occurred in patients who switched to an alternative ARB at a non-comparative dose. (Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives)
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - June 22, 2022 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Consider using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to prevent photoaging
AbstractPhotoaging begins at an early age and accounts for most age-associated changes in skin appearance. The main environmental cause of photoaging is ultraviolet (UV) radiation, specifically UVA and UVB. In addition, there is increasing evidence that visible light (VL) and infrared (IR) radiation also play a role in photodamage and photoaging. Prevention is best, and patients should be urged to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of ≥ 30 daily that will offer protection against UVA, UVB and VL. Sunscreen additives such as antioxidants may also provide protection from IR radiation. (Source: Dru...
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - June 20, 2022 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Loncastuximab tesirine in relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a profile of its use in the USA
AbstractThe antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) loncastuximab tesirine (loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl, Zynlonta®), is a useful option for third-line and subsequent treatment of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Loncastuximab tesirine comprises a humanized anti-CD19 antibody linked to a pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimer cytotoxic alkylating agent. It is the first CD19-targeted ADC approved for third-line and subsequent treatment of relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, DLBCL not otherwise specified, DLBCL arising from low-grade lymphoma, and high-grade B-cell lymphoma. In the pivotal phase II LO...
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - June 18, 2022 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Amantadine extended release capsules (GOCOVRI ®) in Parkinson’s disease: a profile of its use in the USA
AbstractAmantadine extended release (ER) [GOCOVRI®], an NMDA receptor antagonist, is an important treatment option in the management of levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) and OFF episodes in patients with Parkinson ’s disease (PD). Taken at bedtime, amantadine ER provides low plasma levels overnight and high plasma concentrations during the waking day (i.e. delayed release). In randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trials in adults with PD, once-daily amantadine ER was effective in improving LID, reducing OFF time and increasing ON time without troublesome dyskinesia, compared with placebo. Control of mo...
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - June 15, 2022 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Don ’t overlook monoamine oxidase inhibitors in psychiatric practice
AbstractMonoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), including phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide and selegiline are established and effective antidepressants that deserve wider consideration in refractory mood and anxiety disorders. Concerns regarding adverse events, such as tyramine-related hypertension and serotonin syndrome contributed to the decline in MAOI use, despite both events potentially occurring with other drug classes, including serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Furthermore, the early promise of greater efficacy with SSRIs was another factor associated with diminishing MAOI use. Adverse events and drug in...
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - June 3, 2022 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Targeted therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer: what do we currently have in clinical practice?
AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the three most prevalent types of cancer (along with lung cancer and breast cancer) and the second most deadly cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates that in 2020, CRC was the cause of almost 1 million deaths worldwide. This work aims to review the available targeted therapeutic approaches in the treatment of metastatic CRC (mCRC), namely, monoclonal antibodies and inhibitors of protein kinases with therapeutic indication in mCRC. The databases of medicines for human use of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency...
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - June 1, 2022 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Correction to: Evaluation of three barrier-type closed system transfer devices using the 2015 NIOSH vapor containment performance draft protocol
(Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives)
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - May 29, 2022 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
First reports of adverse drug reactions
(Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives)
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - May 16, 2022 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
A pharmacist-led educational intervention to improve nebulization-related knowledge and practices of nursing staff: a pre –post interventional study from Pakistan
ConclusionThe current study demonstrated a potential positive impact of a pharmacist-led educational intervention on complex medication processes related to nurses' awareness of good nebulization practices. (Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives)
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - May 4, 2022 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research