Archives : 2010

Final proposals on pharmacovigilance: Some progress, but a missed opportunity to genuinely strengthen patient safety

In a joint communiqué, HAI Europe, the Medicines in Europe Forum and the International Society of Drug Bulletins analyse the pharmacovigilance proposals that were adopted by the Ministers for Health of the Member States on 29 November 2010.

07 December 2010

Acute poisoning following ingestion of medicines: initial management

FEATURED REVIEW This review examines the initial management of patients with suspected acute poisoning, based on a review of the literature using the standard Prescrire methodology. It addesses the key issues of how to treat life-threatening complications and to evaluate the risk of delayed effects and psychological distress.
Full review (8 pages) available for download by subscribers.

1 December 2010

In the December issue of Prescrire International:
Tibolone and breast cancer: evidence of increased risk

FREE DOWNLOAD Tibolone increases the risk of breast cancer and stroke. It is better to avoid it.
Full text available for free download.

1 December 2010

"Mental health", emotions, psychological pain: just what are we trying to treat?

At the annual Prescrire Prize ceremony, a debate on the role of “mental health” and psychoactive medications in our society.

1 December 2010

Type-2 diabetes: promote a Mediterranean diet

For overweight patients with recently discovered type-2 diabetes, a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet helps reduce blood-glucose levels.

1 December 2010

Resumption of bowel movements after abdominal surgery is speeded up by chewing-gum

Chewing gum seems to be a simple way to speed up the resumption of bowel movements after abdominal surgery, and can even shorten a patient’s stay in hospital, with no major adverse effects.

1 December 2010

Breast cancer: exercising the upper arm in cases of lymphoedema

In women suffering from lymphoedema after breast cancer surgery, regular exercise of the upper arm increases its muscle strength with no serious adverse effects.

1 December 2010

Towards direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs?
The autumn will be crucial (continued) (November 2010)

The European Commission's original proposals, though improved by the Members of the European Parliament, are still of little benefit and some provisions are even detrimental. Read on...

1 November 2010

Maraviroc as first-line therapy for HIV infection: too risky

FEATURED REVIEW Clinical assessment of maraviroc in first-line therapy for HIV infection was not designed to show a therapeutic advantage over other first-line combinations. Maraviroc belongs to a new class of antiretroviral drugs, but the test used to identify viruses that are susceptible to this drug is unreliable. Its adverse effects are poorly documented. Maraviroc should continue to be reserved for patients with multiple treatment failure.
Full review (3 pages) available for download by subscribers.

1 November 2010

In the November issue of Prescrire International:
Ulipristal and postcoital contraception (letter and response)

FREE DOWNLOAD In a letter to Prescrire's editors, André Ulmann, President of the monitoring committee for the firm HRA Pharma, protests against Prescrire's article on EllaOne° (ulipristal), but fails to cite so-called errors and omissions in Prescrire's assessment.
The full text of Ulmann's letter (Prescrire's translation) and the editors' response are available for free download.

1 November 2010

Primary cardiovascular prevention: in the absence of risk factors, aspirin is not advisable

Aspirin has a very limited role to play in primary cardiovascular prevention. A Mediterranean diet, stopping smoking, and the control of risk factors (hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia) are the best preventive measures.

1 November 2010

Fluindione: warfarin is a better option

When an oral anticoagulant is required, it is better to opt for one with a favourable risk-benefit balance such as warfarin. Fluindione should be avoided.

1 November 2010

Nicorandil: stop!

The angina drug nicorandil should be banned due to its negligible efficacy and potentially severe toxicity.

1 November 2010

Prescrire International is now published 11 times a year

In an international scene more and more dominated by continuing medical education that is financed by pharmaceutical companies – and more generally by information that is under the influence – monthly publication will reinforce Prescrire International’s role as a critical voice in the European medicines market, and as a reliable source of independent continuing education for healthcare professionals.

1 November 2010

The 2010 Prescrire Prize: not just another book award

On 7 October, the Prescrire editorial staff announced the winners of the 2010 Prescrire Prize. The 2010 Prize was awarded to 5 books of interest to the general public and/or healthcare professionals. The Jury selected the winners from among the works reviewed in issues 312 (October 2009) to 323 (September 2010) of La revue Prescrire.

07 October 2010

Drug-induced acneiform rash

FEATURED REVIEW Acne is a generally mild skin condition, common among adolescents and young adults. Certain toxins and drugs can aggravate pre-existing acne or cause acneiform rash. Various pharmacological classes can cause acneiform rash. The eruptions usually subside after drug withdrawal, but sometimes only after several months.
Full review (3 pages) available for download by subscribers.

1 October 2010

In the October issue of Prescrire International:
ketoprofen gels, unfortunately back on the French market

FREE DOWNLOAD Ketoprofen gels are more harmful than beneficial, and their withdrawal from the French market in late 2009 was a welcome measure. Unfortunately, they were back on the market in early 2010 following legal action. Healthcare professionals and patients should rely on solid evidence rather than decisions made by regulatory agencies or the judiciary.

Full text available for free download.

1 October 2010

Parecoxib and fatal skin reactions: when will this drug be withdrawn from the European market?

The risk-benefit balance of cox-2 inhibitor anti-inflammatories is unfavourable. The European Medicines Agency has merely indicated the risk of a potentially fatal skin reaction with parecoxib, instead of demanding its withdrawal from the market.

1 October 2010

Research organisations: misleading press releases

Journalists writing for the consumer press should be wary of press releases from research organisations and researchers as they are often biased.

1 October 2010

Reporting of errors by healthcare professionals: a source of information that is useful in improving patient care

It is not easy to report errors. Prescrire urges healthcare professionals to do so, to help others prevent the same errors.

1 October 2010

Fatal hepatitis with nimesulide: the European Commission drags its feet

Rather than withdrawing nimesulide from the market, the European Commission is gathering reports of liver transplants.

1 October 2010

Elderly patients with dementia: avoid neuroleptics if possible

Neuroleptics have an unfavourable risk-benefit balance for elderly patients with dementia.

1 October 2010

Anaesthetic creams used cosmetically: risk of death as a result of overdose

Anaesthetic creams sometimes cause severe, even fatal, adverse effects when they are applied to large areas of skin.

1 October 2010

Pharmaceutical companies' "sales reps": not to be relied on when it comes to quality of care

The French National Authority for Health (HAS) has made it clear to the healthcare community that it cannot control sales reps’ visits, which are a key means that pharmaceutical companies use to promote their products.

1 October 2010

Cardiorespiratory arrest: resuscitate as quickly as possible without unreasonable obstinacy

In the event of cardiorespiratory arrest, the rapid application of resuscitation procedures determines the chances of survival without neurological after-effects.

1 October 2010

Dextropropoxyphene + paracetamol to be withdrawn from the European market by September 2011 at the latest

The European Commission has decided to withdraw dextropropoxyphene-based drugs from the market by mid-September 2011 at the latest.

1 October 2010

Direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs: appeal to members of the European Parliament

MEPs must transform the European Commission’s dangerous proposals into progress for patients.

1 October 2010

Rosiglitazone (Avandia°; and in combination with metformin in Avandamet°): a market withdrawal that has been 8 years in coming

The European Medicines Agency recommended on 23 September 2010 that rosiglitazone be withdrawn from the market. Yet the data published in 2010 have only confirmed the risks that were apparent as soon as rosiglitazone came onto the market in 2002.

1 October 2010

Cervical cancer screening: organised screening to avoid unnecessary conisation

FEATURED REVIEW The incidence of cervical cancer and related deaths has fallen gradually since 1970 in several European countries. This article examines the role of screening in this reduced mortality, and the potential harms of cervical screening, based on a review of the literature using the standard Prescrire methodology.

Full review (8 pages) available for download by subscribers.

1 September 2010

Poliomyelitis: spreading in Africa

Poliomyelitis has been eradicated in Europe since 2002, but has been on the increase in Africa since 2006. Vaccination of the entire world population remains a necessity.

1 September 2010

Spotlight: Archives

Spotlight

2010

Final proposals on pharmacovigilance: Some progress, but a missed opportunity to genuinely strengthen patient safety

Acute poisoning following ingestion of medicines: initial management

In the December issue of Prescrire International:
Tibolone and breast cancer: evidence of increased risk

"Mental health", emotions, psychological pain: just what are we trying to treat?

Type-2 diabetes: promote a Mediterranean diet

Resumption of bowel movements after abdominal surgery is speeded up by chewing-gum

Breast cancer: exercising the upper arm in cases of lymphoedema

Towards direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs?
The autumn will be crucial (continued) (November 2010)

Maraviroc as first-line therapy for HIV infection: too risky

In the November issue of Prescrire International:
Ulipristal and postcoital contraception (letter and response)

Primary cardiovascular prevention: in the absence of risk factors, aspirin is not advisable

Fluindione: warfarin is a better option

Nicorandil: stop!

Prescrire International is now published 11 times a year

The 2010 Prescrire Prize: not just another book award

Drug-induced acneiform rash

In the October issue of Prescrire International:
ketoprofen gels, unfortunately back on the French market

Parecoxib and fatal skin reactions: when will this drug be withdrawn from the European market?

Research organisations: misleading press releases

Reporting of errors by healthcare professionals: a source of information that is useful in improving patient care

Fatal hepatitis with nimesulide: the European Commission drags its feet

Elderly patients with dementia: avoid neuroleptics if possible

Anaesthetic creams used cosmetically: risk of death as a result of overdose

Pharmaceutical companies' "sales reps": not to be relied on when it comes to quality of care

Cardiorespiratory arrest: resuscitate as quickly as possible without unreasonable obstinacy

Dextropropoxyphene + paracetamol to be withdrawn from the European market by September 2011 at the latest

Direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs: appeal to members of the European Parliament

Rosiglitazone (Avandia°; and in combination with metformin in Avandamet°): a market withdrawal that has been 8 years in coming

Cervical cancer screening: organised screening to avoid unnecessary conisation

Poliomyelitis: spreading in Africa