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Spotlight: Archives

Every month, the subjects in Prescrire’s Spotlight.

2014 : 1 | 30 | 60

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2014

Is the EMA's window of opportunity as widely open as described?

In a published response to the article in the BMJ "Clinical trial data: get them while you can" (BMJ 2014; 348 g63), Prescrire observes that the European Medicines Agency is not fully meeting its transparency obligations established in EU legislation.

27 January 2014

Nausea and vomiting: stop the use of domperidone once and for all

Domperidone (Motilium° or other brands) has modest efficacy against nausea and vomiting. It increases the risk of heart rhythm disorders and sudden death. Based on data on reimbursements paid by the French health insurance system and the incidence of sudden death in France, Prescrire has shown it to be a likely hypothesis that as many as 25 to 120 sudden deaths were linked to domperidone in 2012 in France. It is high time the European health authorities withdrew this drug from the market.

19 February 2014

• Domperidone should not be used: 9 articles from Prescrire's ongoing analysis

Prescrire has followed and regularly updated its analysis of domperidone (Motilium° or other brands). The injectable form was withdrawn from the market in 1986 following serious cardiac rhythm disorders, some fatal. Since then, the profile of cardiac adverse effects of the oral forms of domperidone has become clearer: this drug should not be used.

19 February 2014

Prescrire's 2013 Drug Awards announced in Paris: just one drug, representing a minor advance, is deemed "Noteworthy"

The independent French medical journal Prescrire held its annual awards in Paris on 30 January. There was no "Pilule d'Or" ("Golden Pill") awarded, and no new additions to Prescrire's "Honours List". Just one drug was deemed to have made a positive, if modest, contribution to patient care.

1 February 2014

Prescrire announces its Drug Packaging Awards for 2013: three winners, but many dangerous flaws as well

The independent French medical journal Prescrire announced its annual awards in Paris on 30 January. Three winners for the Packaging Award demonstrate that quality drug packaging is indeed within reach for pharmaceutical companies. But a flurry of "Yellow Cards" and "Red Cards" point to a multitude of dangers from poor packaging and incomplete leaflets.

1 February 2014

Independent French medical journal Prescrire announces its Information Awards for 2013: a handful of companies are honoured, but too many lag behind

Pharmaceutical companies' transparency, essential to their credibility, is a critical component in the choice of a drug, ranking just behind efficacy, adverse effects, ease of use and price. The annual Information Awards from the editors of the non-profit French medical journal Prescrire reveal which companies practice transparency and which ones fall short.

1 February 2014

"Towards better care: drugs to avoid": the February 2014 update from independent French medical journal Prescrire

Too many drugs with a negative harm-benefit balance are on the market. The independent French medical journal Prescrire has updated its round-up of drugs that ought to be avoided when caring for patients and should be replaced with better options.

1 February 2014

Victims of adverse drug reactions;
coming out of denial as a society, in the name of better care

Pilule d'Or Prescrire 2014

In 2014, in Europe, victims of serious adverse drug reactions are still having huge difficulties in being recognised as such. It is time to point out the inacceptable nature of this situation, and to take action.
A conference-debate on this theme was held at Prescrire's annual "Pilule d'Or" ("Golden Pill") awards ceremony, which took place in Paris on 30 January 2014.

1 February 2014

Apixaban (Eliquis°) and atrial fibrillation: no clear advantage

FEATURED REVIEW For the prevention of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation, there is no evidence that apixaban (Eliquis°) is more effective than well-managed warfarin therapy in patients with a high risk of thrombosis. And there is no antidote in case of overdose.
Full review (4 pages) available for download by subscribers.

1 February 2014

In the February issue of Prescrire International: French data on the adverse effects of etoricoxib, and cardiac disorders with pregabalin

FREE DOWNLOAD This sample page from the Adverse Effects section reflects key data gained from reports generated by France's regional pharmacovigilance centres.

Full text available for free download.

1 February 2014

Obsessive compulsive disorder: an adverse effect of some drugs

Some central nervous system drugs cause obsessive compulsive disorder. It is best to inform patients and their families, and to be on the lookout for behavioural changes.

1 February 2014

Pregnant women: asthma treatment

In 2013, the available data suggest that pregnancy, confirmed or simply a possibility, need not affect the choice of first-line asthma drugs.

1 February 2014

Artenimol + piperaquine in malaria

FEATURED REVIEW This fixed-dose combination based on an artemisinin derivative does not represent an advance in the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. When artemisinin-based combination therapy is warranted, it is best to use a better-known combination.
Full review (4 pages) available for download by subscribers.

1 January 2014

In the January issue of Prescrire International: bowel cleansers; zolpidem's morning-after effects; the hazards of fentanyl patches

FREE DOWNLOAD This page from the Adverse Effects section of the January issue gives a cross-section of the crucial, independent information in every issue of Prescrire International, covering a wide range of products and situations.

Full text available for free download.

1 January 2014

Multiple sclerosis: monitor for the cardiac risks of fingolimod (Gilenya°)

Starting a treatment with fingolimod, or resuming it after a break, exposes the patient to excessive slowing of the heart rate and requires close cardiac monitoring for several hours.

1 January 2014

Lung cancer screening: adverse effects, and uncertain benefits

In 2013, to reduce lung cancer deaths, it is better to encourage non-smokers never to smoke, and to help smokers cut down or quit.

1 January 2014

An approach to preventing adverse drug effects during pregnancy

Little is known about the risks of adverse effects of drugs during pregnancy. Armed with some basic information, it is possible to develop a practical approach that enables healthcare professionals to prevent these adverse effects.

1 January 2014

Insulin use: numerous preventable errors

Insulin-related errors are frequent and often preventable. It is better for health professionals to listen to patients, who are often adept at managing their treatment.

1 January 2014