Transparency: the 5th dimension of drug evaluation

Marketing Authorisations

Serogroup C meningococcal conjugate vaccines: effective from age two months

Linezolid in severe Gram-positive infections

Imatinib for chronic myeloid leukaemia: further assessment required

Levetiracetam: for some patients with refractory epilepsy

Drotrecogin alfa: for some cases of severe sepsis?

The exemplary story of HA-1A monoclonal antibodies in severe sepsis

Atosiban: a tocolytic agent with no benefits for neonates

Letrozole, first-line indication: too many unknowns

Transdermal estradiol-levonorgestrel combination: too risky for menopause replacement therapy

Adverse Effects

Cutaneous ulceration with methotrexate

Zolpidem: now classified as a psychotropic at risk of abuse

Myopia and glaucoma with topiramate

Parkinsonian syndrome and calcium channel blockers

Preventing dental caries with fluoride: risk of overdose

Sibutramine: prescribing restrictions in France

Risperidone and stroke

Interactions between amiodarone and vitamin K antagonists

Fatal anaphylactic shock caused by lepirudin

Drug-induced bronchospasm

Eye problems with isotretinoin

Reviews

Postmenopausal hormone therapy: cardiovascular risks

Nasal polyps in adults: nasal steroids have only moderate efficacy

Chronic myeloid leukaemia: treatment is often insatisfactory

Prions: from sheep to cows

Tubal sterilisation

Outlook

Health consequences of the Chernobyl accident in France: persistent secrecy

Review of pharmaceutical legislation in Europe - Update, 31 December 2002

2002 Prescrire Awards

A review of new drugs and indications in 2002. Financial speculation or better patient care ?

Appetite suppressants: a revealing European Court decision