english.prescrire.org > Prescrire International > N°93 - February 2008

n°93

February 2008

Issue Contents
Editorial

Free  Experts and conflicts of interest

p.2
EMEA should not call on 'conflicted' experts

Marketing Authorisations

Ranibizumab (macular degeneration) (new drug)

p.3-6
Second-line use due to risks

Bevacizumab : very similar to ranibizumab

p.4

Erlotinib (metastatic cancer of the pancreas) (new indication)

p.6
Palliative care is still the best option

Natalizumab (multiple sclerosis) (new drug)

p.7-10
Risky market approval

Ibandronic acid IV (osteoporosis) (new formulation)

p.10
Unconvincing evidence

Ibandronic acid tablets (osteoporosis) (new drug)

p.11
1 tablet a month but risk of a 'flu-like' syndrome

Sitagliptin (type 2 diabetes) (new drug)

p.12-15
Limited efficacy, too many unknown risks

Methotrexate (idiopathic juvenile arthritis) (new indication)

p.15
The standard immunosuppressant

INN common stems: -gliptin

p.16

INN common stems: -tinib

p.16

Telbivudine (chronic hepatitis B) (new drug)

p.16
Similar to lamivudine

Mitoxantrone (multiple sclerosis) (new indication)

p.17
Too many serious adverse effects

Cetuximab (head and neck cancers) (new indication)

p.17
For second-line treatment, in combination with radiotherapy

Adverse Effects

Hepatitis B vaccines (continued)

p.18

Free  Haemorrhage due to Ginkgo biloba

p.19

Fluoroquinolones: psychiatric adverse effects

p.20

Inhaled and nasal steroids: mental disorders

p.20-21

Liver damage with the amoxicillin-clavulanate combination

p.21

Cholinesterase inhibitors: numerous and serious interactions

p.22

Nimesulide and hepatitis

p.22

Omalizumab: anaphylactic shock

p.22

Antidepressants: suicide among young adults

p.23

Efalizumab: inflammatory neuropathies

p.23

Glitazones: fractures

p.23

Varenicline: myocardial infarction

p.23

Reviews

Mammographic screening for breast cancer

p.24-27
Few new data

Seasonal allergic rhinitis

p.28-32
Limited effectiveness of treatments

Allergic rhinitis and pregnancy

p.29

Oral mucositis due to cancer treatments

p.33-35
Orodental hygiene and ice cubes

Lymphatic filariasis

p.36
A long-term perspective must be taken

Outlook

Free  Breast cancer screening: honest information please

p.37

Free  Application of the European regulation on paediatric drugs: remain vigilant!

p.38-41

Significant therapeutic benefit: why only for children?

p.39

A better regulation, thanks to public lobbying

p.40

Free  Compliance programmes: not to be confused with risk management plans

p.42

Commitments for 2008

p.44

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