Drug Assessments from the Therapeutics Initiative's research
Introduction
Pharmaceutical Services Division requested a systematic review of intravenous ganciclovir and oral valganciclovir for preemptive therapy of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in allogeneic stem cell transplant patients.
Drug
Ganciclovir is indicated for treatment of CMV retinitis in immuno-compromised patient and prevention of CMV disease in transplant recipients. It inhibits viral DNA synthesis by interfering with DNA incorporation and termination of DNA elongation.
Introduction
Pharmaceutical Services Division requested an updated systematic review of peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, previously reviewed by the Therapeutics Initiative in November 2006.
Drug
Peginterferon alfa-2a injection (Pegasys) is categorized as an anti-viral compound and as a biological response modifier. The recommended dose is 180μg once weekly for 48 weeks by subcutaneous administration in the abdomen or thigh.
Introduction
Pharmaceutical Services Division (PSD) requested an update to the 2006 Therapeutics Initiative review of Concerta (OROS MPH) for the treatment of children and adults with ADHD. The 2006 report included a systematic review in children and adolescents with ADHD. The recent submission includes additional new information in children and adolescents and also an additional new indication, for the treatment of adult patients with ADHD.
Introduction
Pharmaceutical Services Division (PSD) requested a systematic review of Clindesse for the treatment of non-pregnant women ≥ 18 years of age with bacterial vaginosis.
Drug
Clindesse is a semi-solid white cream containing 2% clindamycin phosphate, which is a water-soluble ester of the semi-synthetic antibiotic produced by a 7 (S)-chloro-substitution of the 7(R)-hydroxyl group of the parent antibiotic, lincomycea. The recommended dose is a single intravaginal administration on one day.
Introduction: this is an update of the November 2004 Therapeutics Initiative systematic review report.
Research questions:
Introduction: This report is an updated systematic review of rituximab done by CDR in November 2006 and also attempts to answer the 2 research questions stated below.
Introduction: This is an update to the February 2005 Therapeutics Initiative review of Imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara™) for the treatment actinic keratosis.
Drug
Imiquimod is an immune response modifier indicated for the treatment of clinically typical, non-hyperkeratotic, actinic keratosis on the face or balding scalp in adults. It is recommended to be applied once a day, twice weekly for a duration of 16 weeks (total of 32 doses).
Introduction: This report is a systematic review of Dovobet™ ointment in the treatment of adult patients with psoriasis vulgaris.
Drug
Dovobet™ (Betamethasone dipropionate/Calcipotriol) is a combination of the vitamin D analogue calcipotriol and the corticosteroid betamethasone dipropionate. Calcipotriol (Cal) is a non-steroidal antipsoriatic agent, derived from naturally occurring vitamin D. It is recommended to be applied once daily for duration of 4 weeks.
Background information of the condition
This is the summary of a systematic review assessing the comparative safety and efficacy of Seasonale (ethinyl estradiol 30 μg, levonorgestrel 150 μg, extended 91-day cycle), in the prevention of pregnancy in sexually active women of reproductive age.
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