March 2005 Volume XI, Issue 1 West Virginia University • Charleston Division EDITOR-IN-CHIEF - Kristy Lucas, Pharm.D. CO-EDITOR - Greg Rosencrance, M.D. MANAGING EDITOR - Tara White tients with ED. These include oral medica- Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) Inhibitors tions, vacuum constriction devices, psycho- Justin M. Legge, Pharm.D. Candidate logical sex therapy, penile self-injection ther- apy, transurethral alprostadil, and penile pros- theses. Many of the current options are inva- sive and unappealing to patients. Due to sim- Laura McKee, Pharm.D. plicity, the most accepted form of ED treat- ment is oral medication. The most effective John Petts, Pharm.D. oral treatments are the PDE5 inhibitors. Introduction Among the PDE inhibitors, the question arises as to which drug is regarded as the agent of
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common sexual
first choice. There are a number of similarities
dysfunction affecting approximately 52% of men
between the agents, but notable differences
aged 40 to 70 years. All in all, ED affects as many
also exist. Knowing the details and differ-
as 20 to 30 million men in the United States alone.
ences between each drug can further provide
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH),
a better strategy for agent selection. A num-
ED is defined as the persistent inability to achieve
ber of contraindications and warnings exist for
and/or maintain an erection adequate to allow for
all of the agents and can be of real concern if
satisfactory sexual intercourse. There are a vari-
not emphasized. A difference exists between
ety of causes for ED and a number of treatment
the drugs taken concurrently with alpha-
options, but the mainstays of ED therapy due to
blockers. A low dose of sildenafil can be used
the simplicity of their use are the phosphodi-
concurrently with an alpha-blocker, while con-
esterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. This class of
comitant use of vardenafil and tadalafil with an
drugs works by inhibiting the breakdown of PDE5
alpha-blocker is contraindicated. Pharmacoki-
thereby increasing cGMP levels leading to smooth
netic differences also exist between the drugs.
muscle relaxation and increased penile blood flow,
Sildenafil and vardenafil display a half-life of 3
which produces an erection. Viagra® (sildenafil)
to 4 hours, while tadalafil has a half-life of 18
was the first PDE5 inhibitor approved for the treat-
hours and has been shown to be effective up
ment of ED in March of 1998. Since then,
to 36 hours after administration. Onsets of ac-
Levitra® (vardenafil) was approved in August of 2003 followed by Cialis® (tadalafil) in November of 2003 as the next PDE5 inhibitors approved for
♦PDE5 Inhibitors Therapeutic Recommendation
♦Cymbalta® (duloxetine) A variety of treatment options exist for pa- A Primary Care Physician’s Guide to Newly Released Medications NEW DRUG UPDATE
to the maximum recommended dose of 100 mg or
tion are very comparable among the three agents along with slightly different adverse effect profiles. Sildenafil is associated with a
Vardenafil is available as 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg,
slightly greater incidence of visual distur-
and 20 mg tablets. The recommended starting
bances, while tadalafil displays a greater
dose for most patients is 10 mg taken about 1
chance of back pain.
hour prior to sexual activity. The dose may be in-
According to clinical trials, sildenafil, varde-
creased to a maximum of 20 mg or decreased to 5
nafil, and tadalafil have all shown to be effec-
mg depending on efficacy and side effects.
tive in the treatment of ED. Rates of success-
Tadalafil is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg
ful penetration and successful intercourse im-
tablets. The starting dose of tadalafil is 10 mg to
prove with the use of any of the PDE5 inhibi-
be taken one half hour to four hours prior to antici-
tors as compared to placebo with each study
pated sexual activity. The dose may be increased
resulting in p values of less than 0.05. Since
to a max of 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg based on
efficacy appears to be comparable between all of the drugs, other factors need to play in to the decision as to which agent is started. At
In most instances, the maximum recommended
this point, long-term data does not exist for
dosing frequency for any of these drugs is once
vardenafil or tadalafil, while sildenafil displays
per day. Other risk factors may warrant lower
more long-term data to support its use for the
starting doses for any of these agents (See Spe-
treatment of ED. When choosing an agent, the duration of effect with tadalafil may be a con- sideration; however, sildenafil’s long term data Cost Comparison and other slight advantages make it a reason- able first choice among the PDE5 inhibitors. Medication/Dose Dosing and Administration
Cialis® (tadalafil) 10 mg
Sildenafil is available in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets. The recommended dose for most pa-
Levitra® (vardenafil) 10mg
tients is 50 mg taken, as needed, approximately 1
Viagra® (celecoxib) 50 mg
hour before sexual activity. Based on effective-
* Cost respresents the price of 6 tablets at average doses used.
ness and tolerability, the dose may be increased
Contraindications
Administration of sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadala- …A Primary Care
fil with any form of nitrates is contraindicated. All
Physician’s Guide to
of the PDE5 inhibitors may further exacerbate the hypotensive effects of the nitrates. The co-
Newly Released
administration of vardenafil or tadalafil with an al-
Medications…
pha-blocker is contraindicated because of the ad-ditive hypotensive effects that the combination
Departments of Internal Medicine
would produce. On the contrary, data supports
and Clinical Pharmacy
the use of Flomax® (tamsulosin) 0.4mg qd with
West Virginia University
tadalafil as safe. Any of these drugs should also
Charleston Division
not be taken by patients with a known hypersensi-
Warnings/Precautions
Sexual activity is associated with a potential for
cardiac risk in patients with pre-existing cardiovas-cular disease. The use of PDE5 inhibitors for the
Visit New Drug Update online at:
www.hsc.wvu.edu/charleston/sopc/nduhome.html
treatment of ED is not recommended in these pa-tients because of their underlying conditions.
A Primary Care Physician’s Guide to Newly Released Medications NEW DRUG UPDATE
Patients with left ventricular outflow obstructions
impaired in patients with mild to moderate renal
and those with severely impaired autonomic con-
insufficiency. In patients with severe renal impair-
trol of blood pressure can be particularly sensitive
ment, however, the clearance of sildenafil was re-
to the action of vasodilators, including PDE5 in-
duced resulting in a reduced recommended start-
ing dose of sildenafil of 25 mg. No dosage adjust-
ment for tadalafil is necessary in patients with mild
Patients who should not use any of the PDE5 in-
renal impairment. Patients with moderate renal
hibitors because of lack of safety and efficacy data
insufficiency should start with 5 mg daily of tadala-
include patients who have suffered a MI or stroke
fil and not exceed 10 mg in a 48 hr period. Pa-
within the last 6 months; unstable angina; uncon-
tients with severe renal impairment or on hemodi-
trolled arrhythmias; hypotension (<90/50) or un-
alysis should only take a maximum recommended
controlled hypertension; severe cardiac failure or
CAD; and patients with a known hereditary degen-
erative disorder such as retinitis pigmentosa.
Hepatic Impairment: For vardenafil, no dosage
adjustment is needed for patients with mild he-
An erection lasting greater than 4 hours and priap-
patic impairment (Child-Pugh A). The recom-
ism (painful erections greater than 6 hours in du-
mended starting dose in patients with moderate
ration) have been reported in some instances for
hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B), however, is
patients taking PDE5 inhibitors. If an erection
5mg of vardenafil because of decreased clear-
lasts longer than 4 hours, patients should seek
ance of the drug. The maximum recommended
immediate medical assistance to help prevent per-
dose is not to exceed 10mg. Vardenafil was not
studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment
Although the concurrent use of alpha-blockers
(Child-Pugh C). A starting dose of 25 mg of silde-
with vardenafil or tadalafil is contraindicated, the
nafil is recommended for patients with any level of
combination of an alpha-blocker with sildenafil is
hepatic impairment. Patients with mild to moder-
only a precaution. Doses of sildenafil greater than
ate hepatic impairment being considered for ta-
25mg administered with an alpha-blocker may
dalafil therapy should not exceed 10 mg of tadala-
lead to symptomatic hypotension and therefore
fil daily. On the other hand, tadalafil use is not
should not be taken within 4 hours of alpha-
recommended in patients with severe hepatic im-
blocker. A 25 mg dose of sildenafil may be taken
Drug Interactions
Vardenafil has also been shown to have the po-
tential for QTc prolongation. As a result of this
CYP 3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, itra-
possibility, patients with congenital QTc prolonga-
conazole, erythromycin, ritonavir, indinivir, have
tion and those taking Class IA or III antiarryhthmic
been shown to increase concentrations of all of
medications or other medications known to pro-
the PDE5 inhibitors. As a result, dosage adjust-
long the QT interval should avoid using vardenafil.
ments are required for all PDE5 inhibitors when
administered concurrently with a CYP 3A4 inhibi-
Special Populations
Elderly: When using sildenafil, a starting dose of
Adverse Reactions
25 mg should be considered because of de-
creased clearance of the drug. For vardenafil, a
The most common adverse effects reported for all
starting dose of 5 mg should be considered. No
3 agents included headache, dyspepsia, flushing,
dose adjustment is required for elderly patients
and nasal congestion. Back pain and myalgia
were also a common adverse effect associated
with the use of tadalafil because of its increased
Renal Impairment: No dosage adjustment is
affinity for the PDE11 receptor as compared to the
needed in patients with mild (CrCl 50 to 80 mL/
other 2 drugs. Tadalafil and vardenafil display
min), moderate (CrCl 30 to 50 mL/min), or severe
less inhibitory effects toward the PDE6 isoform as
renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) with the use
compared to sildenafil. This isoform is found in
of vardenafil. The use of vardenafil, however, has
the eye and possibly explains the increased
not been evaluated in patients on dialysis. In re-
chance of abnormal vision with the use of silde-
gards to sildenafil, the pharmacokinetics were not
nafil as compared to vardenafil or tadalafil.
Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center of West Virginia University • Charleston Division NEW DRUG UPDATE Pharmacology
mended in patients with underlying heart con-
Mechanism of Action: Penile erection during
3. These drugs should be taken about an hour
sexual stimulation occurs as a result of an in-
before anticipated sexual activity. In addition,
crease in blood flow to the penis. Sexual stimula-
the effects of tadalafil may last up to 36 hours.
tion itself relies on the release of nitric oxide (NO).
4. These drugs should generally not be taken
NO stimulates the synthesis of cGMP producing
more than once daily. Other medical condi-
smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus caverno-
tions or medications being taken may warrant
sum. As a result of this relaxation, blood flow is
a larger time interval between doses, so inform
increased into the penis producing an erection.
your physician of your preexisting conditions
This class of drugs works to inhibit the action of
phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), the enzyme
5. Sexual stimulation is still required for all of
responsible for the degradation of cGMP. The
inhibition of PDE5, therefore, ultimately leads to
6. In the event of an erection that lasts longer
an increase in cGMP. Although these drugs in-
than 4 hours, the patient should seek immedi-
crease cGMP, sexual stimulation is still required to
achieve an erection since it is dependent on the
7. Inform physicians if you are taking alpha-
blockers, such as prazosin or doxazosin, be-
Absorption/Distribution: All 3 PDE5 inhibitors
are rapidly absorbed with onsets of action of less
8. The use of sildenafil, vardenafil, or tadalafil
than an hour following oral administration. Silde-
does not protect against sexually transmitted
nafil has a bioavailability of about 40% and varde-
nafil 15%. Maximum plasma concentrations are
9. Inform your physician of any other medical
reached with sildenafil and vardenafil within 30 to
conditions you have or any other medications
120 minutes and tadalafil within 2 hours. When
you are taking before considering starting a
sildenafil is taken with a high fat meal, the rate of
absorption is reduced with a mean delay in Tmax of 60 min. The mean steady state Vd (Vss) for
References
sildenafil is 105 L. The rate of absorption is also
1. Levitra® (vardenafil) prescribing information. Bayer
reduced with the administration of vardenafil fol-
Pharmaceuticals. West Haven, CT. August 2003.
lowing a high fat meal causing a reduction of
2. Cialis® (tadalafil) prescribing information. Eli Lilly.
Cmax of 18-50%. The mean Vss for vardenafil is
208 L. The rate and extent of absorption of ta-
3. Viagra® (sildenafil) prescribing information. Pfizer.
dalafil is not influenced by food and it has a Vss of
4. Gressor U, Gleiter CH. Erectile dysfunction: com-
parison of efficacy and side effects of the PDE-5 inhibi-
Metabolism/Excretion: Sildenafil and vardenafil
tors sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil. Review of the
are predominantly metabolized by liver through
literature. Eur J Med Res 2002;7:435-46.
the CYP3A4 isozyme and to a minor extent by
5. The Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves
CYP2C9. Tadalafil is predominately metabolized
new drug for treatment of erectile dysfunction in men.
through the CYP3A4 pathway. Sildenafil and
FDA Talk Paper. 2003 Aug 19. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/
vardenafil both have half-lives of approximately 4
topics/ANSWERS/2003/ANS01249.html. [Accessed
hours, while tadalafil has a half life of about 18
hours and duration of effect of up to 36 hours. All
6. Palacioz K. New drug: Levitra (vardenafil). Pharma-
3 drugs are excreted predominantly in the feces
7. Wienkes R. New drug: Cialis (tadalafil). Pharma-Patient Information
8. Hellstrom WJ, Gittelman M, Karlin G, et al.
Vardenafil for treatment of men with erectile dysfunction:
1. These drugs can cause your blood pressure to
efficacy and safety in a randomized, double-blind,
drop suddenly. Do not take these drugs with
placebo-controlled trial. J Androl 2002;23:163-71.
9. Husser DA. The phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5)
2. There is a potential cardiac risk with sexual
inhibitors for erectile dysfunction. Facst and Compari-
activity. The use of these drugs is not recom-
A Primary Care Physician’s Guide to Newly Released Medications NEW DRUG UPDATE duloxetine in pain management. One such Cymbalta® (duloxetine hydrochloride) study indicated that duloxetine therapy pro- vided significant improvement in pain when Nicholas Ball, Pharm.D. Candidate compared with placebo, with nearly 50% of the improvement being unrelated to improvement in depression. Pain was assessed using the Somatic Symptom Inventory and Visual Ana- Pharm.D. log Scales. Pain improvement which did not correlate to improvement in HAM-D-17 scores indicated pain relief independent of antide- pressant action. The improved pain also re- lated into an increased estimation of remis- Introduction sion. Another study determined that not only
Cymbalta® [duloxetine hydrochloride (doo-LOX-e-
did duloxetine provide greater relief from pain
teen)], a selective serotonin and norepinephrine
symptoms than placebo, but also exhibited a
reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI), was approved for the
44% remission estimation in comparison to
treatment of major depressive disorder in August
the 16% estimation for placebo. These results
2004. Duloxetine offers significant relief from the
of pain management can be extrapolated to
symptoms of depression, pain in particular, which
the relief of pain associated with diabetic neu-
led to its approval for the treatment of diabetic pe-
ropathy. A study in which patients with dia-
ripheral neuropathy in September 2004. Duloxet-
betic neuropathy received three random doses
ine is the only medication currently approved for
of duloxetine, 20 mg QD, 60 mg QD, and 60 mg
the treatment of pain associated with diabetic neu-
BID tested this hypothesis. The patients re-
ropathy. Duloxetine is the second member of the
ceiving the 60 mg doses achieved improve-
class of SSNRIs alongside Effexor® (venlafaxine)
ment in pain symptoms within one week. The results of this trial contributed to the approval of duloxetine for diabetic neuropathy. No Therapeutic Recommendation studies specifically comparing the efficacy of duloxetine to other agents for diabetic neu- Duloxetine has demonstrated efficacy in com- ropathy exist to date.
parison to selective serotonin reuptake inhibi- In clinical trials for use in stress urinary incon- tors (SSRIs), the current first-line treatment for tinence (SUI), duloxetine exhibited improve- depression. A study comparing duloxetine to ment in symptoms versus placebo (p=0.05), fluoxetine (Prozac®) and placebo demon- and demonstrated improvement in quality of strated duloxetine to offer significant improve- life (p=0.007). One study demonstrated a 50% ment in the primary outcome, improvement in decrease in incontinence episodes with du- 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale loxetine versus 27% with placebo (p<0.001). (HAM-D-17) scores, over placebo. An estimate Currently SUI is an off-label use, with no FDA of the rate of remission of depression was approval of duloxetine for this indication. higher with duloxetine (43%), than both fluoxetine (30%) and placebo (27%). Another Dosing and Administration study comparing the efficacy of duloxetine to paroxetine (Paxil®) and placebo also used im-
Duloxetine is available as 20 mg, 30 mg, and 60
provement in the HAM-D-17 score as the pri-
mg capsules. The recommended dosage range
mary outcome measure. Duloxetine exhibited
for major depressive disorder is 40 mg (in two di-
superior results to both placebo and paroxet-
vided doses of 20 mg) up to 60 mg (in two divided
ine with an improvement in the HAM-D-17 of
doses of 30 mg or once daily). The recommended
2.43 points, compared to placebo and 2.39
dosage for pain associated with diabetic periph-
points compared to paroxetine. The study
eral neuropathy is 60 mg daily, although doses as
also demonstrated a greater reduction in pain
high as 120 mg daily have been demonstrated to
symptoms with duloxetine compared to pla-
be safe. Doses higher than 60 mg daily have
demonstrated no added benefit. A low starting
Several studies have investigated the role of
dose should be considered in all patients in order
Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center of West Virginia University • Charleston Division NEW DRUG UPDATE
to assess tolerability of side effects before in-
Concomitant Illness: Information regarding the
use of duloxetine concurrently with other medical
conditions is limited. Caution should be used
Contraindications
when concurrent medical conditions are present.
Duloxetine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to duloxetine or to any
Cost Comparison
component in the formulation. Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors should not take du-
Medication/Dose
loxetine. Use caution with patients who have un-
controlled narrow-angle glaucoma, and avoid if
Depression Warnings
The FDA has issued a warning concerning the
use of antidepressants with pediatric and adoles-cent patients regarding an increased risk of sui-
cide. Duloxetine use has not been evaluated in
Effexor XR® (venlafaxine)
pediatric and adolescent patients. Adults can ex-
perience suicidal ideation as well. It is recom-mended that any patient receiving antidepressant
medication be closely monitored for worsening in
depressive symptoms. Prior to initiation of antide-
Diabetic Neuropathy
pressant therapy patients should be screened for
bipolar disorder in order to prevent the occurrence of a manic or hypo-manic episode.
Precautions and Contraindications
Hepatotoxicity: Duloxetine can elevate the levels
of liver enzymes and bilirubin. Alcohol may in-
crease the chance of liver damage. Duloxetine is
not recommended in patients with any hepatic im-
Blood Pressure: Duloxetine has been associated
with increases in both diastolic and systolic blood
* Price represents 30 days of therapy at cost to the patient.
pressures. Average systolic increases of 2 mmHg and average diastolic increases of 0.5 mmHg
Special Populations
have been the most commonly observed. Meas-
Renal Impairment: Data regarding duloxetine and
urements of blood pressure should be obtained
decreased renal function is limited; however, pa-
prior to treatment as well as throughout the course
tients undergoing chronic intermittent hemodialy-
sis demonstrated much higher levels of duloxetine
Seizure Disorder: Duloxetine has not been evalu-
than normal renal function patients. Metabolites
ated in patients with seizure disorders. Use of du-
also increased seven to nine fold in renally im-
loxetine in this population should be carefully
paired patients. Duloxetine is not recommended
monitored due to the potential for seizure develop-
in patients with severe renal dysfunction (CrCl<30
Discontinuation of Treatment: A tapered decrease
Hepatic Impairment: Patients exhibiting hepatic
in dose is recommended rather than abruptly halt-
impairment have a diminished duloxetine metabo-
ing treatment due to the potential for withdrawal
lism and elimination. The half-life of duloxetine
effects such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, anxi-
hydrochloride is extended nearly three times
greater in patients with hepatic impairment. Du-
Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center of West Virginia University • Charleston Division NEW DRUG UPDATE
loxetine is not recommended in this population.
Smoking Status: The bioavailability of duloxetine
Absorption/Distribution: Upon oral administration
is decreased approximately one-third the normal
duloxetine is readily absorbed with peak concen-
level in patients who smoke. No dosage adjust-
trations achieved in about 6 hours. Food delays
absorption from 6 to 10 hours and can decrease
absorption by 10%. The average volume of distri-
Age: Data suggests that the half-life is somewhat
bution of duloxetine is 1640 L and it is highly pro-
increased with age; however, no difference was
detected in safety or efficacy with regards to age.
Dosage adjustments relative to age are not essen-
Metabolism/Excretion: Duloxetine undergoes
widespread metabolism to several different me-
Pregnancy and Lactation: Duloxetine is rated
tabolites. The majority of duloxetine metabolism
Category C for pregnancy. Duloxetine should be
used only when the potential benefit outweighs
zymes in the liver. Roughly 70% of duloxetine is
the harm. Duloxetine is not recommended while
eliminated in the urine in the form of metabolites
with approximately 20% being eliminated in the
Drug Interactions
Duloxetine is an inhibitor of CYP2D6, thus medi-
Patient Information
should be used with caution due to the potential
1. The medication may be taken with our without
for duloxetine to alter the medications’ effects.
Inhibitors of both CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 have the
2. Patients and caregivers should be aware for
potential to increase duloxetine levels. Duloxetine
signs of anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, irrita-
should be used with caution with these medica-
bility, hypomania, mania, worsening symp-
tions. Some common CYP1A2 inhibitors include
toms, and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms
cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, and etha-
are of particular importance if discovered early
nol. Some common CYP2D6 inhibitors include
in treatment. Such symptoms should be re-
SSRIs, ranitidine, tricyclic antidepressants, and
ported to the physician or pharmacist as soon
3. Inform physician and pharmacist of all medica-
Common Adverse Effects
tions taken, this includes prescription and non-
prescription medications, as well as nutritional
The most common adverse effects reported dur-
ing clinical trials involving duloxetine were gastro-
4. Swallow capsules whole. Crushing, chewing,
intestinal symptoms such as nausea, dry mouth,
or sprinkling the capsules on food may cause
constipation, and somnolence. Less common
side effects reported were sexual side effects, in-
5. Use caution if operating heavy machinery or
creased liver enzyme values, increased blood
driving until the effects of the medication can
6. Patients who use excessive amounts of alco-
Pharmacology
hol should avoid duloxetine due to an in-
Mechanism of Action: Serotonin (5HT) and nore-
pinephrine are two neurotransmitters in which de-
creased levels are believed to play an important role in the development of several psychiatric dis-orders, depression in particular. Painful symp-toms of depression may also be related to the pathways of these two neurotransmitters. Du-loxetine hydrochloride selectively inhibits norepi-nephrine and 5HT from binding to their receptors thus allowing a build-up of both norepinephrine
Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center of West Virginia University • Charleston Division References 1. Cymbalta® (duloxetine hydrochloride) product information insert. Eli Lilly and Co, Indianapolis, IN. September 2004. 2. Goldstein DJ, Mallinckrodt C, Lu Y, and Demitrack MA. Duloxetine in the treatment of major depressive disor- der: a double-blind clinical trial. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;63(3):225-231 3. Goldstein DJ, Lu Y, Detke MJ, et al. Duloxetine in the treatment of depression: a double-blind placebo- controlled comparison with paroxetine. J Clin Psychopharmacology. 2004;24(4):389-399. 4. Fava M, Mallinckrodt C, Detke MJ, et al. The effect of duloxetine on painful physical symptoms in depressed patients: do improvements in these symptoms result in higher remission rates? J Clin Psychiatry. 2004;65(4):521- 530. 5. Detke MJ, Lu y, Goldstein DJ, et al. Duloxetine, 60 mg once daily, for major depressive disorder: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;63(4):308-315. 6. Delgado PL. Common pathways of depression and pain. J Clin Psychiatry. 2004;65(suppl 12):16-19 7. Millard RJ, Moore K, Rencken R, et al. Duloxetine vs placebo in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence: a four-continent randomized clinical trial. BJU Int. 2003;93:311-318. 8. Dmochowski RR, Miklos JR, Norton PA, et al. Duloxetine versus placebo for the treatment of North American
women with stress urinary incontinence. J Urology. Oct. 2003;179:1259-1263.
Visit New Drug Update online at: www.hsc.wvu.edu/charleston/sopc/nduhome.html
Departments of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy
3110 MacCorkle Ave., SE Charleston, WV 25304
Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications List Although there is no specific treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (abbreviated as RA) thus far, there are variousavailable medications in pharmacies that are designed to manage its symptoms and eventually improve thepatient�s health. Overall, rheumatoid arthritis medications may be grouped into distinct types, as described below. Your physiciancan reco
Sildenafil Protocol: The Efficacy of Oral Sildenafil (Viagra) in Childhood and Neonatal Pulmonary Hypertension Principal Investigators: Dr. Ian Adatia and Dr. Tilman Humpl Co-Investigators: Janette Reyes (CNS/NP), Dr. Desmond Bohn Dr. Helen Holtby, Winnie Seto (Pharm.D), Derek Stephens CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION LAB PROTOCOL Pre-Cardiac Catheterization Preparation: In addition to t