Effectiveness of the etonogestrel subdermal implant in users with overweight and obesity: a systematic literature review.

Background: The etonogestrel (ENG) subdermal implant is considered a well-tolerated and effective contraception option to avoid unintended pregnancies. However, it is unclear whether being affected by overweight or obesity diminishes the effectiveness of the implant.

Objectives: To systematically assess the published evidence on implant contraceptive effectiveness in women with overweight or obesity, and in women who underwent bariatric surgery.

Five-year, multicenter safety study of fixed-combination latanoprost/timolol (Xalacom) for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety of fixed-combination latanoprost/timolol (Xalacom) in patients requiring additional intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction over 5 years.

Methods: This phase 3b, open-label, multicenter study included prostaglandin-naive participants with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension insufficiently responsive to β-blockers and requiring additional IOP reduction. Participants were evaluated at eleven 6-month visits.

Fixed combination of latanoprost and timolol vs individual components for primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension: a randomized, double-masked study.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of fixed-combination latanoprost-timolol (FCLT) vs latanoprost or timolol monotherapy.

Methods: This 12-week, randomized, double-masked, parallel-group study included patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension treated with a beta-blocker and with baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) of 26 through 36 mm Hg. Following washout, eligible patients were randomized to once-daily FCLT in the evening, latanoprost in the evening, or timolol in the morning.

Assessing the Importance of IOP Variables in Glaucoma Using a Modified Delphi Process.

Purpose: To assess the degree of consensus among glaucoma experts on the measurement, characterization, and potential implications of intraocular pressure (IOP) and its fluctuation for glaucoma treatment.

Methods: A multinational panel of 9 glaucoma experts used a modified Delphi process to rate the level of agreement with 72 statements characterizing methods of measuring IOP, the importance of IOP reduction, and clinical implications of changes in IOP over time. After receiving a literature review, panelists rated each statement on a 9-point Likert scale.

Assessing the efficacy of latanoprost vs timolol using an alternate efficacy parameter: the intervisit intraocular pressure range.

Purpose: To compare latanoprost and timolol with regard to changes in the intervisit intraocular pressure (IOP) range, a measure of long-term IOP fluctuation.

Design: Post hoc analysis of three 6-month, multicenter, randomized (1:1), double-masked registration trials of latanoprost (n = 313) vs timolol (n = 318).

Methods: Analyses included patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension who instilled latanoprost once daily in the evening and vehicle in the morning and those instilling timolol twice daily.

Inter-visit intraocular pressure range: an alternative parameter for assessing intraocular pressure control in clinical trials.

Purpose: To evaluate whether inter-visit intraocular pressure (IOP) range, which reflects extreme and potentially damaging IOP fluctuations, provides additional information on IOP control compared to mean IOP.

Design: Post hoc analysis of Xalatan/Lumigan/Travatan study data, a masked-evaluator, randomized, parallel-group comparison of 12-week efficacy of latanoprost, bimatoprost, and travoprost in open-angle glaucoma/ocular hypertension patients.

Methods: Pretreatment inter-visit IOP range defined as highest IOP minus lowest IOP at screening, safety check, and baseline (six measurements); posttreatment inter-visit IOP range defined as highest IOP minus lowest IOP at weeks two, six, and 12 or early termination (nine measurements).

Augmented Digoxin Concentrations with Carvedilol Dosing in Mild-Moderate Heart Failure.

Carvedilol is a partially selective beta-adrenergic blocking agent. Recent clinical studies have suggested that carvedilol may improve left ventricular function and symptoms in patients with heart failure. The effects of carvedilol on serum digoxin levels in subjects with heart failure is unknown.