Slow subcutaneous infusion of flumazenil for the treatment of long-term, high-dose benzodiazepine users: a review of 214 cases.

Despite the first reports concerning benzodiazepine dependence being published in the early 1960s literature, the risk of benzodiazepine addiction is still greatly debated. The severe discomfort and life threatening complications usually experienced by long-term benzodiazepine users who suddenly interrupt benzodiazepine intake have led to the development of several detoxification protocols. A successful strategy used by our Addiction Unit is abrupt benzodiazepine cessation by administering flumazenil slow subcutaneous infusion (FLU-SSI) with an elastomeric pump.

α1-Adrenergic receptor antagonists and gynecomastia. A case series from the Italian spontaneous reporting system and VigiBase(™).

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the cases of gynecomastia associated with α1A-adrenergic receptor antagonists (α1-ARAs) in the Italian spontaneous reporting system database (Rete Nazionale di Farmacovigilanza or RNF) and in the World Health Organization ICSRs database (VigiBase(™)), focusing on tamsulosin use.

Methods: We analyzed the spontaneous reports of gynecomastia related to the use of α1-ARAs and collected from the RNF and from VigiBase(™) up to December 2012. Cases of gynecomastia have been defined as reports associated with gynecomastia according with Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA).

Adverse drug reaction reporting by nurses: analysis of Italian pharmacovigilance database.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports sent by Italian nurses after the enactment of the law involving them in the pharmacovigilance system. We also compared the quantity and quality of reports by nurses with those of reports by hospital physicians sent in the same period.

Methods: We analysed the reports sent to the Italian pharmacovigilance database by nurses from January 2004 to December 2010.

[Venus study: a research and education project on nurses and drug surveillance].

Introduction: Adverse events (AE) are a relevant problem with major health consequences for both patients and health system in different countries.

Aims: To estimate and describe the AE and Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) detected by nurses in hospital during an observation time of six months.

Methods: The observational study involved 174 nurses and 36 head nurses.