Assessment of the potential interactions between favipiravir and radiocontrast agents.

BACKGROUND: In cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), favipiravir is commonly included to the therapy regimen. Drug interactions between favipiravir and other COVID-19 therapy drugs are frequently researched. However, no research on possible drug interactions between Favipiravir and radiocontrast agents, which have become almost crucial in diagnostic processes while not being part of the treatment, has been found. AIM: To determine potential medication interactions between Favipiravir and radiocontrast agents. METHODS: The study comprised patients who were taking Favipiravir for COVID-19 therapy and underwent a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test while taking the medicine. The computerized patient files of the cases included in the study, as well as the pharmacovigilance forms in the designated hospital, were evaluated for this purpose. RESULTS: The study included the evaluation of data from 1046 patients. The study sample's mean age was 47.23 ± 9.48 years. The mean age of cases with drug interactions was statistically significant greater than that of cases with no drug interactions (P = 0.003). When evaluated with logistic regression analysis, a 1-year raises in age increases the risk of developing drug interactions by 1.63 times (P = 0.023). There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of medication interactions between the sexes (P = 0.090). Possible medication interactions were discovered in 42 cases (4%). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study revealed that the most notable findings as a result of the combined use of contrast agents and favipiravir were increased creatinine and transaminase values, as well as an increase in the frequency of nausea and vomiting. The majority of drug interactions discovered were modest enough that they were not reflected in the clinic. Drug interactions become more common as people get older.

Defining the awareness and attitude of the clinicians through pharmacovigilance in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacovigilance (PV) is the activities and scientific studies conducted to detect, evaluate, understand or prevent adverse reactions and other drug-related problems. AIM: To define the awareness and experiences of the clinicians on PV and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in Turkey. METHODS: The study was cross-sectional and analytical. Data were obtained through a questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent via e-mail. The survey was sent to 2030 physicians and 670 participated. RESULTS: The most appropriate definition of PV was correctly defined by 53.9% of the participants. The most important goal of PV was correctly defined by 54.9% of the participants, and 27.3% of the participants were aware of the Turkish Pharmacovigilance Center. Nonsurgical physicians had better PV knowledge than surgical physicians. A total of 80.9% of the physicians who encountered ADRs, filled in the ADR notification form, and 8.8% received training on how to fill in the form. PV knowledge of the clinicians was not sufficient. Although half of the physicians encountered ADRs, the rates of seeing and filling in the ADR form were low. CONCLUSION: Few of the physicians followed the current information about PV. The results provide more comprehensive data on PV practices and ADR reporting at a national level.

Role of natural products and intestinal flora on type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complicated, globally expanding disease that is influenced by hereditary and environmental variables. Changes in modern society's food choices, physical inactivity, and obesity are significant factors in the development of type 2 DM (T2DM). The association between changes in intestinal flora and numerous disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, has been studied in recent years. The purpose of this review is to analyze the mechanisms underlying the alteration of the diabetic patients' intestinal flora, as well as their therapeutic choices. Also included is a summary of the anti-diabetic benefits of natural compounds demonstrated by studies. The short-chain fatty acids theory, the bile acid theory, and the endotoxin theory are all potential methods by which intestinal flora contributes to the establishment and progression of T2DM. Due to an intestinal flora imbalance, abnormalities in short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids have been found in diabetic patients. Additionally, metabolic endotoxemia with altering flora induces a systemic inflammatory response by stimulating the immune system via bacterial translocation. The agenda for diabetes treatment includes the use of short-chain fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics in the diet, fecal bacteria transplantation, and antibiotics. Animal studies have proven the antidiabetic benefits of numerous bioactive substances, including Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Saponin, and Allicin. However, further research is required to contribute to the treatment of diabetes.

Possible agent for COVID-19 treatment: Rifampicin.

Rifampicin is a promising drug for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 based on its antiviral properties and recent in silico studies. In silico studies can serve as a foundation for further studies.

Pharmacovigilance and radiologists: How well do they get along?

OBJECTIVES: Considering the growing use of imaging modalities and contrast agents, radiologists are prone to encounter adverse drug reactions (ADR). In the current study, we mainly aim to evaluate the knowledge of radiologists regarding pharmacovigilance (PV). Also, we intend to gather information about their previous ADR experiences. Secondarily, we hope to increase the awareness about contrast-medium-related ADRs and attract attention to the importance of properly reporting these ADRs. METHODS: A survey was generated by using an online survey webpage, and the relevant link was e-mailed to radiologists and radiology residents. The survey begins with a short explanation about the study. The second section contains questions about PV knowledge level, and the final section aims to gather information about the experienced ADRs. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 202 participants. 65.3% stated that they were aware of PV. 24.8% of the participants said that they know the national PV program. 97% told that they knew the term ADR. 66.3% of the participants encountered an ADR. 53.7% of them reported these ADRs. 70.8% of them reported these ADRs to a clinician. CONCLUSIONS: Radiologists encounter ADRs almost as frequently as the other doctors. Their awareness about PV is similar with other healthcare professionals. They have fewer information about TUFAM and PvCPs. Radiologists generally prefer to communicate with a clinician about an ADR. Overall condition of radiologists about PV is quite similar with other healthcare professionals and education can improve it, as for the others. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Radiologists encounters ADRs almost as frequently as the other doctors. Overall condition of radiologists about PV is quite similar with other healthcare professionals and education can improve it, as for the others.