- Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.
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Is roflumilast any different than theophylline?
- Describe why this topic is important.
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Roflumilast was recently approved for treatment of COPD by the FDA. The drug company is heavily promoting its use as a novel new drug. In my opinion it is a variation of an old drug called theophylline, only more toxic. Since theophylline use has been discontinued in COPD, there is no rational for use of roflumilast.
COPD is a common condition effecting over 24 million Americans. Sales of roflumilast has generated over 100 million dollars for the parent drug company in 2014. As the marketing picks up the use of roflumilast will increase.
- How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?
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There is no literature comparing the two drugs. Therefore there is no discussion that the two drugs are alike.
A comparison study will show the patients and the physicians, if the continues use of roflumilast is warranted.
- Other Information About You: (optional)
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- Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate)
- physician, patient advocate
- If you are you making a suggestion on behalf of an organization, please state the name of the organization
- Please tell us how you heard about the Effective Health Care Program
- Friend recommended EHCP
