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Aims: Here in we evaluated the association between the use of Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and the risk of NMSC both, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)., Background: Even though the use of HCTZ is not linked with the development of serious adverse drug reactions, non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) has been reported in patients treated with the drug in recent years, most likely due to its photosensitizing ability., Objective: To evaluate the statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in the development of NMSC between HCTZ users and non-users and the correlation (P<0.05) between HCTZ use and NMSC., Methods: We performed a retrospective study on patients referred to general practitioners who developed skin cancer or NMSC whether or not they were treated with antihypertensive drugs. Controls were matched with the test by age and sex. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) for skin cancer and NMSC associated with hydrochlorothiazide using conditional logistic regression., Results: We enrolled 19,320 patients in the present study, out of a total of 10,110 (52.3%) who were treated with antihypertensive drugs. Of 10,110 patients, 3,870 were treated with HCTZ (38.3%). During the study, we failed to report an increased risk of NMSC in HCTZ-treated vs. untreated patients. Gender stratification revealed an OR for NMSC of 1.36 for men and 0.56 for women. We did not find a dose-response relationship between HCTZ use and NMSC., Conclusion: In the present study, we failed to report an association between the use of HCTZ and the development of NMSC., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Background: Selective agents able to locate and identify unique targets represent a crucial aspect of modern pharmacology. The exclusive location of Sodium-Glucose co-Transporter-2 (SGLUT2) on kidneys prompt companies to develop SGLT2 inhibitors that today are the latest class of drugs for diabetes treatment. In particular, canagliflozin blocks the re-absorption of glucose in the kidney lowering blood glucose levels by increasing glucose excretion., Case Description: We report a 61-year old woman who developed an intense and severe pruritus during the treatment with canagliflozin. Clinical and laboratory findings excluded the presence of systemic or skin diseases able to induce pruritus. The discontinuation of canagliflozin and the treatment with pioglitazone/metformin fixed combination induced a remission of pruritus., Conclusion: This case emphasizes the need to consider pruritus as a differential diagnosis during the treatment with canagliflozin., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.)

Treatment guidelines recommend omega-3 with Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) content not above 85% in patients with high plasma levels of triglycerides. Since the different up to date formulation of omega-3 available in commerce must be similar to clinical efficacy and safety, herein, we report the case a 52-year-old woman who presented clinical inefficacy using Olevia(®) omega-3 treatment. Clinical evaluation excluded the presence of intestinal or systemic diseases able to reduce the drug absorption. Switching the therapy from (Olevia(®)) to an equivalent omega-3 formulation (Esapent(®)), we documented a decrease in her plasma triglycerides levels. In order to evaluate a possible difference between these formulations we performed a single blind in vitro dissolution test using three pills for each formulation of omega-3 (Olevia(®), Esapent® and another one chosen between the several formulations available in commerce: DOC Generic(®)) that revealed a significant difference (>20%) in the dissolution time of three different omega- 3 commercially available drug formulation.

Generic formulations represent a way to reduce the costs of brand compounds when their patent is expired. While, the bio-equivalence in generic drugs is guaranteed, some excipients as well as dyes could be different and this could reduce the drug safety. Herein, we report the development of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) in two patients after the switch from brand to generic formulations. We have tested cytochrome P450 enzymes expression as well as drug serum levels. None of these markers were altered. Checking deeply into both patient's medical history, they harbored poly-sensitivity or allergy to pollen and graminacea and used different active ingredients for different health problems coming from the same generic company Almus(®). This company used different dyes and excipients compared to the branded drugs made by distinguished companies. In conclusion, we strongly suggest to both pharmacists and physicians to be careful in giving the advice to change the drug, thinking to reduce health sanitary costs without considering the personal clinical history of each one. Paradoxically this behavior is causing other health issues, bringing to an increase of the overall costs for patients as well as for National Health System.