Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Metempsychosis of pioglitazone
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Subtitle: the say of the world wide web
Original source:
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Dr. T Nivethitha
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Metempsychosis of pioglitazone
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, but its use has become controversial due to concerns over its potential link to bladder cancer, leading to its ban and subsequent re-introduction in India. The reliability and quality of information available on this medication on the internet remains a significant issue, prompting a study to evaluate the online resources.
Quality of Online Information
The study reviewed 40 websites concerning Pioglitazone, using a quality assessment tool called DISCERN, designed by the University of Oxford. Results indicated that 75% of the websites provided moderate-quality information, while 17.5% were rated as high quality and another 17.5% as poor quality. This suggests that while there are many resources available, a substantial portion does not meet acceptable standards for health information.
Risks Associated with Pioglitazone
Research has demonstrated a potential association between Pioglitazone and an increased risk of bladder cancer, particularly highlighted in the PROactive study. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cautioned against its use in patients with active bladder cancer and recommended careful consideration for individuals with a history of the condition. While the risk appears to be more prominent with higher cumulative doses, the average dose prescribed in India is lower, indicating a different risk profile in that context.
Clinical Implications
Given the potential risk factors associated with Pioglitazone treatment, the study suggests that patients should prioritize consulting healthcare professionals over relying solely on online information. The adverse effects such as weight gain, edema, and other serious complications further underline the need for careful patient management and informed decision-making about treatment options.
In conclusion, while Pioglitazone is an effective diabetes medication, concerns regarding its association with bladder cancer necessitate critical appraisal of online health information. Patients are urged to seek expert medical advice instead of depending on potentially unreliable sources available on the internet.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is pioglitazone used for in medicine?
Pioglitazone is used to treat diabetes mellitus by improving insulin sensitivity and promoting adipose tissue differentiation.
What were the concerns regarding pioglitazone and bladder cancer?
Concerns arose from the PROACTIVE study, which indicated a potential risk of bladder cancer associated with pioglitazone, leading to FDA warnings and market withdrawal in India.
What was the purpose of the study on pioglitazone information online?
The study aimed to assess the quality and reliability of online information about pioglitazone, given the controversy surrounding its safety.
How was the quality of information about pioglitazone evaluated?
The quality was assessed using the DISCERN questionnaire developed by the University of Oxford, which graded websites as low, moderate, or high quality.
What percentage of websites provided high-quality information on pioglitazone?
The study found that only 7.5% of the analyzed websites offered high-quality information about pioglitazone.
What should patients rely on for information about pioglitazone?
Patients should prioritize expert medical advice from their physicians over information found online, given the moderate quality of available internet resources.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Metempsychosis of pioglitazone”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Quality:
Quality in this context refers to the standard of information regarding Pioglitazone found on various websites. The study assessed this quality using the DISCERN tool, which evaluated clarity, balance, relevance, and comprehensiveness. Ensuring high-quality information is crucial for patients seeking accurate details about medications and their effects.
2) Cancer:
Cancer, specifically bladder cancer, is a significant concern associated with Pioglitazone use. The study highlighted risks examined through various studies, including the PROACTIVE study. It stresses the need for awareness regarding potential cancer risks when considering medication for diabetes, underlining the importance of informed decision-making.
3) Study (Studying):
The study conducted on Pioglitazone aimed to evaluate the quality and reliability of online information regarding the drug. It involved systematic searches across multiple search engines to analyze the content available about Pioglitazone, contributing to an understanding of how patients perceive drug safety through the internet.
4) Madurai:
Madurai is the location where the study on Pioglitazone was conducted at the Institute of Pharmacology. It is significant as it represents the geographical context of the research, and highlights the local practices in pharmacological assessments, emphasizing the role of regional institutions in drug safety studies.
5) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that studies drug action and interactions. It is relevant in this context as the study focuses on Pioglitazone, a pharmacological agent used in treating diabetes. Understanding pharmacology is essential for healthcare professionals to analyze drug effects and patient safety effectively.
6) Reliability:
Reliability refers to the trustworthiness of the information retrieved about Pioglitazone from online sources. The study's findings indicate that most available information is of moderate reliability, underscoring the importance of verifying online health data and consulting healthcare professionals for sound medical advice, especially regarding complex medications.
7) Pur (Pūr):
Poor quality in this study indicates misinformation or substandard content regarding Pioglitazone, wherein 17.5% of the analyzed websites fell into this category. It serves as a caution to internet users about the potential risks they face when accepting unreliable web-based information regarding health and medication.
8) Chennai:
Chennai is mentioned as the location of the author’s affiliated institution, the Chennai Medical College Hospital and Research Centre. As a major urban center, it represents a hub for medical education and practice in India, contributing to the dissemination of research findings and healthcare advancements.
9) Trichy:
Trichy, or Tiruchirappalli, is the locality where the Chennai Medical College Hospital and Research Centre is situated. Its inclusion highlights the geographical context of the study and suggests that local medical facilities can play a role in the broader discourse on drug safety and patient management.
10) India:
India is significant in this research due to the specific regulatory and clinical landscape surrounding Pioglitazone. The drug's market withdrawal and re-introduction in India reflect the complexities of healthcare legislation and patient safety in the country, influencing how medications are perceived and discussed online.
11) Edema (Oedema):
Edema, a notable adverse effect of Pioglitazone, refers to the swelling caused by fluid retention. Its mention indicates the importance of understanding potential side effects related to diabetic treatment options. Awareness of such conditions helps patients make informed decisions when considering therapies for diabetes management.
12) Table:
The 'Table' referenced in the study indicates the structured presentation of evaluative criteria for assessing website quality through the DISCERN tool. Tables are essential in research for organizing data and making findings more accessible, thus enhancing comprehensibility regarding health information quality assessment.
13) Drug:
The term drug in this study pertains to Pioglitazone, a pharmaceutical agent used to manage diabetes. Understanding drug properties, benefits, and risks is crucial for both medical professionals and patients. It underscores the necessity of thorough research and evaluation of therapies within the healthcare framework.
14) Discussion:
Discussion within this study is aimed at interpreting the findings regarding Pioglitazone, particularly the assessment results. It serves to contextualize the implications of online information quality, linking it to broader health issues like bladder cancer and the interaction of patients with healthcare resources for safe practices.
15) Irritation:
Irritation refers to the chronic bladder irritation hypothesized to contribute to the cancer risks associated with Pioglitazone. This concept is crucial in understanding the physiological effects of the drug and forms a part of the larger conversation about the drug's safety profile and patient health considerations.
16) Debate:
The debate regarding Pioglitazone centers on its safety, particularly concerning its association with bladder cancer. Ongoing discussions in the medical community reflect differing opinions on its use, driving the need for comprehensive research and informed guidelines to support careful prescription practices in diabetes treatment.
17) Indian:
Indian references the national context in which this study was conducted, implicating specific healthcare practices, regulatory environments, and cultural factors influencing medication use and public perceptions. The dynamics of drug safety in India underscore the importance of region-specific evaluations in global health discourse.
18) Male (Mālē):
Male is significant in the study as it relates to the demographic in preclinical research indicating the effects of Pioglitazone. Understanding gender differences in drug responses is critical for accurate risk assessments and highlights the necessity of mixed-gender studies in the investigation of drug effects.