New Drugs: Agalsidase Beta
October 2004
in “
Australian Prescriber
”
Studysummary This article discusses the long-term cardiovascular risks associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and highlights the greater effectiveness of lifestyle changes compared to metformin in preventing type 2 diabetes, but provides no new clinical outcomes. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The document discussed the management of hirsutism and the long-term risks associated with insulin resistance, particularly in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It noted that while drugs like flutamide and finasteride were not commonly used in Australia due to potential side effects, such as hepatotoxicity and teratogenicity, there were no long-term clinical studies on the cardiovascular benefits of metformin for women with PCOS. The findings from the Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group indicated that lifestyle changes were more effective than metformin in reducing the incidence of type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals, suggesting that clinicians should focus on helping patients achieve lifestyle changes to reduce body mass and improve insulin sensitivity.
