Skip to main content

Table 2 Comparative evidence for the most advertised drugs and drug groups

From: Cross-sectional study of medical advertisements in a national general medical journal: evidence, cost, and safe use of advertised versus comparative drugs

Advertised drug

Indication

Comparison

Reviewed evidence

Evidence categorisation

Drug groups

1. Beta2-agonist + steroid inhalations

1. Asthma

1. Steroid inhalation only

Systematic review [29] + FDA analysis [30]a

Uncertain benefits

-

2. COPD

2. Beta2-agnoist inhalation only

Systematic review [31]

Uncertain benefits

2. Beta2-agonist + anticholinergic agents

2. COPD

3. Beta2-agonist only

Systematic review [32]

Uncertain benefits

 -

2. COPD

4. Anticholinergic agent only

Systematic review [32]

Uncertain benefits

3. ADHD medications

 Lisdexamfetamine

3. ADHD

5. Methylphenidate

No evidence source

No evidence

 Atomoxetine

3. ADHD

6. Methylphenidate

One clinical trial [33]a

No added benefits

4. New oral anticoagulations

 Rivaroxaban

4. Atrial fibrillation

7. Warfarin

FDA report [34]

No added benefits

 Dabigatran

4. Atrial fibrillation

8. Warfarin

FDA report [35]

No added benefits

Single drugs

 5. Paracetamol modified-release

5. Pain

9. Regular paracetamol

No evidence source

No evidence

 6. Vortioxetine

6. Depression

10. Duloxetine

Systematic review [36]a

No added benefits

 7. Aripiprazole intramuscular depot

7. Schizophrenia

11. Aripiprazole oral tablet

EMA report [37]

Uncertain benefits

 8. Pneumococcal vaccine

8. Pneumococcal pneumonia

12. Placebo

Systematic review [38] + clinical trial [39] a

Uncertain benefits

 9. Canagliflozin

9. Diabetes mellitus type 2 (single therapy)

13. Glimeride

IQWiG report [40]

No evidence

 -

10. Diabetes mellitus type 2 (add-on to metformin)

14. Glimerpiride add-on to metformin

IQWiG report [40]

Uncertain evidence

  1. ADHD attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. aFor four comparisons we included evidence identified outside our stipulated search strategy. We have detailed this in the Supplement, eTable 8