We are launching a new information line on the topic of drugs
We are launching a new information line on the topic of drugs
Dear friends of AICARM,
the themes we propose in the March newsletter open the way to new lines of intervention in our commitment to providing all of you with in-depth and up-to-date information. The article on the "placebo and nocebo effect" kicks off an editorial line on the crucial topic of drugs. We have seen in recent weeks how important the experimentation and arrival of new generation products is, as well as their history and their full availability to patients. As regards Nadolol, for example, the shortage period for which AICARM Aps intervened several times has ended and the drug is once again available in pharmacies.
The other important information innovation consists of the Survey carried out between 24 April and 4 June 2023 through a survey on the availability of genetic testing at the main Italian Medical Genetics laboratories of the NHS for patients with Cardiomyopathies. The survey was carried out with the contribution of Dr. Maria Iascone and Dr. Francesca Girolami.
Happy reading
The President
Prof. Franco Cecchi
What happens when we take a drug: Placebo and Nocebo effects
What happens when we take a drug: Placebo and Nocebo effects
Whenever a drug is used for the first time in the treatment of diseases, the patient is faced with two possible effects. The effect “placebo", i.e. a perceived or real benefit on the part of the patient who believes he is undergoing an effective treatment for his clinical condition even if the medicine does not contain active properties. It's the effectnocebo” (from the Latin “nocere”, to damage) that is, the disturbing shadow of side effects. The detailed information leaflets of medicines, the so-called "leaflets", list a long list of possible negative health effects. These fears, fueled by negative expectations, can trigger the phenomenon. The tools to overcome the problem are correct information and the relationship of trust between doctor and patient.
According to the Ministry of Health, the terms "drug", "medicine" and "medicinal product" have been used synonymously over the years. However, recently the term has been preferred medicinal.
The availability of genetic testing for cardiomyopathies in Italy
The availability of genetic testing for cardiomyopathies in Italy
The results of a survey on the availability of genetic testing at the main Italian medical genetics laboratories of the NHS for patients with cardiomyopathies. Together with AICARM Aps, Dr. Maria Iascone (director of the Medical Genetics Laboratory of the ASTT Papa Giovanni XXIII of Bergamo) and Dr. Francesca Girolami (Cardiogenetics of the Meyer IRCCS University Hospital, of Florence). These are the most important conclusions: in most cases the test is carried out together with genetic counselling, it requires an average of 3-6 months to carry out and is always carried out with NGS technology.
Davide Antoniucci: dedication to patients and innovation
Davide Antoniucci: dedication to patients and innovation
The memory of the professor Frank Cecchi
The Director of the Cardiology Department of the Careggi Hospital for over two decades, who passed away a few days ago, was responsible for the introduction of a new technique for the treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Dr. Davide Antoniucci
News in brief
The first Report dedicated to cardiomyopathies presented in the Senate
On March 19, 2024, the first report dedicated to cardiomyopathies was presented in the Senate. This is a national action plan to meet the ever-increasing needs of patients and also doctors and to raise public awareness so that these diseases receive the right attention from decision-makers in the healthcare system.
Presenting the report, together with the President of Aicarm Aps, Prof. Franco Cecchi, were Prof. Iacopo Olivotto, head of the Intercompany Innovation and Research Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiomyopathies of the Careggi and Meyer University Hospital of Florence, the Eng. Matteo Pinciroli, president of the Council of patients affected by cardiomyopathy, Global Heart Hub, Aicarm member, and Prof. Gianfranco Sinagra, director of the Cardiothoracovascular Dai of the Giuliano Isontina University Health Company (Asu Gi) and elected president of the Italian Society of Cardiology.
Cardiomyopathies Matter, the first Italian Report on cardiomyopathies drawn up (bms.com).
Nadolol and Ranolazine
In pharmacies in Italy, according to what was foreseen by the Italian Medicines Agency, the Nadololo, the shortage of which had been putting patients in difficulty for some months. Aicarm has repeatedly intervened to hasten its return and provide information on how to obtain it in Switzerland or in Italian pharmacies equipped to supply the galenic product.
Available in pharmacies now is also the generic of Ranolazine, an anti-anginal drug also used in some patients suffering from cardiomyopathies, for which it is not necessary to pay the ticket, if prescribed on a regional prescription. For the drug Ranexa you have to pay a copay of around 5 euros.
Courses in Milan for expert patients and CPR
The courses organized in Milan by Aicarm have achieved increasing success. The one for “pcompanies expert in hereditary myocardial diseases" of the 23 March at San Luca Hospital, Auxological Institute Italian, registered over 80 participants. While over 90 were enrolled in the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course organized for the families of patients suffering from cardiomyopathy also at theSan Luca Hospital, and of these 24 completed the course. New meetings will be scheduled shortly for those who were unable to attend the first session of the course.
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