In a nutshell
This study examined whether azilsartan medoxomil (Edarbi) is safe and effective for the treatment of high blood pressure in individuals with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. The authors concluded that azilsartan medoxomil is safe and effective for the treatment of high blood pressure.
Some background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels which can lead to heart failure or stroke. Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes have a higher risk of CVD. High blood pressure also increases the risk of CVD. Therefore, lowering blood pressure is important in reducing the CVD risk.
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), such as olmesartan medoxomil (Benicar) and valsartan (Diovan), are medications that reduce blood pressure. It is thought that treatment with a new ARB, azilsartan medoxomil (AZL-M), results in a greater reduction in blood pressure compared to either olmesartan medoxomil (OLM) or valsartan (VAL).
Methods & findings
This study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of AZL-M to OLM and VAL.
This study analyzed data from 3 individual studies. A total of 3821 patients with T2D and prediabetes were included. 4 treatment groups were established. Participants had received 40 mg AZL-M, 80 mg AZL-M, 40 mg OLM or 320 mg VAL. An additional group received a placebo (substance with no therapeutic effect).
Systolic blood pressure (pressure when the heart contracts) was measured before treatment and either 6 or 8 weeks after treatment.
Individuals with prediabetes treated with 80 mg AZL-M had a greater reduction in blood pressure (decrease of 21.5 mmHg) compared to OLM (decrease of 14.9 mmHg). Individuals with prediabetes treated with 80 mg AZL-M had a greater reduction in blood pressure (decrease of 17.3 mmHg) compared to VAL (decrease of 11.3 mmHg).
T2D individuals treated with 80 mg AZL-M had a greater reduction in blood pressure (decrease of 14.2 mmHg) compared to OLM (decrease of 10.5 mmHg). T2D individuals treated with 80 mg AZL-M also had a greater reduction in blood pressure (decrease of 15.5 mmHg) compared to VAL (decrease of 7.8 mmHg).
The safety profile of AZL-M was similar to that of OLM and VAL.
The bottom line
This study concluded that 80 mg AZL-M resulted in a greater reduction in blood pressure in individuals with T2D and prediabetes compared to OLM or VAL.
The fine print
This study was supported by Takeda, the pharmaceutical company who developed AZL-M.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the risks and benefits of AZL-M.
Published By :
Journal of hypertension
Date :
Jan 12, 2016
