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Maletic V, Mattingly GW, Earnest J. Viloxazine extended-release capsules as an emerging treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. Expert Rev Neurother 2024; 24:443-455. [PMID: 38502148 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2327533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. Viloxazine extended-release (ER) capsules (Qelbree®) is a US Food and Drug Administration-approved nonstimulant treatment option for children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. AREAS COVERED This review manuscript summarizes the neurobiology of ADHD and currently available treatment options before discussing viloxazine pharmacology, efficacy, safety, and tolerability data from phase II and III trials in children and adolescents (6-17 years old). Viloxazine clinical efficacy has also been further demonstrated by post hoc analyses of pediatric clinical trial results. EXPERT OPINION Current stimulant and nonstimulant treatments for ADHD may be suboptimal given low response rates and that tolerability issues are frequently experienced. Preclinical and clinical evidence has implicated both the role of catecholamine and serotonin signaling in the pathophysiology of ADHD and the pharmacologic effect of viloxazine on these critical neurotransmitter systems. With a relatively rapid onset of action, sustained symptom improvement, and clinical benefit in ADHD-associated impairments (functional and social), viloxazine ER represents a novel and emerging ADHD treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Maletic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Gregory W Mattingly
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jami Earnest
- Medical Affairs, Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Rockville, MD, USA
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Radonjić NV, Bellato A, Khoury NM, Cortese S, Faraone SV. Nonstimulant Medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:381-397. [PMID: 37166701 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01005-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For some adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), nonstimulants need to be considered either as a monotherapy or as an adjunct to stimulants. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to assess the efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of nonstimulants in adults with ADHD. METHODS Data sources, searches, and study selection were based on a previously published network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) by Cortese at al. (Lancet Psychiatry 5(9):727-738, 2018), which we updated in March 2022. Specifically, we searched PubMed, BIOSIS Previews, CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, OpenGrey, Web of Science Core Collection, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (UK and Ireland), ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (abstracts and international), and the WHO International Trials Registry Platform, including ClinicalTrials.gov for double-blind RCTs with a placebo arm, lasting at least one week, including adults with a diagnosis of ADHD based on DSM-III, DSM-III-R, DSM-IV(TR), DSM-5 or ICD-9- or 10, and reporting data on efficacy, tolerability (drop-out due to side effects) and acceptability (drop-out due to any cause) of guanfacine, clonidine, or atomoxetine. Additionally, we searched for RCTs of viloxazine extended release (ER), approved for ADHD in 2021. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted, and the risk of bias for individual RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. RESULTS We included 18 studies in the meta-analyses (4308 participants) plus one additional study in the narrative synthesis (374 participants). The meta-analysis showed that atomoxetine (15 RCTs) (Hedge's g = - 0.48, 95% CI [- 0.64; - 0.33]), guanfacine (two RCTs) (Hedge's g = - 0.66, 95% CI [- 0.94; - 0.38]) and viloxazine ER (one RCT) were significantly more efficacious than placebo. Atomoxetine was less well tolerated than placebo, while tolerability of guanfacine and viloxazine ER could not be meta-analysed, since only one study, for each medication, reported on it. CONCLUSIONS All investigated nonstimulants were more efficacious in the treatment of ADHD in adults, than placebo, while the placebo had better acceptability and tolerability. PROTOCOL https://osf.io/5vnmt/?view_only=2bf87ed12ba94645babedceeee4c0120 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevena V Radonjić
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Alessio Bellato
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, Semeniyih, Malaysia
| | - Nayla M Khoury
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stephen V Faraone
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science and Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science and Neuroscience and Physiology, Institute for Human Performance, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Room 3707, 505 Irving Ave., Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
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Nasser A, Hull JT, Chaturvedi SA, Liranso T, Odebo O, Kosheleff AR, Fry N, Cutler AJ, Rubin J, Schwabe S, Childress A. A Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Viloxazine Extended-Release Capsules in Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:897-915. [PMID: 35896943 PMCID: PMC9328182 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00938-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically begins in childhood and often persists into adulthood. Recent phase III trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of viloxazine extended-release capsules (viloxazine ER; Qelbree®) in pediatrics (6-17 years of age). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of viloxazine ER in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. METHODS This was a phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm trial in adults (18-65 years of age) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Eligible subjects were randomized 1:1 to viloxazine ER (flexible dose of 200-600 mg/day) or matched placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline at end of study (week 6) in the Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Rating Scale (AISRS) total score. The key secondary endpoint was the change from baseline at end of study in the Clinical Global Impressions-Severity of Illness (CGI-S) score. Additional secondary outcome measures included the AISRS Inattention and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity subscales, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult (BRIEF-A), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Item (GAD-7), and the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement (CGI-I); each was analyzed at end of study. Responder rates on CGI scales and the AISRS were also assessed. RESULTS A total of 374 subjects were randomized. At end of study, the mean viloxazine ER dose was 504 mg. The reduction in the change from baseline at end of study AISRS total score (least-square means ± standard error) was significantly greater in subjects treated with viloxazine ER (-15.5 ± 0.91) compared with placebo (-11.7 ± 0.90), p = 0.0040. The reduction in the CGI-S score was also significantly greater in subjects treated with viloxazine ER (-1.4 ± 0.10) compared with placebo (-1.0 ± 0.10), p = 0.0023. The viloxazine ER group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in the AISRS Inattention (p = 0.0015) and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity (p = 0.0380) subscales, the CGI-I (p = 0.0076), and the BRIEF-A Global Executive Composite (p = 0.0468) and Metacognition Index (p = 0.0100). Analysis of categorical secondary endpoints revealed that the viloxazine ER group had a significantly higher AISRS 30% response rate compared with placebo (p = 0.0395); all other comparisons were not significant. Many treatment effects (including the primary and key secondary endpoints) were significant by week 2. The most common treatment-related adverse events that occurred in ≥5% of subjects receiving viloxazine ER were insomnia (14.8%), fatigue (11.6%), nausea (10.1%), decreased appetite (10.1%), dry mouth (9.0%), and headache (9.0%). Viloxazine ER was well tolerated, with a 9.0% discontinuation rate due to adverse events compared with 4.9% in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with viloxazine ER resulted in a statistically significant improvement in primary and key secondary endpoints, indicating improvements in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptomology, executive function, and overall clinical illness severity in adults. Viloxazine ER was well tolerated at the tested doses in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04016779.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azmi Nasser
- Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 9715 Key West Avenue, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Joseph T Hull
- Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 9715 Key West Avenue, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Soumya A Chaturvedi
- Formerly with Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 9715 Key West Avenue, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Tesfaye Liranso
- Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 9715 Key West Avenue, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Oyinkansola Odebo
- Formerly with Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 9715 Key West Avenue, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Alisa R Kosheleff
- Formerly with Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 9715 Key West Avenue, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Nicholas Fry
- Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 9715 Key West Avenue, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Andrew J Cutler
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan Rubin
- Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 9715 Key West Avenue, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Stefan Schwabe
- Formerly with Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 9715 Key West Avenue, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Ann Childress
- Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Inc., Las Vegas, NV, USA
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Findling RL, Candler SA, Nasser AF, Schwabe S, Yu C, Garcia-Olivares J, O'Neal W, Newcorn JH. Viloxazine in the Management of CNS Disorders: A Historical Overview and Current Status. CNS Drugs 2021; 35:643-653. [PMID: 34003459 PMCID: PMC8219567 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-021-00825-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Viloxazine has a long history of clinical use in Europe as an antidepressant, and has recently been repurposed into an extended-release form for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the USA. An immediate-release formulation was approved for the treatment of depression in the UK in 1974, and was subsequently marketed there and in several European countries for 30 years with no major safety concerns. In contrast to first-generation antidepressants (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors), viloxazine was associated with a relatively low risk for cardiotoxicity. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most commonly reported side effects. The therapeutic effects of viloxazine are thought to be primarily the result of its action as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, although in vitro and preclinical in vivo animal data suggest that viloxazine may also impact the serotoninergic system. This review summarizes the evolving knowledge of viloxazine based on information from previously published preclinical and clinical investigations, and acquired unpublished historical study reports from both open-label and blinded controlled clinical trials. We review the chemical properties, mechanism of action, safety, and tolerability across these studies, and discuss the contemporary rationale for the development of this agent as an extended-release oral formulation for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Findling
- VCU Department of Psychiatry, 501 North 2nd Street, Richmond, VA, 23298-0308, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Chungping Yu
- Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Jeffrey H Newcorn
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Ghose K, Turner P, Grant IN. The assessment of interactions in man between tyramine and viloxazine hydrochloride, an antidepressant drug. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2012; 3:668-71. [PMID: 22216512 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1976.tb04893.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Altamura AC, Melorio T, Invernizzi G, Colacurcio F, Gomeni R. Age-related differences in kinetics and side-effects of viloxazine in man and their clinical implications. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1983; 81:281-5. [PMID: 6419255 DOI: 10.1007/bf00427563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Dose kinetics and side effects of viloxazine (VLX) in 16 healthy volunteers (range age 25-90 years) were studied after single oral administration of 200 mg of VLX. Significant differences in peak plasma values (P less than 0.01), t1/2 (P less than 0.01) and Cl/F (P less than 0.05) were found between subjects under 50 and over 60 years. Positive correlations were found between age and peak plasma values (P less than 0.05), age and AUC (P less than 0.01). No correlations were found between age, t1/2 and Cl/F, due to the high interindividual variability in pharmacokinetic profiles. Total reported and observed side effects scores were higher overall in subjects under 50 years than over 60 years and were inversely correlated to AUC (P less than 0.05). Drowsiness was inversely related to the age of subjects (P less than 0.05). Our data support the importance of single dose kinetic studies, particularly for new antidepressants, in relation to age, both to emphasize differences in pharmacokinetic profiles and to predict side effects during chronic treatment.
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McEvoy JP, Sheridan WF, Stewart WR, Ban TA, Wilson WH, Guy W, Schaffer JD. Viloxazine in the treatment of depressive neurosis: a controlled clinical study with doxepin and placebo. Br J Psychiatry 1980; 137:440-3. [PMID: 7008890 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.137.5.440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In a four-week, double-blind, clinical trial thirty-one patients with depressive neurosis were treated with viloxazine, doxepin, or placebo. There were no differences among the three groups in therapeutic effects. Many depressed out-patients improve on placebo. Viloxazine hydrochloride is one of a series of compounds developed to explore the central nervous system activity of the aryloxypropanolamine type of beta-adreno-receptor antagonists. Initial clinical study support the hypothesis that viloxazine has antidepressant properties in man (Bayliss et al, 1974; Bereen, 1973; Pichot et al., 1975; Tsegos and Ekdawi, 1974).
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Elwan O. A comparative study of viloxazine and imipramine in the treatment of depressive states. J Int Med Res 1980; 8:7-17. [PMID: 7358207 DOI: 10.1177/030006058000800102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
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Kiloh LG, Bartrop RW, Franklin JA, Neilson MD. A double blind comparative trial of viloxazine and amitriptyline in patients suffering from endogenous depression. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 1979; 13:357-60. [PMID: 395939 DOI: 10.3109/00048677909159160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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10
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Edwards JG. Viloxazine: an assessment of its potential rapid antidepressant action and unwanted effects. Curr Med Res Opin 1977; 5:226-33. [PMID: 162658 DOI: 10.1185/03007997709110170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Sedman G. Double-blind trial of sustained-release amitriptyline compared with viloxazine in moderate to severe depressive illness. Curr Med Res Opin 1977; 5:217-25. [PMID: 162657 DOI: 10.1185/03007997709110169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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12
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Brosnan RD, Busby AM, Holland RP. Cases of overdosage with viloxazine hydrochloride (Vivalan). J Int Med Res 1976; 4:83-5. [PMID: 1026544 DOI: 10.1177/030006057600400201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Twelve cases of viloxazine overdosage are reported. All patients recovered without sequelae and no ECG abnormalities were observed. Gastric lavage was performed in most cases and was probably beneficial. As viloxazine is rapidly absorbed (Bayliss & Case 1975, Case & Reeves 1975) lavage should be carried out as soon as possible after the tablets are taken. Since the drug is almost exclusively excreted in the urine, it is suggested that forced diuresis be carried out to reduce blood levels as quickly as possible.
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Abstract
1 The pharmacokinetic characteristics of a new antidepressant, viloxazine hydrochloride, (ICI 58,834, Vivalan), have been investigated in four separate studies. 2 In Study 1, blood levels were measured over a period of 24 h after single doses of viloxazine hydrochloride from 10-100 mg (expressed as base). In Study 2, blood levels were measured over 24 h, during which three single doses of viloxazine hydrochloride (80 mg, expressed as base) were given 4 h apart. In Study 3, blood samples and urine and faeces were collected for 96 h after doses of 40 and 100 mg of [14C] viloxazine hydrochloride (40 muCi). In Study 4, 1 h blood levels were measured at weekly intervals during a comparative clinical trial in which viloxazine was given at a dose of 100 mg four times a day. 3 The half-life of the drug is in the range 2-5 h with maximum blood levels occurring in 1-4 h of the oral dose. Maximum blood levels are proportional to the oral dose given over the range studied (0.76(mug/ml)/(mg/kg)). The drug is very well absorbed orally, only 2% being found in faeces. Repeated dosing at 4 hourly intervals leads to slightly higher blood levels after the second, but not subsequent, doses. No accumulation was seen from week to week in depressed patients. No regular sex difference was seen in the pharmacokinetic characteristics of viloxazine hydrochloride but two females in one study did show a markedly higher maximum blood level and apparently longer half-life than the males. 4 It is concluded that viloxazine is rapidly and almost totally absorbed after an oral dose, and has a shorter half-life than the tricyclic antidepressants; therapy with it should be easily controllable.
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Magnus RV. A placebo controlled trial of viloxazine with and without tranquillizers in depressive illness. J Int Med Res 1975; 3:207-13. [PMID: 162677 DOI: 10.1177/030006057500300311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Two double-blind four-way crossover studies are reported, comparing the antidepressant effect of 14-day courses of: viloxazine, viloxazine with a tranquillizer either perphenazine or diazepam or tranquillizer alone, against a placebo. In one study the antidepressant effect of viloxazine at a dose of 150 mg daily was statistically greater than that of placebo, whilst in the second study viloxazine was statistically superior to diazepam (15 mg daily). In depressed patients with a clear anxiety component, viloxazine alone seemed preferable to a combination with a tranquillizer as such a combination did not produce an enhanced clinical effect and the incidence of side-effects was possibly increased. Viloxazine was generally well tolerated and side-effects, when they occurred, were generally a mild upper gastro-intestinal disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- R V Magnus
- Rubery Hill Hospital, Birmingham, England
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