Study reinforces cilostazol's safety in managing PAD, stroke

Cilostazol, the first line drug for treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), has stood the test of time and the scrutiny of well-designed clinical trials as effective and safe.

Another landmark trial, the CASTLE (Cilostazol: A Study in Long-Term Effects), has proven the safety and tolerability of cilostazol in the management of PAD.

In the recently concluded American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) annual meeting held last Aug. 15-17 at Shangri-la Mactan, Cebu City, Otsuka Philippines had a luncheon symposium entitled “TASC II and the Non-Operative Care of the Vascular Patient.”

Premier vascular surgeon Dr. Samuel Money, chairman of the Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery at Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, highlighted how the CASTLE study showed that cilostazol is safe in the long-term management of PAD and how cilostazol reduced symptoms of intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD.

Money reported that the results of the study proved that cilostazol is well-tolerated by patients with PAD.

“There was no increase in mortality or bleeding even if the patients are on aspirin or clopidogrel,” Money said.

Apart from stating that cilostazol is a well-tolerated drug, Money and one of his partners did a post-analysis on the CASTLE study. Looking back at the patients treated with cilostazol, they found a significant result from the study. 

“What struck us was there was a significant reduction in cerebral vascular events (strokes) in those patients taking cilostazol,” added Money. 

Stroke, TIA (transient ischemic attack) or mini-stroke, and coronary revascularization (angioplasty or bypass surgery) were significantly diminished.

PAD is a disorder caused by atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) that limits blood flow to the limbs. Most patients with PAD are asymptomatic; they will not demonstrate any symptoms at first until it becomes severe.

In the Philippines, it affects 20 percent of the entire population. The most common symptom of PAD is intermittent claudication, a pain that patients experience when exercising or walking most of the time. It is caused by fatigue or aching muscles and occurs when there is insufficient blood flow to meet the needs of the limb.

Pol Dimerin, president and general manager of Otsuka (Philippines) Pharmaceutical Inc., said cilostazol is a product that shows the company’s commitment in line with its philosophy.

Otsuka, renowned worldwide for its well-researched products, has been in the country for 10 successful years.

To detect PAD, a patient may undergo ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index) screening at least every six months. For more information about PAD and its treatment, call the i-PAD hotline at 811- (i-PAD) 4723 for Greater Manila Area (GMA) or 1-800-1-888-(i-PAD)4723 for outside GMA.