Reducing the risk of stroke recurrence

Long-term use of the drug cilostazol post-stroke reduced the risk of stroke recurrence, according to a large-scale study conducted in Japan.

The Cilostazol Stroke Prevention Study (CSPS) found that 100 mg cilostazol taken twice a day prevented stroke recurrence among patients who have had a previous stroke.

“Long-term administration of cilostazol significantly prevented the recurrence of cerebral infarction by 41.7 percent compared to placebo,” said lead study investigator Dr. Fumio Gotoh of the Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Keio University in Tokyo, Japan.

The results of the study showed that antiplatelet agents like cilostazol is a good option for the prevention of stroke.

To further develop and test the efficacy of cilostazol, researchers are conducting an ongoing study known as CAIST or Cilostazol in Acute Ischemic Stroke Treatment.

The study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of cilostazol with aspirin in the treatment of acute stroke.

The clinical trial started in Korea in January 2006 and is expected to be completed soon.

Latest data from the Philippine Journal of Neurology show the prevalence of stroke in the Philippines is 486 out of 100,000 of the population.

According to the Stroke Society of the Philippines, majority of strokes are preventable. Lifestyle modification is a key element to prevent stroke.

Aside from stroke prevention, cilostazol is also used to reduce symptoms of intermittent claudication — a cramping sensation in the legs as a result of decreased blood supply to the lower extremities.

The addition of cilostazol as a stroke medication is a welcome news to all Filipinos, especially those who are under stroke treatment.

Cilostazol is a prescription drug and patients need a doctor’s recommendation for its use.

Patients should be protected from risk of secondary stroke and the experience with cilostazol as an antiplatelet is supported by evidence-based trials for more than 10 years. It is the innovator that provides trusted and proven efficacy and long-term safety compared to other generic equivalents.

For information on stroke issues and prevention, call the customer hotline at 811-4723 for GMA/ Metro Manila or 1-800-1888-4723 for provincial calls.